Aboriginal Board Observer Program Scholarship

Our Aboriginal Board Observer Program aligns with our strategic direction to go beyond water for strong communities. It supports our commitment to build governance and leadership skills within our region.

What’s the role?

This program is an opportunity for a person from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community to bring their unique and independent perspective as an observer to the Wannon Water Board.

The 12-month scholarship provides opportunities to develop skills in good governance and networking.

The program involves:

• Attendance at Wannon Water Board meetings over a 12-month period.
• A scholarship of $19,832 and reimbursement of reasonable meeting attendance costs.
• An option to join Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s (DEECA) network of Aboriginal directors and delegates.
• Ongoing support during the program.

The observer may choose to provide their insights during discussions on topics that include:

• Urban water management and its connection to cultural values
• Cultural awareness and cultural safety
• Community engagement, Aboriginal and Traditional Owner networks
• Our Reconciliation Action Plan.

It’s important to note that the observer is not a Director or an employee. They won’t make decisions and don’t have the same responsibilities as a Board Director under the Water Act 1989, the Public Administration Act 2004, and any other statutory provision.

We’ll continue to seek guidance and advice by engaging with Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal Victorians in our community.

Who can apply?

We’re keen to appoint a person who would benefit from the scholarship by contributing to Wannon Water’s culture and supporting their community.

• You can apply if you’re a person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent who is living in or close to Victoria. You’re not required to be a representative of the Traditional Owner groups on whose Country we operate.
• This is an Aboriginal Designated Scholarship, classified under ‘special measures’ of Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people can apply.

We encourage applications from people who are starting off in their career through to those seeking to expand their experience. Ideally, they’ll:

• Have experience or a future interest in leadership, management and governance.
• The ability to apply their knowledge to benefit the community.
• The ability to contribute to the culture and dynamic of our Board.

We’ll try to create a culturally safe and supportive selection process so that candidates can present their best case.

What’s the commitment?

There are important responsibilities that come with accepting the scholarship:

• Confidentiality – Signing an agreement to maintain the confidentiality of Board papers, decisions and discussions.
• Conflict of interest – Declaring personal and business interests and managing these in line with public sector expectations.
• Code of Conduct – Maintaining compliance with our Code of Conduct and any reasonable conduct requirement.
• Induction program – Attending a half-day induction program before starting the program. This includes a briefing into our governance and operations.
• Preparation – Reading papers to prepare for monthly meetings.

There are also some other opportunities that are optional:

• Attending other Board committee meetings and activities scheduled from time to time.
• Attending DEECA’s network of Aboriginal Directors and delegates.

How much time will I need?

We’re planning to start the scholarship on 1 July 2025 in preparation for the first Board meeting scheduled for 15 August 2025.

There is an initial half-day induction program. The time commitment would then be around two days each month. This includes meeting preparation, time to attend meetings and travel time. Participating in the optional activities and committee meeting attendance will increase the time commitment.

Electronic Board agendas are sent out one week prior to each Board meeting. They generally take about four hours to read.

Board meetings and other important dates for the program are currently scheduled for:

• Board meeting – 15 August 2025
• VicWater Conference – September 2025
• Board meeting – 19 September 2025
• Strategic Planning Workshop – 15 and 16 October 2025
• Board meeting – 17 October 2025
• Board meeting – 21 November 2025
• Board meeting – 12 December 2025
• No meeting in January 2026
• Board meeting – 20 February 2026
• Board meeting – 20 March 2026
• No meeting in April 2026
• Board meeting – 22 May 2026
• Board meeting – 19 June 2026
• No meeting in July 2026

Are there any other important considerations?

The observer may choose to end their participation in the program at any time during the 12 months.

We’ll check in with the observer if they fail to attend meetings or don’t comply with the confidentiality, conflict of interest or Code of Conduct requirements. Where appropriate we may end the program early.

Scholarship payments will stop if the program ends early.

Application process

Expressions of interest will close Sunday 18 May 2025.

If you’re interested, submit an application letter that describes why you would be suitable for the scholarship, attach your resume and send it to people.wellbeing@wannonwater.com.au.

Where can I get further information?

Please contact Andrew Jeffers during business hours on 1300 926 666 or via email andrew.jeffers@wannonwater.com.au.

The Observership Program

What’s the role?

We are looking for the next generation of leaders in the region to build governance leadership capabilities in South West Victoria.

Wannon Water, South West TAFE, South West Healthcare, United Way Glenelg, Brophy Family and Youth Services and Western Victoria Primary Health Network have partnered with The Observership Program to offer a unique opportunity to gain unprecedented access and experience to the inner workings of a governance body for 12 months – while receiving training from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Ethics Centre.

View The Observership FAQ for more details.

To apply, you need to:

• Be based in South West Victoria
• Be aged between 25 and 45 years old.
• Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Have either no prior board experience or little or no formal governance training.
• Have a passion for the NFP sector and want to make a valuable contribution to south west regional communities while learning about board governance.
• Have capacity and support to attend all board meetings and 10+ training sessions.

Application process

Apply directly via The Observership Program website in July 2025 for the 2026 intake.

You’ll need to upload a current CV. There’s a $50 administration fee as part of the application.

If you are shortlisted, you’ll need to:

• Undertake an interview with The Observership Program during September 2025.
• Undertake an interview with the participating boards between 1 October and 22 December 2025. 

Questions?

Refer to The Observership Program’s website and FAQs for further information.