Q&A with IWN Chair, Paul O’Donohue

Paul O’Donohue has been IWN’s Chair over the past six years. If you haven’t had the chance to meet him, here’s a quick Q&A about what he enjoys doing outside work and why he’s chosen to be involved with IWN.

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

I’m the Managing Director of Central Highlands Water (CHW). My wife Julie and I have three great kids and recently, a new little granddaughter, Lucy. She already barracks for the Bulldogs.

Outside work, I enjoy golf, tennis, gardening, good food and maybe a nice glass of red now and again.

WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

I have been with CHW since relocating to Ballarat some 16 years ago. At CHW, I have overseen many areas including project delivery, strategy, long-term planning, communications and account management. Before coming to CHW, I worked in senior management positions in the hospitality and tourism sector.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE UP THE ROLE OF IWN CHAIR?

I have been involved in IWN since its early days and saw a great opportunity for a collective position across the Victorian water industry regarding a focus on innovation and technology. It’s a pleasure to see so many people from within our member water corporations bring great insights and opportunities to the industry through IWN, such as Zero Emissions Water (ZEW) as just one example.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HIGHLIGHTS WITH IWN THIS YEAR

I am proud of how IWN, under Dean Barnett’s leadership with support from the Executive Group, has managed to embrace the new COVID environment and still provide our industry the opportunity to develop new and exciting ideas. By way of example, more than 300 participants recently attended our online roadshow organised by our Metro Champions group.

IWN is going from strength to strength and will only keep maturing as we move beyond COVID. The support of VicWater and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is also a big part of IWN’s ongoing success.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING JOINING IWN?

Get on board - it’s a fantastic vehicle to promote new ways of thinking and investment in the Victorian water industry. I know it has given many people the opportunity to meet and network across the industry as well.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

I was going to say the Ballarat weather (maybe not) but really, it’s about being part of an industry that has strong connections to an essential part of life – water - and the ownership our industry takes in managing and supporting the delivery of this resource to our customers.