Local organisation Barwon Water was among the winners at the third Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards.
Held at Crown in Melbourne, the Recalibrate Awards recognise outstanding leaders, businesses and initiatives working to create and support workplace gender equity across Australia.
Barwon Water received the Medium Business (100-499 employees) Award for a range of initiatives promoting gender equity.
Premier among those initiatives were its focused engagement program within its asset solutions division, a traditionally male-dominated area.
Through clarifying roles, modernising job titles and improving recruitment communications, the program increased female applicants for new roles from two per cent to 20 per cent.
As of June women made up more than half of Barwon Water’s board and senior leadership team, as well as 41 per cent of its overall workforce.
Managing director Shaun Cumming accepted the award at a gala event in Melbourne last week, joined by the organisation’s head of people Calum Urquhart and talent development and inclusion partner Leoni Foley.
“We’ve been committed to fostering a safe, inclusive work environment and improving
recruitment practices to remove barriers for women,” Mr Cumming said.
“This has helped to increase the percentage of women across all levels of the organisation, with marked inroads in the traditionally male-dominated areas.”
Awards founder and Business in Heels chief executive Lisa Sweeney shared her excitement about this year’s winners.
“The 2024 Gender Equity Awards winners exemplify innovation, resilience and commitment to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive,” Ms Sweeney said.
“The biggest trend we’re seeing is a shift toward true inclusion, where individuals are treated not with a label but as valued contributors. This is the future of equitable workplaces, and it’s inspiring to see these leaders leading the way.”
The event was also attended by Victorian Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins.
Visit genderequityawards.com for more information on the awards, winners and finalists.
