Shepparton resident Charmaine Quick has today been announced as the first female managing director appointed to Victoria’s biggest rural water authority, Goulburn-Murray Water.
Ms Quick’s historic appointment follows former managing director Pat Lennon, who resigned last year after an ombudsman investigation into expense claims.
Ms Quick is currently executive general manager, service delivery at Melbourne Water and is responsible for overseeing the 24/7 delivery of water, sewage, waterways and drainage services to Melbourne.
She will take the helm on February 4 during a crucial period with challenges including the $2.1 billion Connections program.
“This is a truly exciting appointment for our business,” GMW chairman Diane James AM said.
“The Minister for Water has set the key priority for our business as transforming to a new model that improves operations, keeps water prices low for customers and irrigators and supports the future growth of the irrigation district across our region.
“Charmaine is the right person to lead this change.”
In a statement from the water authority, it said Ms Quick was known for her ability to influence and drive change at an organisation level, nationally and internationally for asset management, relationship contract management and customer service.
She lists one of her key achievements as driving improvements in asset management at Melbourne Water through the development of its asset strategy.
This strategy is driving year on year efficiencies that ensures efficient services for its customers today, tomorrow and into the future.
“It is an exciting time to join GMW where there is a strong vision of transformation to a service centric, efficient organisation,” Ms Quick said.
Her experience in agriculture was gained growing up on the family farm at Noradjuha in the Wimmera. She said it was this experience that ensured she understood the value of water and its importance to the social fabric of a community.
She has been living in Shepparton with her partner for the past 14 years and commuting to Melbourne for work.