Who are we?

Yarra Valley Water is one of Australia's largest water utilities, providing essential water and sanitation services to 2 million people and more than 60,000 business customers in the northern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Our purpose is to support the health and wellbeing of our customers and create a brighter future for communities and the natural environment. This purpose sets out our commitment to a sustainable future. Our values are the backbone of our culture. They capture what makes us great and drive us to do more.

They are expressed as:

• At Yarra Valley Water everything starts with putting people first
• We work as one team
• We will be brave
• With clear focus we deliver what matters
• And together, we will have a positive impact

We're owned by the Victorian Government, providing services within a defined geographic area covering approximately 4000 square kilometres. Within this area, we own and manage assets valued at approximately $5.6 billion and maintain and operate more than 11,000km of drinking water and recycled water mains and 10,000km of sewer mains. Our operations are overseen by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) on behalf of the Minister for Water, and the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) on behalf of the Treasurer.

Our Board comprises 9 independent Non-Executive Directors and one Executive Director, with the Non-Executive Chair and Non-Executive Directors appointed by the Minister for Water. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the strategic direction, establishing goals for management and monitoring their achievement and monitoring the performance of the business. The Board has established 3 Committees of Directors to assist with carrying out its responsibilities and to allow detailed consideration of complex issues.

We're committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, one that is culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Reconciliation Action Plan aims to celebrate and protect the ongoing cultural and spiritual connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land and waterways.

Position Objectives:

We're seeking expressions of interest for an Independent Aboriginal Delegate to sit alongside our Board of Directors to observe proceedings and to assist the Board in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities.

To support the Board, the Independent Aboriginal Delegate:

• Provides insight into matters relating to urban water management and its connection to the Aboriginal community and Traditional Owners.
• Provides perspectives to the Board in relation to cultural awareness, cultural safety, community engagement, Aboriginal and Traditional Owner networks, and the corporation's Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Contributes to the broader strategic direction of the corporation to assist in the fulfilment of its statutory functions and in particular Yarra Valley Water's strategic commitment that Honouring and Healing Country be embedded in the organisation's approach to its planning and operations.

Your Commitment:

• This role reports to the Chair of the Board and liaises with Directors, Managing Director and General Managers, staff and other stakeholders.
• Board meetings are held 8-9 times per annum, with attendance in person preferred. The average meeting duration is approximately 7 hours, with papers and pre-reading distributed 7 days before the meeting.
• Though encouraged to contribute to all Board discussions, the incumbent does not have director voting rights.
• The successful candidate will receive remuneration of $36,223 per annum plus superannuation and be financially supported to undertake the AICD Company Directors course which includes 12 months AICD membership.
• Initially the appointment is for a 2-year term.

Specialist skills and knowledge:

• Connection with the Aboriginal and Traditional Owner communities.
• Provision of insight into matters relating to urban water management and its connection to the Aboriginal community and Traditional Owners.
• Provision of guidance to the Board as it relates to cultural awareness, cultural safety, community engagement, Aboriginal and Traditional Owner networks, and the corporation's Reconciliation Action Plan.

Key Competencies and Skills:

• Understanding of a Director's ethical, legal and fiduciary responsibilities - or a keen interest in developing these skills.
• Good verbal communication.
• Comfort with sharing own experiences to build knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal community and culture.

Personal Attributes:

• Leadership Skills: Ability to provide strategic direction and contribute to the overall governance of the organisation.
• Networking Skills: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels within our organisation.
• Integrity: We are seeking someone with a very high level of integrity.
• Commitment: We are seeking someone with the time required to commit to our organisation and the people that we support.

This is a Special Measures Role and only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact Janet Wade on 0434 607 798 or via [email protected] using the subject line: Independent Aboriginal Delegate enquiry via EthicalJobs. You may also contact Karen Milward on 0407 867 863 if you want to have a yarn about the position.