Celebrating women in the water industry
As part of International Women’s Day, today we recognise the contributions women make at Melbourne Water. We’re proud to share their stories and showcase their achievements in managing all aspects of the water cycle, not only today but for generations to come.
Lauren Mittiga – Acting General Manager Service Strategy
Lauren leads an ‘exceptional team of people’ 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,” Lauren said.
“These strategies are important to ensure our services continue to be reliable and resilient in the future, in the face of changing climate, significant growth and expansion of our city.”
Among her diverse roles, Lauren works with government and retail water authorities to plan for long-term water needs.
Lauren said she enjoys working in planning to ‘think big and tackle wicked problems’.
“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,” Lauren said.
Lauren said she has been fortunate to have worked in many roles both here 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.
Lauren said International Women’s Day held special significance as a chance to reflect on the contributions and achievements of women, and as well, to importantly raise life-changing funds to support women and girls globally.
Melissa Carmody - Waterways and Land Officer
Melissa works in the management and protection of waterways and land.
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.
Melissa said she is proud to work in a role dedicated to the protection of waterways and natural areas.
“In my role I collaborate with other agencies and the community to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes for the protection of waterways,” Melissa 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.”
Among her projects, Melissa works with various stakeholders to help modify waterways in the context of reconnecting the floodplain and supporting the regeneration of old billabong systems and water supply.
The role sees her collaborate with Traditional Owners, community, landholders, council and other agency staff.
“It is tremendously rewarding to follow such projects through and implement a vision that was created many years ago,” Melissa said.
Melissa strongly encourages women to consider a career in the water industry.
“It is very diverse and there are so many areas to explore and get involved in. Working to protect waterways and catchments is such a broad and rewarding career.”
Reflecting on the significance of International Women’s Day, Melissa said it was 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.