Meet our Coliban Water Champion, David Box
Our new Coliban Water Champion, David Box, packs a lot into life. With no shortage of indoor and outdoor activities keeping him busy, he also finds time to love his job and his new role with us. Get to know him here.
LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL - TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I live in Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo. I enjoy mountain biking, the gym and just generally being outside. I’ve done heaps of trail runs including Howqua River, Mt Hotham and Razorback, and Grampians Peak.
I also have a keen interest in building LEGO (pictured below). I’m looking at getting my first home built soon - that’s exciting as well.
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
I’m an A grade electrician. I built and designed switchboards for most of my apprenticeship, which has helped me a lot in my current role. After my apprenticeship, I completed an Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation. This has also been great for my current role as SCADA Technical Officer at Coliban Water. I’ve been in this role for just over a year and it’s the best job I’ve ever done. I enjoy the technology, the people and the work environment.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY?
I monitor, maintain and repair our SCADA system. This involves software and hardware. I work closely with others to develop HMIs, which are different pages on SCADA that the entire business uses. I also work with others to repair faults onsite including replacing radios and RTUs where needed.
WHAT IWN PROGRAMS INTEREST YOU THE MOST?
I’m interested in all the programs, especially Digital Metering Systems, Data and Analytics, Edge Technology, and Asset Management and Optimisation. Basically, I’m interested in anything that can help me progress our water corporations further into the future.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE AN IWN CHAMPION?
I love the idea of sharing what we’ve learnt about technology and other things. A lot of the time we see new technologies out there and don’t have the time or resourcing to properly test them or to talk to others who have. Being able to do this makes a much more efficient work environment and helps us know what to look at purchasing in future.
I also love the leadership side of IWN. It’s a great way to grow as a leader (even if I don’t feel like one), and learn about others and myself and the way everyone works together to achieve a common goal.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE WITH IWN?
I’m looking to improve my leadership skills and meet a range of people to talk to about all sorts of work-related enquiries.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
I mean sometimes bed is really good… but I love what I do. I enjoy my work, I enjoy my hobbies and fitness activities, and the people I work with.
Some of David’s LEGO builds.