Membership Increases

In 2017, Individual membership of the association increased by 97 (4.5%) to a total of 2,229 members, Utility Corporate Members remained steady at 66 organisations and Corporate Member numbers increased by 16 (3.8%) to 435.

The Associate Corporate member numbers reduced by 84 (6.1%) to 1,301 predominately due to the enforcement of the constituted maximum number of 10 individual nominees in this category for each Corporate Member. As Associate Corporate members receive limited benefits, there is an opportunity for them to become Individual members in the future, allowing them to access the full benefits of membership.

The overall result is that the Association’s total membership at the end of 2017 is 4,031, a 0.7% increase across all categories.

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Network Operator Development Program

The Network Operator Development Program has been established to identify, mentor and develop future leaders in the Network Operations field across the Victorian Water Industry. The program was instigated by WIOA members Mick Mahoney from Wannon Water and Mike Rankin from Water Training Australia who bought the concept to WIOA. Following an initial meeting with WIOA, a program Advisory Committee was established and the content of the program was created.

The program aim is to expand knowledge and skill sets of Network Operators, exposing them to strategic thinking and best practice initiatives in technology, business management and leadership. The program provided the opportunity to build a network of colleagues within their field of expertise and assisted to deliver an improved customer focus.

The program commenced in February 2017 and involved one day each month over an eight month period, with sessions held at a variety of venues across the state.
Sessions covered a range of topics including Leadership and Industry Focus; Water Quality Mains Repairs; Managing Water Reticulation Systems; Wastewater Collection Systems; Pumps and Pumping Systems; Asset Management; and Solid Waste Management Issues along with a Program Evaluation by Participants.

The first cohort of 13 participants completed the program in September 2017. They were presented their program completion certificates and a shirt at a special graduation ceremony at a dinner held on Tuesday 5 September. They were each presented their certificates by Mike Rankin from Water Training Australia and were acknowledged by all those present for their hard work and dedication.

Further information on the Network Operator Development Program

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Peter Tolsher Life Membership

At the Victorian Conference in Bendigo, WIOA presented Peter Tolsher our highest individual award, Life Membership. In receiving the award, Peter became the seventh Life Member of the Association and it was pleasing that five of the other six living Life Members were able to be present to congratulate him.

In his time as a Board and Committee member, Peter rarely missed attending a meeting. His input was always constructive, well thought out and valuable. When making decisions, Peter has the knack of being able to listen to all views on a topic and then contribute his own insightful and relevant comments, allowing an informed decision to be made.

Peter has been a regular attendee at WIOA events and with the support of his current and past employers, he has attended many interstate events and helped with the expansion of WIOA.
Through his enthusiasm, commitment, energy, personal qualities and friendly nurturing nature, Peter epitomises the values our organisation aims to display, and we are pleased to appoint him as the seventh Life Member in WIOA’s 44 year history.

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