Celebrating the women shaping the future of Hunter Water

For #WorldWaterDay, we’re shining a spotlight on the talented women who are helping shape the future of Hunter Water. From childhood dreams to making a real difference in our communities, their stories show how passion, talent, and purpose grow over time.

This year’s World Water Day theme, Gender and Water, reminds us that worldwide, women make up just over one-fifth of the water sector workforce and remain underrepresented in decision-making roles. At Hunter Water, we’re proud to work alongside clever, talented women who are helping change that, because when women and girls have an equal voice in water decisions, services become more inclusive, sustainable, and effective.

Growing into the Water Industry

We asked our staff to share photos of themselves as kids and reflect on what their younger selves would think about working in water. Their answers reveal a mix of pride, surprise, and inspiration.

“You won’t believe it yet, but you’ll find joy in the work that keeps your community flowing. Be kind to yourself, you’re growing into someone you’ll be proud of.”
— Tiffany, Business Communications Advisor

“She didn’t know she’d one day be part of a small but mighty team of rockstar, go-getter, executive assistants. Task-doers, miracle meeting-makers and travel bookers, working together to get things done behind the scenes.”
— Sari, Executive Assistant to Executive Manager Customer Delivery & Infrastructure Delivery

More voices from the team

Hanne – Catchment Engineer & Scientist

• Advice to her younger self:
  “It will be hard work to get to this point, but it’s most definitely worth the effort. Keep persisting, trying your best, and enjoy the journey, it’s very rewarding.”
• Advice to young girls picking a career:
  “Try not to feel limited by anything or anyone. Explore your interests, say yes to opportunities, and pursue what makes you happy. It’s okay to change your mind along the way, it’s all part of the journey.”

Antonia – Sustainability Program Officer

• Advice to her younger self:
  “Always believe in yourself and follow your interests, even if you think you’re not good at it or someone tells you not to. There are many paths to where you want to be.”
• Most rewarding part of working at Hunter Water:
  “Being part of delivering the 2030 Sustainability Strategy and seeing the organisation adopt more sustainable practices.”

Lauren – Team Leader Water Quality & Source Strategy

• Interest in water:
  “I love making a difference to people’s lives, and the water industry allows me to combine science, problem-solving, and community impact.”
• Advice to young girls picking a career:
  “Don’t let fear or gender stereotypes restrict your career choices. Dream big, stay true to yourself, and you will achieve incredible things.”

Zoe – Property Project Officer

• Interest in water:
  “I initially fell into the water industry through a customer service role, but what inspired me to continue was community. Access to clean water is a universal right, and every community deserves a high level of service.”
• Favourite part of working at Hunter Water:
  “The dedication and care shown by our people, both externally in the region and internally across the organisation.”

Bec – Water Planning Engineer

• Advice to young girls picking a career:
  “Know what your values are and what you want from life. Pick jobs and people that align with that. Go after what you want, even if it changes along the way, and seek mentorship from those who inspire you.”

Jennifer – Senior Catchment Engineer/Scientist

• What would you tell your younger self about where you are today?
  “That vague idea you had about doing something meaningful? It’s led you here, sometimes literally knee-deep in water, helping keep communities hydrated, healthy, safe, and resilient. And yes, that is very cool. You’ll always be drawn to solving problems, and engineering will give you a powerful way to do that.”
• What would your younger self say about working in water?
  “They told you that you couldn’t be an engineer because you were a girl, that girls who were good with numbers became bookkeepers. You came to realise, later in life, that the only person who could decide that was you. Better late than never.”
• Advice to young girls:
  “Be happy and back yourself. There’s something to learn in every experience. Build skills like resilience, problem-solving, and self-leadership, they’ll take you further than you think.”

Celebrating Women in Water

These stories reflect the passion, expertise, and dedication of the women at Hunter Water. Their insights show that pursuing a career in water can be challenging but deeply rewarding, and that women play a vital role in delivering safe, sustainable, and inclusive services to communities every day.

This World Water Day, we celebrate these remarkable women, and all the women around the world making a difference in the water sector.