Balancing a career in a sector that never stands still with the demands of family life is all part of the daily rhythm for one of GWW’s policy leaders.
Helping plan for the future of Victoria's water resources requires long-term thinking, collaboration and resilience. As Greater Western Water's Team Leader, Water Resources Policy, Tom draws on experience spanning climate science, hydrology, government and strategic water policy to help navigate some of the sector's most complex challenges.
Pivotonian at heart and father of two energetic preschoolers, Tom brings both professional experience and a strong sense of purpose to his role—alongside a long-standing (and occasionally debated) loyalty to North Melbourne.
Now more than three years into his time at Greater Western Water, Tom has built a career spanning almost a decade across Victoria’s water sector. His journey, however, has been far from linear.
Before joining GWW, Tom spent seven years with the Victorian State Government, working across a diverse range of areas including floodplain management, hydrology, climate science, and policy. His experience culminated in a role within the Water Minister’s office, where he served as a departmental liaison under former Minister Lisa Neville.
Earlier in his career, Tom explored an eclectic mix of roles. “You name it, I probably tried it,” he reflects. From lecturing and tutoring to worm farming, carbon audits, waste management, startups, and volunteering, each experience helped shape the way he approaches challenges today - bringing a mix of practical insight, curiosity and systems thinking to his work.
Today, Tom leads GWW's Water Resources Policy team, working closely with colleagues across the organisation, government and the broader water sector. His focus is on helping ensure policy, planning and water entitlement frameworks can support growing communities while responding to changing environmental and climate pressures.
While policy development can be slow-moving, Tom notes that “it moves like a glacier—but it can carve a deep and lasting path along the way.” His days typically begin with a focus on people—connecting with team members, supporting progress across projects and ensuring the right foundations are in place. From there, he works collaboratively across the organisation and sector, contributing to the development of policies that help shape the future of water management in Victoria.
One of the most significant initiatives Tom has contributed to is South Central Reform, a major sector-wide program aimed at modernising Victoria’s urban water entitlement framework. While both demanding and rewarding, the reform represents a major milestone for the sector.
“Change in the water sector is hard,” he says. “It takes persistence, collaboration, and strong conviction to see it through.”
The result is a strengthened urban water entitlement framework designed to support long-term sustainability.
Reflecting on what continues to motivate him, Tom highlights the often-unseen work of frontline teams. He speaks with genuine admiration for operational staff who respond to faults and maintain services around the clock—often without customers ever being aware.
“They’re the quiet reason the system works,” he says.
This Father’s Day, Tom’s story highlights the expertise, leadership and perspective that many working parents bring to GWW. His approach to leadership, grounded in curiosity, resilience and care for others, reflects the values that continue to shape GWW’s culture and service to the community.
