Diversity, equity and inclusion

We care, we connect, we respect 

We aim to be as diverse as the community we serve. We're committed to building a safe, inclusive environment for all 3,500 of our people and the organisations who work with us. At Sydney Water, you have a right to be free to be your true self, feel supported, and know that you belong.

We can't share everything about our workplace ecosystem on a single page. Get the whole story from our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Plan 2023–2026 accessible version or full version.

First Nations inclusion

Cultural diversity inclusion

Disability and neurodiversity inclusion

Gender inclusion

LGBTQI+ inclusion

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A workplace where everyone is valued

Creating a better life with world class water services is better achieved together. We understand the many benefits of having a diverse workplace, focusing on equity and inclusion to enable people, networks and communities to thrive. We believe that for our cities to thrive, our people need to thrive first.

What we do to prove it

  • Promote cultural safety – equity, inclusion and belonging is everyone's business
  • Foster a sense of community where our people are respected, are connected and belong
  • Advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion so our people can contribute, feel valued and thrive
  • Embrace difference and a culture that is free from any form of discrimination or harassment
  • Continuously improve diversity representation to enable better outcomes for the community

Our workplace operates as an ecosystem that supports you to express yourself, broaden the horizons of others, be enriched by the unique experience of your colleagues, and help drive positive change. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion make us better.

Employees collaborating at our Potts Hill office.

First Nations inclusion

We value the meaningful, respectful relationships we have with First Nations employees, communities and stakeholders. We work alongside communities on projects like cool burns and revegetation works that align with Care for Country principles.

Reconciliation at Sydney Water

Reconciliation Australia has recently endorsed our second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP is our roadmap to reconciliation. 

Aboriginal Procurement Participation Plan

Our Aboriginal Procurement Participation Plan supports opportunities for First Nations businesses to work directly with us by becoming registered suppliers.

Career pathways

There are several pathways to a meaningful career at Sydney Water, including traineeships, internships and our Graduate program. First Nations peoples are welcome to join our talent community. We strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates.

First Nations Employee Network

We established our First Nations Employee Network in April 2022. It provides a forum to connect First Nations employees from across all areas of the business. The network helps to increase awareness, improve relationships, and discuss challenges and opportunities.

Smoking Ceremony at a First Nations employee networking event.

Cultural diversity inclusion

We're proud of the cultural diversity at Sydney Water. We enjoy the diversity of thought, skills, cultures and experiences that it brings. Our holistic approach enables us to ensure that our multicultural dimension also considers the multiracial, multifaith and multilingual aspects that define cultural identity.

Celebration of culturally significant days and dates 

We embrace celebration, and hold meaningful events for Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali and other significant days. It's how we acknowledge and share the benefits of the rich cultural diversity in our organisation. 

Employees perform traditional dance celebrating Diwali.

Disability and neurodiversity inclusion

We're committed to hiring people with disability and neurodiverse thinkers. 

Sydney Water Neurodiversity Week

This week-long event raises awareness and provides insights into the benefits that neurodivergent individuals bring to our organisation. We also need to highlight the practical challenges they face every day. We had our first annual Neurodiversity Week in 2022. 

We continue to recognise days of significance that focus on disability and neurodiversity.

Disability and Neurodiversity Network

We launched our network in November 2023 when we announced our partnership with WaterAble. WaterAble connects people with disability or who are neurodivergent across the water industry. It aims to improve inclusion for employees and customers. We join the list of official WaterAble partners.

Accessibility for all.

Gender inclusion

We understand that gender is not binary. However, female participation in the water industry has always been a challenge. We focus on decreasing the gender pay gap and strengthening women's representation in leadership and STEM roles.

Women of Water Network

The Women of Water (WoW) Network exists to provide opportunities for women and their allies. It's a forum to come together to connect, collaborate, and broaden peer networks. 

Participation in significant events

We deliver initiatives through significant days, such as Women in Engineering and International Women's Day.

Operational employees at Malabar Water Resource Recovery Facility.

LGBTQI+ inclusion

We aim to be nothing but welcoming, and we're a proud member of the Welcome Here Project. Welcome Here is an initiative that supports welcoming, safe and inclusive businesses and services.

Sydney Water's Pride Network

The Pride Network is a voice for LGBTQI+ inclusion at Sydney Water. It provides input and insight for policies, procedures and frameworks through a rainbow lens.

Supporting the LGBTQI+ community

The Pride Network facilitated and led our involvement in WorldPride. We were the water partner for WorldPride in 2023. We also provide free water stations for Mardi Gras Fair Day to keep the community hydrated.

Australian Workplace Equality Index

In 2022, we participated for the first time in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) and the AWEI Employee Survey. The AWEI is a definitive national benchmark of LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion. We're using insights we’ve gained from the survey results to take action to progress with LGBTQI+ inclusion.

Employees celebrating a Pride event.

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