Q&A with Jo Murdoch from our Executive

Jo Murdoch’s passion for positive change drew her to our Executive Group. Now that she’s here, take a minute to get to know her including her advice on getting involved with IWN and what gets her up in the morning.

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

Having mostly lived in Melbourne, I spent five years in Geelong before moving with my husband, Dean, to beautiful North East Victoria just over a year ago.

Outside work, I love exploring new places, seeing live music concerts and supporting the mighty Tigers in the AFL. I also enjoy learning new things from podcasts or listening to my favorite Spotify playlist while travelling up and down the Hume visiting my Melbourne family.

Beyond all this, I believe deeply in helping make our world fairer and more equitable, and that we need to do everything we can to reduce our environmental impact because after all, we only have one planet!

WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

My experience spans more than 20 years across the water, local government and media sectors.

I joined North East Water as Managing Director in January 2022 and have absolutely loved my first year, which has included great support from everyone.

Before joining NEW, I held executive leadership roles at Barwon Water and Yarra City Council. With an MBA and a Graduate Certificate in International and Community Development, I am also an accredited Evolve Communities Ally and am IAP2 certified.

I was fortunate to be recognised in the Institute of Public Administration Australia’s 2022 Top 50 Public Sector Women Awards for leadership commitment and contribution during the Covid-19 crisis, and to receive the 2015 SACS Leadership Award in the Local Government Executive category.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE UP THE ROLE ON OUR EXECUTIVE GROUP?

I’m passionate about innovation, technology and new ways of doing things so I love IWN’s focus on trialling and showcasing new technologies, innovations and ‘out of the box’ thinking. I’m also inspired by the Champions program, which builds professional and leadership skills and competencies.

The decision to join IWN’s Executive Group was a no brainer. I want to help embed innovation in the water sector to improve our services, protect the environment and support professional development.

WHAT ARE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS HERE SO FAR?

A highlight is definitely learning about IWN’s trials across Victoria. We have some fascinating research underway with member water corporations, particularly on biosolids to biochar, digital meters, blue green algae bloom management, hydrogen-oxygen synergies and more. It’s great to see water corporations working together to identify issues and opportunities and then bring trials to life.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING JOINING US?

Do it! If you’re passionate about innovation and finding solutions to complex problems, and you aspire to develop adaptive leadership capabilities, an IWN role is a great way to go.

Whether it be through the Champions program or as a program/deputy program manager, or even through the IWN alumni, you’ll find it rewarding and supportive of your career goals and a great way to meet new colleagues with similar interests. And it will be super interesting and fun.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

There’s no one answer to this. It’s the people I work with at North East Water (who are incredibly dedicated, talented and caring); it’s the shared challenges of climate change, water security and affordability; and it’s the opportunity for innovation and new ways of working to make this world a better place.

Oh – and it’s the alarm clock :)

Jo (front right) with North East Water Operations and Planning, and Infrastructure staff at the 2022 WIOA conference.