Celebrating International Women’s Day and our women in water

Sala, Community and Care team leader 

As the team leader of GWW’s Community and Care team, Sala helps some of the most vulnerable people in our community. 

“Many will know us better as the Hardship or Family Violence team – we provide assistance and support to those facing financial difficulties and family violence.” 

Her team takes a holistic approach, making sure customers don’t just get financial relief but also the stability, safety, and dignity they deserve. “Increased independence does wonders for a person’s confidence,” Sala shares. “The ability to take charge of finances and make decisions without fear or reliance on someone else is life changing.” 

Sala pictured at a recent community information session.

Through GWW’s Customer Support program, women can get financial relief and long-term support. “We’ve seen incredible transformations – better housing, the ability to provide for their children, and improved mental and emotional wellbeing. It’s about more than just a water bill; it’s about rebuilding futures.” 

One call that really stuck with Sala was from a single mum whose water bill skyrocketed due to hidden leaks. Worried about losing her rental, she’d paid for plumbers herself to avoid telling her landlord. Unsure where to turn, she reached out for help. 

Sala’s team jumped into action- fixing leaks, installing water-efficient fixtures, and securing a Utility Relief Grant. After getting her approval letter, she called to say: “Thank you for not giving up on me.” 

Working closely with women facing family and domestic violence, Sala’s seen the unique and devastating challenges they face. “While our main objective is to assist customers with their water accounts, a family violence case requires a holistic review that starts and ends with ensuring the customer is safe.” 

For Sala, this work is more than a job – it’s a calling. “We’re here to give power back to women who have endured so much,” she says. “It’s about more than financial assistance; it’s about offering relief, respite, and respect to those who need it most.” 

Sala leads her team with a deep sense of purpose. “Family violence is a human rights issue with one in four women impacted - that means everyone knows someone affected.” 

“If not us, then who?” she asks. 

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, we’re here to help. Find out more about our family and domestic violence support. 

Jacki, Graduate Engineer

Jacki is a Graduate Engineer who has worked in Water Treatment Operations and is now part of the Dam Safety team. She’s played a key role in improving plant operations, enhancing operational processes, and strengthening the dam safety program. 

“Working at our sites has helped me understand the systems and given me the confidence to take ownership of my work,” she says. “These positive opportunities have allowed me to develop my skills and contribute meaningfully to the team.” 

As a female engineer in a male-dominated field, Jacki has faced challenges her male colleagues may have never considered. At a previous workplace, Jacki believes she was treated differently based on her gender. “I felt I had to push more to be involved in field work compared to my male colleagues, and I may have missed out on development opportunities due to gender-based stereotypes.” 

Jacki at one of our facilities recently.

While Jacki’s confidence is now an asset, she’s experienced a double standard in the past. “There were times my confidence and inquisitive personality were perceived negatively, whereas my male colleagues were encouraged for this same attitude.” 

Since joining GWW just over a year ago, Jacki has had a much more positive experience. She highlights it’s not just the incredible women in her teams creating this environment – significantly, it’s also the men. “The support I’ve received is amazing – my questions are met with judgment-free answers, and everyone in the team has an open attitude. It’s been a refreshing change.” 

Her advice to other women considering a career in engineering? “Observe how people work with and around you, and surround yourself with those who uplift you, rather than those who reinforce the roadblocks others are working to remove.” 

For Jacki, International Women’s Day is about honesty: “It’s about highlighting the real world, the great and the not-so-great. Good progress happens when people understand why change is needed.”