Mel Robertson

Moving towns and starting a new job in a global pandemic: Melissa Robertson and her journey at Water Corporation

Water Corporation, a supplier of water, wastewater and drainage services, offers a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and reach their career aspirations. For Melissa, moving towns to join a new organisation during a global pandemic brought its challenges however she found she has been supported all the way at Water Corporation.

Working at Water Corporation

Before Water Corporation Melissa’s background was predominately in mining, resources, and energy industries. With experience in project, business improvement, and operational leadership Melissa was looking for a new opportunity when her family moved from Perth to the Southwest.

Melissa joined Water Corporation in 2020 as an operations manager leading a team that delivers safe drinking water from the source to the meter as well as managing wastewater. This includes the managing of bores, surface water catchments, treatment plants, pipes and infrastructure, effluent dams, and tree lots.

Melissa’s team looks after the Warren Blackwood district and are more than just work colleagues – they’re a proud part of the community they deliver services to.

As part of her role Melissa works closely with shires, the community, and key stakeholders on improvements, incident mitigation, and management activities. The strong local knowledge she’s acquired of her region has proved invaluable.

During her two years at Water Corporation, Melissa feels that her voice has been heard contributing her knowledge and experience to the organisation and learning much in return from the team. This has enabled her to grow her technical skills and leadership capabilities.

A supportive work environment for all employees

Melissa is motivated to provide a supportive work environment for her team and along with her peers seeks to drive better ways to achieve their goals and be the best at what they do.

This has made her an advocate for a supportive, inclusive, and diverse workplace. Being passionate about her team’s mental health and well-being Melissa has completed the Mental Health Champion training, a leading initiative that Water Corporation has engaged – and this has enabled her to understand and support her team better.

Flexible work at Water Corporation

Melissa and her team work a 9-day fortnight with an RDO (rostered day off). Being part of an operational team the flexible work options look a bit different. The RDO and being able to work within the community in her hometown have provided important flexibility in her job, with the ability to complete her errands done during business hours whilst out and about.

Most importantly Water Corporation has promoted a strong focus on a healthy work-life balance, recognising the needs of their working parents to be available for their children and families, and this has made all the difference.