Update from Jacinta O’Connor our outgoing GVWater Champion & Program Manager Digital Metering
Hear insights from Jacinta O’Connor, our outgoing IWN Goulburn Valley Water Champion and departing IWN Program Manager for the Digital Metering program. Jacinta has brought a wealth of insight and joy to the IWN family, including her getting us involved with her eclectic mix of hobbies; particularly board games at conferences and workshops. Jacinta’s role as the IWN Program Manager of the Digital Metering Program has been a game changer. Developing and implementing the last three years of the National Digital Metering State of Play report and more….
LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL - TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I grew up in Shepp and enjoy an eclectic mix of hobbies:
Jazz Ballet
Board and Card Games – The Crew – a co-operative trick taking game
Fishing – Lure Casting for Cod, Trout, Redfin & Yellowbellies
Reading
Listening to Music – I cannot imagine a world without music.
WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT WATER CORPORATION ROLE?
I have worked at Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) for just over 6 years and have been in my current role as a Project Development Engineer, for the last 2.5 years.
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
I have a background in civil engineering specialising in the water industry, commencing as a graduate with my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at GV Water. Throughout my varied roles at GV Water, I've gained valuable experience and expertise in various aspects of water infrastructure, including design, construction, project management and digital metering program roll out.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY (BUT TO YOUR GRANDMA)?
I look at things and see if they need fixing. If they need fixing, find a way to fix them and then justify why money should be spent to fix it. Then hand over to others to fix it with the approved money.
WHY DID YOU JOIN IWN?
I have became involved with IWN in 2018 by attending the Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration workshops, especially those linked to Digital Metering. From this, I became the Digital Metering Program Manager from December 2020 to June 2023, and GVW’s IWN Champion in 2022 and 2023.
I believe in working smarter not harder and IWN is a great space for sharing and bouncing ideas off others as well as learning about what is out there that can help support our industry.
WHAT DID YOU ACHIEVE WITH IWN?
For the industry?
As Program Manager of the Digital Metering Program, I was responsible for the coordination and delivery of the Digital Metering State of Play Reports from 2021. These reports have provided great insight into the changing landscape and appetite for the implementation of digital metering programs across the water industry in Australia. In 2022, we introduced a joint report approach with WSAA to maximise information sharing and minimise duplication of effort and output to our industry colleagues, successfully running the first joint Webinar in 2023. I also facilitated the delivery of the Digital Metering Business Case and Economic model templates for use across the IWN members.
As an IWN Champion I co-project managed the Water Ministers Climate Innovation Challenge in 2023. Not only providing initial set up project plan support, but also facilitating the algorithms for a fair and non biased judging outcome for all submissions.
For yourself?
Being a part of the IWN team has had benefits in improving my mental health, building up my resilience and extending my network of industry contacts.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
Knowing I am working with great people and helping to provide a vital resource to our community.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANYTHING ELSE?
The IWN Champion Program is a fantastic way to make connections and be supported to learn and grow professionally and personally. I love the flexibility of the program and the way the program gives you practical tools to use not just theory of leadership and problem solving.
I am going to miss being as involved with IWN now that I am no longer GVW’s IWN Champion.
However I am still tagging along to the 8:30am catch ups. I love the IWN family/space.
IWN Champions Group 2023. Jacinta is in the front row 8th from the left.
IWN Champions Workshop November 2023