Meet IWN Program Manager Kevin Hellier

As an Asset Knowledge and Technology Team Leader at Melbourne Water, Kevin Hellier is a great match for IWN. Here's a quick Q&A with him, including how he unwinds and stays calm under pressure.

LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was born and raised in Warrnambool, and have lived in Melbourne since studying engineering at Monash University in the 1980s.

Outside work: I enjoy exploring nature by walking and hiking, and I relax by reading and more recently playing board games. On a deeper level, I have a Christian faith without much religious structure to it. My family and small circle of friends are a great source of blessing to me, and I have just achieved grandfather status.

WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I lead a small team within Asset Knowledge and Technology at Melbourne Water. We investigate new technologies for the use of our asset information. I’ve been in this role for about six years.

WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

Civil engineering is my professional background – specialising in water and wastewater. I wouldn’t trust me to do much real engineering work any more.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY (BUT TO YOUR GRANDMA)?

Like most office workers, I spend most days meeting people and emailing. As a leader, I help make decisions and try to make sure the people in my team have what they need to run their projects. It’s all about Melbourne Water improving what we do with clever use of asset information.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR IWN ROLE?

I joined IWN in 2017, when the opportunity to take on the Champion role for Melbourne Water arose. I saw it as a great opportunity to learn, network and make a contribution to the water industry. Since then, I’ve become the Program Manager for Data and Analytics.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE WITH IWN?

For the industry, it’s about supporting a culture of sharing and learning across the Victorian water businesses, especially in my program area of Data and Analytics.

For me personally, there’s the satisfaction that comes when working alongside friendly, clever and genuine people.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

Most days I am fortunate to have interesting, meaningful work and good people to look forward to – and I’m thankful for that. But on those days when I’m nervous or insecure about a task ahead or difficult situation, I try to draw peace from prayer.