Women in Water Operations (WiWO)

Women in Water Operations is a national network dedicated to helping shape an industry culture that celebrates and connects women and their allies across the water sector.

Our goal is to connect collaborators, mentors, and allies across the industry, and provide resources and learning experiences for water authorities and their people. By working collectively to reduce barriers for women working in operations, and through highlighting and celebrating the contribution and achievements of women in the industry, we hope to make water operations an attractive, viable, and visible career path for everyone.

About us

WiWO is national network established by people working in water operations and their allies. It is run by a diverse range of people from the water industry, with the support of members. The idea was born out of several Women in Water Operations Groups that were running at an organisation level. Like WiWO, these groups were established to bring women in water operations together via a supportive network, while also working to reduce barriers for women working in operations. Through our work, we aim to attract more women to operational roles and retain industry talent showcasing career opportunities. Established in 2024 and officially launched in April 2025, the network is open to anyone from the water sector or supporting industry.

Strategic priorities

CONNECT

collaborators, mentors and allies across the Women in Water Operations network

ATTRACT

and retain women by reducing barriers and showcasing career pathways

CREATE

partnerships and opportunities that foster diverse emerging talent and leadership

CELEBRATE

women in water operations and their value and achievements

Upcoming events

Today

Meet the Operator

Meet Berenique Erasmus

Following a six year career in the beauty industry, Berenique moved states to take on a new traineeship with Seqwater Queensland. As a new recruit to the Australian water industry,

Read More

Meet Bridey Pearn

Meet Bridey Pearn, a valuable and high-performing member of the water industry. Bridey is the Coordinator of Water Systems at North East Water (NEW), and a member of NEW’s Women

Read More

In the spotlight

Meet Kate Bardy

Meet Kate Bardy, a valuable and high-performing member of the water industry. Kate is the Manager Operations Project & Maintenance

Read More

What are we working on – Coming soon

Become a mentor

Are you passionate about empowering women in the operations field and cultivating the leaders of tomorrow? We are eager to connect women in water operations with mentors from across the nation who can guide their professional development and career aspirations. If you hold a leadership position in operations or have experience as a seasoned field operator, and possess coaching or mentoring skills, we invite you to express your interest in our mentoring program.

Connect with a mentor

Are you currently working in an operations role, whether in the field or indoors, and are new to the water sector or looking for guidance from an industry mentor to help you navigate your career path or enhance your professional growth? If so, our mentoring program is designed for you and aims to match the right mentors with women in operations, providing support tailored to your needs.

Recruitment Framework

We are committed to collaborating across the sector to establish a recruitment framework that any water authority can utilise. Our goal is to promote water operations as an appealing career path, particularly for university and school leavers, and to highlight the industry as a space with long-term career opportunities and growth potential.

Facilities project

One significant barrier to women comfortably working in the field is the lack of suitable facilities. Often overlooked by organisations, this working group seeks to build on the efforts of certain Victorian water authorities by shing a spotlight on the availability of accessible, clean facilities and sanitation services for women in operations, as well as those visiting the field.

Join our network today

Name(Required)
Where are you based?(Required)
Which options best describes you?(Required)

Coming soon…

Would you like to be involved in any of the upcoming WiWO initiatives?
More information on these initiatives are coming soon.

Stay up to date with our latest events, programs, news and industry insights.

Subscribe today