SA Water

We know that building a truly inclusive workplace starts with listening and delivering on what we promise. For Graham, a proud Dunghutti man, that promise is a reality since he joined our Customer Care Centre (CCC) through an identified role. After moving to South Australia in 2003 and spending years in the private sector, Graham was looking for more than just a job. He was looking for a workplace where culture is lived, not just spoken about. “Coming into a specifically identified role made the transition easier – it felt like a safe work environment from day one,” Graham said. Since starting at SA Water, Graham has built a meaningful career, moving from the general CCC into a specialist role in Customer Assist Recovery. Along the way, he’s felt supported at every stage, from his first day through to his ongoing professional development. Outside of work, Graham’s dedication doesn’t slow down. Whether he’s coaching Muay Thai at 5am, supporting his local community in Meadows, or lining up in the Aussie Rules backline, he credits SA Water’s flexibility for helping him maintain balance. “The flexible work agreements and supportive management make that work-life balance achievable,” he said. “They want you to grow and foster the things you want to do.” With a new identified role currently open in our Customer Care Centre, Graham has one piece of advice. “I’d definitely recommend having a chat. Having a familiar face and a safe place to ask questions before an interview makes the experience much more comfortable.” We are committed to creating opportunities where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel supported, valued and empowered to grow. If you’re considering your next step, we encourage you to reach out and learn more: https://lnkd.in/gQ4_62gP

ICYMI: Tree roots continue to cause a growing number of sewer blockages across our statewide network, with 65 per cent of all blockages recorded during 2025 directly caused by tree roots. Earlier this week, the team at REA Group highlighted the recent rise in root-related blockages and how homeowners and residents can protect sewer pipes by planting the right tree in the right place. In 2023, our crews removed a massive tree root mass from our sewer network in Modbury – just one example of how much they can grow! Have a read of the article for some tips on protecting your pipes:  https://lnkd.in/g6c_FXqw

This #NationalReconciliationWeek, our newest Aboriginal Employment and Retention Advisor, Lou, has a passion for ensuring our organisation delivers strong reconciliation results.   Lou's career has seen him working in frontline services supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and it's that experience – reconciling the impacts from the past – that has him eager to contribute to creating an environment that is safe and supportive for our First Nations staff.   Guided by our current Reconciliation Action Plan and working alongside his colleague, Kenny, Lou will be instrumental in achieving the goals – particularly around bolstering our First Nations workforce across the state. “Reconciliation isn't a goal for the future – it's a way of approaching life,” he explains.   With his Mum being of Aboriginal and Indonesian heritage, and his Dad Scottish and English Australian, Lou is proud of his mixed cultural heritage which has given him a unique lived experience to draw upon.   And as a father of three children, Lou feels a personal responsibility to enable them to thrive in their identity by creating an environment that supports them – a responsibility he shares while working with our teams. 

What does meaningful reconciliation look like in action? That was the focus of an important conversation at Ozwater’26 where water industry leaders came together to share experiences, challenges, and lessons from progressing their Reconciliation Action Plans. The discussion highlighted the value of collaboration across our sector, learning from each other and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and continuing to turn commitment into action. Reconciliation is embedded in our corporate strategy because it’s not confined to one week of the year. It’s part of how we work every day through stronger partnerships, cultural learning and creating meaningful opportunities. This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme – All In for Reconciliation – is a reminder that lasting change requires all of us working together. Chief Executive David Ryan was proud to join the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) panel alongside leaders from across the industry to contribute to the conversation and share insights from our ongoing journey. By continuing to work together and learn from one another, our industry can keep building momentum towards meaningful and lasting change.

Acknowledging the work we do to be #AllInForReconciliation across South Australia, our people marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week with a ceremony held at our building on Kaurna land in Victoria Square, Adelaide. Welcomed to Country by Cliffy Wilson, we heard about our conscious efforts to achieve our Reconciliation Action Plan targets. For us, reconciliation is an all-encompassing endeavour, reaching beyond this week – something reinforced by the week's theme of 'All In for Reconciliation'. Darren from our Environment team spoke about our inaugural Cultural Campout at Kersbrook, an experience led by First Nations leaders to give our people a new perspective on the bond to country. Shane, the co-Chair of our Kauwi Miyurna First Nations employee network group, spoke about the group's efforts and how he's been continually inspired over his career. This #NationalReconciliationWeek, our people are genuinely 'all in' – and proving it.

Ozwater’s back for another year and we’re excited to be in Brisbane for the Australian Water Association’s premier industry event. Our people – including Paul Cranwell, Customer Analytics Team Lead, and Ruby Stevens, Stakeholder Engagement Adviser – will be sharing their expertise as part of presentations, poster pitches and panel sessions, discussing a range of topics such as customer water use, water security, artificial intelligence, asset management, and collaborative and inclusive design. You can view the full 3-day program of events online – and catch our people sharing their knowledge with the industry: https://bit.ly/Ozwater26 #Ozwater26

We’re proud to be delivering one of the largest carbon and ecosystem restoration programs undertaken by an Australian water utility. Reservoirs for Nature is a long-term investment in South Australia’s environment, communities and climate resilience. Beginning at our Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves – with these renders capturing how they’ll evolve over time – the program will restore cleared land, regenerate native ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity outcomes. Stage 1 of the initiative will: • restore 320 hectares of land • reintroduce 140 native flora species • support habitat for 15 threatened fauna species • generate ~67,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units over 25 years. Beyond positive environmental impact, the program also creates opportunities for community participation, cultural connection and meaningful collaboration.   As one of South Australia’s largest land managers, we’re committed to ensuring these landscapes continue to thrive. For people, for wildlife and for the climate. Learn more about Reservoirs for Nature: https://lnkd.in/g-jzpmRS

National Sorry Day is an opportunity to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people forcibly removed from their families and communities – known as the Stolen Generations – and the intergenerational impact this continues to have. We reflect on our shared history, and the role we can all play in the ongoing healing process. #NRW2026

What currently looks like a blank canvas is set to host Bordertown’s new drinking water infrastructure that will support growth in the South East town, with earthworks and construction of a new water storage commencing earlier this month. The new infrastructure includes a 9-megalitre concrete water storage tank, a pump station and approximately 2,500 metres of underground pipe to connect the new tank to our existing network. This project will increase the capacity of our local water network, which supplies more than 3,000 customers, as well as enable connections to new residential and industrial developments. The new tank is expected to begin supplying water to the township in late 2027.   For more information on the project: https://bit.ly/3RqllpJ

The The Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust has made a real contribution to leadership in the water and environment sectors, helping shape the next generation of leaders. Last night’s Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program graduation in Adelaide was a great chance to recognise the 2026 graduates and the impact of the program. We’re proud to support the program and to have SA Water represented on the night by our Fellows Brooke Swaffer, Manager Environment and Recreation, Karina Albanese, Manager Economic Regulation, Christine Murphy, Senior Manager Customer Technical Solutions and Emma Finnie, Senior Manager Strategic Policy and Major Initiatives, alongside others from across the sector. Programs like this make a real difference by bringing people together, challenging them and helping them grow into the kind of leaders our sector needs.  Congratulations to this year’s graduates, and to the Peter Cullen Trust community for continuing to invest in the future of our sector.