Barwon Water duo named in Top 50 Public Sector Women

BARWON Water’s managing director Tracey Slatter and general manager of people and safety Melissa Stephens have been named among the top 50 women in the Victorian public sector.

Ms Slatter and Ms Stephens were announced at the Top 50 Public Sector Women awards held in Melbourne last month.

The initiative was launched in 2017 to shine a light on inspirational female leaders working in the Victorian public sector.

The awards also aim to improve female representation in senior government roles, with recent figures showing that women accounted for 67 per cent of the public sector workforce, yet only held 43.5 per cent of executive level positions.

Barwon Water chair Jo Plummer said she was delighted and proud that Ms Slatter and Ms Stephens were recognised for their contributions.

“This is an outstanding achievement for Barwon Water, the Geelong region, and for Tracey and Melissa both professionally and personally.

“Speaking with the judges, I understand it was hard to choose the winners among a very high calibre of nominees. I have no doubt that Tracey and Melissa were clear standouts in a field of excellent candidates.”

Ms Slatter said she was honoured to be acknowledged on the list, alongside the many other female leaders who are driving innovation and excellence in the public sector.

“I’m delighted to be named one of the Top 50 Public Sector Women, and humbled to share the title with so many dynamic women leaders.

“The Top 50 Public Sector Women initiative showcases the wealth of talent in government and the exceptional outcomes women in leadership are delivering for the sector and Victorian communities.

“Barwon Water is proud to lead the way in fostering gender equity, with about half of our senior leadership roles held by women.

“Additionally, our board is 62.5 per cent female, much higher than the national average of 25.2 per cent.”