As part of International Women’s Day, Melbourne Water says it is recognising the contributions women make at the organisation. 

Melbourne Water has shared stories to showcase the achievements of women in managing all aspects of the water cycle.

It says Lauren Mittiga - Acting General Manager Service Strategy - leads a team dedicated to ensuring Melbourne continues to have access to great tasting water and reliable water services.

She works with engineers, scientists, planners, ecologists and economists focused on managing Melbourne’s water cycle, in partnership with Traditional Owner groups and others across the water sector.

“I’m accountable for working with the executive team and Board to lead the development of our strategies across water supply, sewerage treatment, flood mitigation and healthy waterways and catchments,” Ms Mittiga says. 

“I am incredibly passionate about protecting our environment and serving the community. It is the decade that matters for taking action on climate change. The decisions we make now, and even the decisions our work shows us we’re going to need to make in the future, can leave a legacy of better environmental outcomes and more resilient communities for future generations,” she said.

Ms Mittiga says she has been fortunate to have worked in many roles both locally and abroad and encouraged other women to consider a career in the water industry.

“All you need is a willingness to throw yourself in the deep end, courage to ask a lot of questions and the curiosity to be a lifelong learner,” she said.

Melbourne Water is also highlighting the role of Melissa Carmody as its Waterways and Land Officer.

Her diverse role sees her working on various projects and initiatives to ensure the long-term health of waterways as well as sites of biodiversity significance.

“In my role I collaborate with other agencies and the community to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes for the protection of waterways,” Ms Carmody said.

“Waterways are critical to supporting biodiversity and this role allows me the privilege of working to protect them and influencing others to do the same.

“It is tremendously rewarding to follow such projects through and implement a vision that was created many years ago,” Melissa said.

Reflecting on the significance of International Women’s Day, Ms Carmody said it is pleasing to be able to recognise the contributions of women in the workplace. 

“To see women so active, equal and involved is fantastic,” she said.