Creating employment pathways for locals
As Western Australia’s main water supplier, our teams are based far and wide across the state – like in the beautiful country in Kununurra.
Our Operations Manager at the Kununurra depot, Gavin Thomson is an enthusiastic member of the local community.
In his role, Gavin wears many hats – from leading the East Kimberley Team to working closely with the Clontarf Foundation - an organisation we have been proud to partner with since 2008.
“Clontarf events are a great way for us to build relationships with the boys,” Gavin explained.
“It means when we advertise or a training role or a normal civil role, we already have a bit of a relationship with some of the boys, making it a lot easier for us to be able to support them.”
“It’s important our people feel connected and supported, not just to each other, but also to our customers in the community. We’re happy to partner with organisations like Clontarf and bring career opportunities to the regions.”
After recently graduating from the program, Miriuwung Gajerrong man Latrell Currie went from Clontarf student to trainee Civil Operator at our Kununurra depot.
Latrell still remembers Gavin presenting him with an award at Clontarf Kimberley College where he attended.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work on Country and learn about different areas of the business like working between water, wastewater and dam safety,” Latrell said.
“I hope to stay with Water Corporation when I finish my traineeship and try different roles in the business.”
Gavin Thomson, Latrell Currie and Josh Davies out in the country.
Wanji man and Civil Operator, Josh Davies also participated in the Clontarf program, and has experienced firsthand the benefits it offers – like helping young men find jobs after they finish school.
Josh traded the mines for Water Corporation after seeing the benefits of a secure salary, career development, and being locally based.
“This partnership supports students like Latrell to apply for a role they may not have had the opportunity to do so,” Josh said.
“For me, it was important to find a stable job that was close to home and with a good income.
“It’s good to have more family time and relax a bit more at home.
“Being in the regions, it’s less full on. We work with customers that we see at the shops and have a good relationship with people in town.”
Gavin said that having local Aboriginal employees as part of the team is a major benefit for the organisation as they bring a wealth of cultural knowledge with them to work.
“For Aboriginal employees to be able to work on their own Country and for a big organisation like Water Corporation, it gives them a fantastic opportunity to job sustainability,” he said.
“We’re in one of the most remote areas in the business, and employment in these regions can often be difficult.
“Having a job with us in these areas could mean their career is set for life, if they want it to be."
Stay connected
If you're ready to thrive as you shape WA's water future, sign up to stay connected and updated about new career opportunities.