Q&A with Executive Group member, Lara

As a valued member of our Executive Group, Lara Caplygin sees IWN as integral to our industry’s success by supporting innovation across the board, including at remote water corporations. Find out more about her below.

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

I moved from Melbourne to Bairnsdale in 2007 for work. I have always enjoyed the natural environment, which was one of my main drivers for studying environmental engineering. East Gippsland is one of the most beautiful places to live and work, surrounded by such diverse and unique natural landscapes –the alps and high country, pristine rivers and the beautiful Gippsland Lakes and seaside communities.

My partner is a dairy farmer in the lovely township of Lindenow and we have two amazing daughters (Nina, 6, and Penny, 3). When we can, we enjoy heading up to Dinner Plain or Mt Hotham for a day trip, or to Paynesville for lunch or Lakes Entrance for a beach walk.

We still love getting back to Melbourne to visit family and friends and do some shopping or see a show.

My biggest personal achievement is definitely the family I am very fortunate to have – my amazingly supportive partner, Huw, and our two wonderful and headstrong children!

WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

I am an environmental engineer (graduated in 2006 BE (Hons)). I started out in consulting in Melbourne with Earth Tech, which became AECOM. I went on to a number of operations roles at East Gippsland Water, which was excellent grounding for me (recycled water, biosolids management, water and wastewater treatment). I joined East Gippsland Water at a time when they were recovering from the 2006 fires, which burnt much of our main drinking water catchment. It was such an interesting time to start and I learnt how to build an emergency treatment plant in three months!

WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT WATER CORPORATION ROLE?

I’m currently the Executive Manger, Strategy & Assets. I was appointed to an executive role in 2017 in strategy, however over time, some additional portfolios have been added along the way including asset management and capital delivery.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY?

My day involves regular informal meetings with my team and other executives, phone calls from stakeholders, Zoom workshops with our regulators and DELWP quite often. I am also very fortunate that I can get out and about to visit our construction sites, treatment plants and depots in Bairnsdale, Omeo, Orbost and Mallacoota.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE WITH IWN

I joined IWN as a member of the Executive Group in October 2021. I decided to put my name forward after a virtual visit to East Gippsland Water by Dean Barnett, Program Director. I was very impressed by Dean and the overall direction of IWN. There was a genuine desire to engage and provide more support to the smaller remote water businesses. At East Gippsland Water, innovation is becoming more challenging but even more important. I see IWN as a crucial organisation for the future success of the Victorian Water Industry, which is so highly regarded already in Australia and more broadly.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE WITH IWN?

Personally, I feel I can contribute a view from the perspective of some of the smaller businesses that might be finding it challenging to incorporate trials and R&D outcomes into their future programs. I am also looking forward to coming along to future conferences and programs, and supporting some of the incredible emerging leaders in our industry.

On a personal level, I have already found it great simply to experience and be part of the Executive Group. The people around the table have an incredible array of experience and it’s great to learn from their wisdom. I have to say as well that the Executive Group has been so approachable and the meetings have a very modern and relaxed feel to them.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

I find what I enjoy more and more, and particularly since becoming a parent, is supporting and driving change for future generations, whether it be through mentoring younger staff or developing future programs and projects that have a long term benefit.

Lara with her partner, Huw, and their daughters.