Meet our new Chair, Andrew Jeffers
He’s been with IWN since the beginning and now, Andrew Jeffers from Wannon Water is our Chair. You can get to know him here, including his deep history in the water sector and fun outback hobby.
LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL - TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I was born and raised in sunny Mildura. I studied civil engineering in Melbourne and have worked in the water sector ever since with stints in Shepparton, Horsham, Ballarat and now, Warrnambool. The water sector is such a great place to work; I haven’t really considered working elsewhere.
Outside work, I enjoy dirt bike riding and going on outback adventures. My three kids have finished university and started their working careers - most importantly, they are off our payroll! Hopefully with fewer Covid restrictions, Catherine and I can get some more adventures underway.
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
It’s a bit of a mix. I started out as a civil engineer at Shepparton Water Board after studying engineering at Swinburne. I have since completed a couple of master’s degrees - one in environmental engineering and another in business administration. I’ve had a variety of roles within water corporations from engineering to the corporate side of things, operations and customer-focused roles.
I’m the Managing Director at Wannon Water and I’m also involved in a number of regional organisations, as well as VicWater’s Board and the Institute Water Administration Board. I’ve learned a lot about good governance over the years.
WHEN DID YOU BECOME IWN’S CHAIR?
I became Chair after Paul O’Donohue finished up mid this year (2022). Paul was a terrific Chair and between Paul and Dean (and everyone else in IWN), IWN has taken leaps and bounds over the last three years.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE UP THE ROLE?
I’ve been with IWN since it started more than 10 years ago. I am emotionally involved! Stuart Craven and I have lots of IWN ‘corporate memory’ and it’s been a privilege to be part of the IWN family and journey.
I love that the water sector collaborates and if I can play a small role in helping us be ‘better together’, that is very rewarding for me. I also love watching people grow and develop and IWN provides that opportunity.
WHAT DO YOU WANT US TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
I want to see IWN programs continue to grow and thrive and have lasting impact. It’s important that IWN continues to be active in areas that directly benefit our water corporation members.
Also, IWN is reliant on volunteers and I want to make sure we give back to them - in terms of development opportunities - as much as they give their time and effort to us.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING AN IWN ROLE?
I see how much IWN has been a platform for so many people in the water sector to grow their perspectives, and develop their networks and careers. Being part of the IWN family is a great opportunity to contribute to the bigger picture in a bigger way. People find that rewarding.
My advice is simple – get involved! Contact Dean or anyone from the IWN family.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
My alarm (ha ha)! I just love my job. I love the water sector and what we do. I look forward to going to work and making a difference for the people who work for us, our customers and communities. I’m very lucky. If I’m ever frustrated, it doesn’t last long – there are so many great positive people around me.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
So many people have contributed to IWN over our 10+ year history. In the early days, it was tough to get traction at times. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone involved in IWN today and in the past. You can all be proud of IWN’s achievements. Onwards and upwards. #believe
Andrew on one of his outback motorbike riding adventures.