At DELWP, we are celebrating International Women's Day by imparting the wisdom and experience of women from all age groups and levels who work across the full range of fields in our department.
We’re making great progress towards gender equity at DELWP:
- 50 per cent of our current executive leadership positions are occupied by women.
- The gender balance across all water boards is currently 52 per cent women and 48 per cent men, with women occupying 10 of the 19 chair positions.
We are continuing to build on these achievements. We're monitoring and taking action on our gender pay gap, ensuring everyone can work flexibly, and supporting leadership opportunities for women.
This contributes to building a great culture, where our people can bring their whole selves to work and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
 | Abby Smith “II worked as a tradie for some years and completed a Landscape Gardening Trade… I was the only female in the class and on job sites I had to use the men's toilets.” |
 | Alana Macwhirter “I started my career in consultancy and was really lucky to be given the opportunity to run my own projects from early on. This taught me about leadership and communication as well as how to take calculated risks.” |
 | Claire Foo “I am a strong believer that my actions speak louder than my words…I take time off work to attend school assemblies and to support my children or look after them when they are unwell. I am open about this and believe it is important that this is seen and heard - there is nothing shameful in having obligations outside of work.” |
 | Dawn Hartog “I want my daughter to know that she can be anything she wants to be and do anything she puts her mind to.” |
 | Evelina Ericsson “Women, myself included, often doubt their own abilities and lack self-belief...I’m trying to overcome this by contributing to a culture in my work and private life that values self-assured women.” |
 | Jill Fagan We have some brilliant minds working in the science and research arm of DELWP. One such talent is Jill Fagan, who works within the climate change policy branch as the Manager, Adaptation. This is what International Women’s Day means to her, and why it’s important to have female representation in this industry. “I have mentored quite a few young women, and I focus on building their confidence, helping them articulate their own skills and outlining the paths they could take.” |
 | Kirsty Douglas “If flexibility means you miss out on a promotion, are given less challenging work or are stereotyped because you have chosen to work flexibly then that is an issue. As leaders we need be flexible ourselves and ensure that we think outside the square and make flexibility just the norm.” |
 | Kate Gavens “International Women’s Day reminds me of the importance of pushing out the boundaries, to call out inherent bias and continue to look to build, support and empower women and men to break down stereotypes and do things differently with the intent of promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and innovation in the way we work. |
 | Kelly Crosthwaite Kelly Crosthwaite is acting Executive Director of People and Culture in the Port Phillip region. “Looking back, I can see that I made my career decisions based on my gut feeling about interesting work but probably more importantly a good boss and an organisation that is out there and working with industry and the community.” |
 | Maddy McAllister “Growing up I had brilliant parents who never limited me and continually educated my sister and I on powerful, successful women in history and role models” |
 | Megan Heap “Whatever you decide to do in life, make sure it makes you happy.” |
 | Rhonda McLaren “Flexible working is just as important for men and that by supporting this, DELWP are setting an example for other departments and industries.” |
 | Stephanie Ryan “I found it is important not to get pigeon holed into a role and an area, and that at times you need to keep putting yourself forward as the right person for the job.” |
Page last updated: 27/07/20