Meet IWN Champion: Susan O'Sullivan

As a Water Quality and Sustainability Officer, Susan O’Sullivan from Westernport Water has a busy role. She joined our Champions program to add more professional development into the mix. Find out more about what that means for her below.

Let’s start with the personal. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up on a farm in country Victoria and have always loved the outdoors. I live on Phillip Island and am surrounded by a beautiful environment - I spend as much time as I can outside. I also love spending time with family and friends.

What’s your professional background?

I am the Water Quality and Sustainability Officer at Westernport Water and have been here for two and a half years. I’ve been in the water industry for 10 years, always within water quality roles.

I studied a Bachelor of Environmental Science and am currently completing a Masters in Environmental Management specialising in water.

How would you describe what you do each day (BUT to your grandma)?

My role can be very varied. I manage the Drinking Water Quality Management System, which can include writing and updating procedures, analysing data for short and long term planning or talking to customers about their water.

I also manage the corporation’s bulk water entitlements and dam safety, ensuring we are compliant and providing information to relevant departments. There is a lot of variety within my role which is a benefit of working at a smaller water corporation.

tell us about your role as an iwn champion

I became Westernport Water’s Champion in August 2019. I had expressed an interest in research so the IWN trials seemed like a great opportunity. I’m finding the leadership program great and so is getting to know the other Champions in my region.

What IWN programs interest you the most?

The Asset Management and Optimisation program interests me the most, particularly upcoming projects on blue green algae management as I see this becoming an increasing issue for the industry with a changing climate. I’m also interested in the Energy and Carbon program and how the industry can reduce emissions while still providing high quality water.

what do you want to take away from your time as an iwn Champion?

I’m excited to learn new skills as part of the Champions leadership program and implement them in my day-to-day. I’m hopeful that we will be able to hold one of the leadership conferences face-to-face!

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I’m really passionate about encouraging and supporting women into non traditional roles. The industry is changing, however I’m often the only female present at meetings and would love to see the balance continue to shift.