Celebrating our women in water this International Women's Day

Amy, Head of Field Services and Maintenance

If Amy could go back and give her younger self one piece of advice? “Be bold”. 

A picture of Amy with her two children during a recent vacation.

“Many of the moments I’m proudest of now were things that once felt intimidating,” she says. 

That mindset has shaped the way she approaches both life and leadership. Boldness, for Amy, hasn’t meant having all the answers – it's meant stepping forward anyway. It’s meant backing herself for opportunities, trusting her capability, and challenging assumptions about what’s possible. 

Along the way she’s worked to dismantle one persistent stereotype in particular: that mothers of young children can’t prioritise their careers.

“Nothing matters more to me than my children,” she says. “But ambition and parenthood can coexist. Both things can be true.”

Balancing a young family, postgraduate study, and a senior leadership career hasn’t been seamless, but it has been intentional. Amy speaks openly about the importance of community in making it all possible. 

“Lean on the sisterhood,” she says. “There’s so much wisdom and support in your network – friends, family, colleagues, mentors and managers. Ask candid questions. Ask for help. Let people show up for you.” 

“Ambition and parenthood can coexist. Both things can be true.” 

Her mum has long been a model for the kind of leader she strives to be. “She leads in a way that brings people with her, combining understanding with decisiveness. Her example has shaped so much of who I am, both personally and professionally.” 

And as her own career continues to evolve, Amy's clear about the responsibility that comes with leadership. 

“Support the women coming through after you,” she says. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Anh, Water Analyst 

If there’s one word that captures Anh’s career so far, it’s curiosity. 

Anh joined Greater Western Water’s graduate program in 2023 and has since built experience across planning, delivery, analytics and now water resource policy.

As a Water Analyst, she works on forecasting water demand for the next 50 years and contributing to strategies that will shape how we manage water into the future.

“It’s work that challenges me technically,” she says, “but it also contributes to something bigger – securing water resources for our growing communities.”

Early in her career, Anh often found herself the only woman in the room.

“In some roles, I was the only female in my team,” she says. “At times I lacked confidence in my opinions and found it hard to back myself.”

Over time, and with the support of colleagues, that changed. 

“As I gained more experience and managed my own projects, I started to believe in my expertise and speak up.” 

The more representation, the fairer and safer the workplace will feel"

For Anh, this year’s International Women's Day theme, balancing the scales, is about representation – particularly in delivery and operations, where women are still underrepresented at senior levels.

“I'd like to see that change. The more representation, the fairer and safer the workplace will feel," she says. “Seeing women being able to reach senior positions has shown me that it’s also possible for me and other women early in their careers.”

Her advice to other young women considering a career in STEM? 

“There isn’t one singular way to approach things, don’t be afraid to give things a go. We all start somewhere, so it’s okay to fail and ask questions, as long as you keep trying.”