In the heart of the Barwon region, Barwon Asset Solutions (BAS), a proudly owned subsidiary of Barwon Water, is making waves as a vital contributor to regional prosperity. This dynamic entity is not just solving complex land and asset management challenges; it’s also reshaping the landscape of inclusivity and innovation in the industry.
Under the interim leadership of General Manager Anna Murray, BAS is at the forefront of delivering end-to-end project services that demand intricate expertise and specialised equipment. Drawing from over 30 years of experience within the Barwon Water family, BAS is playing a pivotal role in offsetting the costs of water supply in the region.
In an era marked by rising customer expectations and ageing infrastructure, BAS stands as a beacon of sustainability. Ms Murray emphasises that their profits are reinvested in Barwon Water, effectively reducing the burden on customers.
From operating a 24/7 call centre for regional councils and water authorities to managing intricate projects in a heavily regulated environment, BAS has truly evolved into a full-service entity. Their diverse team can be spotted mowing steep hillsides with remotely operated slope mowers, laying water mains in challenging contexts, and handling complex electrical and manufacturing projects.
Remarkably, BAS has experienced substantial growth, expanding its workforce from 56 employees in 2017 to a thriving team of 115 today. Notably, this expansion has seen a strategic increase in female representation, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion that is nothing short of commendable. The organisation has successfully increased the proportion of women, including those in traditionally male-dominated roles, from just 3% to an impressive 26%.
Ms Murray underscores that the dedication of BAS employees to enhancing the region’s quality of life has been instrumental in attracting a diverse workforce. She notes that the organisation has welcomed numerous female trainees, some of whom are returning to the workforce. The range of talents is impressive, including a former makeup artist who now thrives in the civil maintenance team.
At BAS, soft skills and initiative are celebrated, and the organisation is actively working on adapting equipment to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of their operations. In the words of Ms Murray: “We’re normalising women in high-vis working in non-traditional roles.”