Sydney Water understands that a true sense of belonging is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. Their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ecosystem ensures every employee feels valued, respected and connected.
By promoting an environment where everyone can express themselves and share their unique experiences, Sydney Water aims to foster a space where belonging is not just an idea, but a lived reality. Bec Costin, Manager, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team at Sydney Water, shares:
“At Sydney Water, the establishment of the DEI Ecosystem is more than just a program – it’s a movement driven by our employees to weave inclusion into the very fabric of our workplace. By fostering a community where every voice is valued, we create a space where individuals can come to work as their authentic selves, knowing that their differences are not only respected but celebrated.”
Sydney Water’s DEI Ecosystem
Sydney Water’s commitment to DEI is evident through various key enablers, including their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee, DEI Advisory Council, employee-led networks, affinity and working groups, and external memberships and partnerships. These initiatives are central to nurturing a culture of inclusion and belonging for all.
Sydney Water is home to numerous employee networks and communities that play a crucial role in our DEI ecosystem. These groups provide a platform for our employees to connect, collaborate, and support one another, fostering a sense of belonging. Bec Costin adds:
“Our aim is to build a foundation where diversity is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that all employees feel empowered and supported to thrive in an environment that embraces who they are.”
These diverse employee networks include the First Nations Employee Network, Pride Network, Disability and Neurodiversity Network, Carers Network, Menopause Support Group, Family & Domestic Violence Working Group, Pet Parent Network, Men’s Network, and the DEI Team. Each contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the workplace, ensuring everyone has a voice and a community to lean on.
Below are just a few examples:
The Pride network
Formed in 2021, the Pride Network has a 13-member committee of volunteer representatives across Sydney Water. The network is dedicated to advancing LGBTQI+ inclusion, promoting and delivering events, increasing social networks, and coordinating training and awareness.
In 2022, Sydney Water participated in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), a national benchmark for LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion. In 2023, the Pride Network led Sydney Water’s involvement in WorldPride and facilitated participation in the Welcome Here project, supporting a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTQI+ people.
Some of the Pride Network’s achievements include creating images of openly LGBTQI+ employees for Sydney Water’s media library to improve visibility of diverse groups and organising Sydney Water’s provision of free water stations each year at Mardi Gras Fair Day to directly support the LGBTQI+ community. One of their most visible achievements is painting the entire reservoir at Centennial Park with a giant Progress Pride Flag for World Pride in 2023. Bec Hulands, IoT Specialist, one of the Pride network Co-Chairs, shares:
“As an openly queer woman, seeing the support Sydney Water provides to its employee-led networks makes me feel like I really belong, that I’m fully supported in the workplace and has given me some fantastic connections and friendships across the business.”
Join an organisation creating an ecosystem that acknowledges, supports and celebrates everyone at work.
Compare Sydney Water’s policies and benefits | Explore current opportunities to join the team
The Women of Water network (WoW)
The Wow Committee provides a platform for women and allies to connect, collaborate, and broaden their professional networks. It supports members by facilitating activities, sharing knowledge and stories, and driving inclusion initiatives that empower women to thrive.
This WoW network is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that represents women at all stages of their careers and across diverse technical fields. By providing a supportive space for discussing differences and commonalities, the network champions and empowers women’s health and women in STEM and leadership roles.
Through collaborative efforts and meaningful conversations with our allies, Sydney Water is committed to shaping a future where women in STEM and leadership thrive, driving innovation and excellence at Sydney Water. Veronica Leonardo, Knowledge and Insights Manager, WoW network Chair, shares her experience:
“As a migrant child and the first in my family to attend university, leadership roles always seemed beyond my grasp. My parents, unable to finish high school due to their limited opportunities, couldn’t offer internal examples of academic or professional success. All my role models were external and often didn’t mirror my own experiences. Seeing women with similar backgrounds in leadership gives hope and inspiration. It shatters the barriers that once felt insurmountable and shows that success is attainable for all.”
The Disability and Neurodiversity Network
This recently established network consists of members with lived experiences of disability and neurodivergence, along with their allies. It is dedicated to enhancing inclusion and belonging for Sydney Water employees with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.
The network provides employee access to support and resources while advocating for their needs by raising awareness and understanding. The Disability and Neurodiversity Network is committed to breaking down barriers and creating a workplace where everyone can flourish.
Network members have also had the chance to enhance their skills through leadership training and mentorship programs. More recently, they shared their personal experiences of disability and neurodivergence during a lunchtime session for International Day for People with Disability. Sara Raishbrook, Environmental Liaison Officer, Co-Chair Disability and Neurodiversity Network, explains the role and importance of this new network:
“Belonging to me is that feeling of connection and having a shared direction or purpose, which can only be achieved within an inclusive environment. The support and genuine connections I have made through being a part of the network and wider DEI community at Sydney Water have been invaluable to me, empowering my success and wellbeing as a disabled and neurodivergent person. I want everyone to share in that experience of belonging.”
Be part of an ecosystem truly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion
Sydney Water is proud of the cultural diversity across their teams and enjoys the diversity of thought, skills, cultures, and experiences it brings. Their holistic approach ensures that the multicultural dimension considers the multiracial, multifaith, and multilingual aspects that define cultural identity.
Celebrating culturally significant days such as Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Diwali acknowledges and shares the benefits of this rich cultural diversity.
First Nations Employee Network
The First Nations employee network at Sydney Water was established in 2022 to connect
First Nations employees from across all areas of the business. This network provides a forum for employees to increase awareness, improve relationships and discuss opportunities at Sydney Water. It also serves as a point of contact for First Nations peoples, issues, and involvement across the business, while raising awareness of First Nations employee participation within Sydney Water and the wider water sector.
The network aims to enhance the attraction and retention of First Nations employees and introduce role models who can share their journeys and experiences navigating the work environment.
The 2025 inaugural meeting, YarnUp, brought together fourteen employees who identify as First Nations people, many of whom were meeting for the first time. Their initial impressions of the network were overwhelmingly positive, with sentiments such as “amazing,” “being able to connect means so much to me,” “it is a long time coming”.
Sydney Water aims to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and drive positive change within their organisation and beyond through open dialogue, collaborative initiatives, and mutual support.
