| Workforce development


that there are better career opportunities and higher salaries in other energy sectors. Gray says that in light of the current climate crisis


the sector needs to grow, and she hopes industry, government and civil society can work together to encourage more people to work within it. Explaining that she only accidentally ‘stumbled’ across the sector when applying for an environmental engineering job, at a local utility that was 90% hydropower, Gray wants others to know what a great place hydropower is to work in. She hopes they’ll find it on purpose instead of stumbling upon it as she and many of her peers have done.


Longevity Retaining workers doesn’t seem to be a problem for


Entura in Australia. The company recently realised that 40 of its employees have worked there for 20 years or more – amassing over 1000 years of experience. Technical Director for Water Richard Herweynen says he has been a part of what he calls the “Entura family” for over 35 years, adding the company has become a major part of his life and identity, and is grateful for its support of his career and continuous learning and development. Commercial Services Officer Kel Parker joined as soon as she left school in 1990 and has witnessed significant changes in organisational structure, technology, the roles and proportion of women in the business, and different ways of working. Throughout this all she says her pride in working for Entura has not wavered. Originally thinking he’d stay for only two years, Senior Mechanical Engineer Karun DoddajatakaThammaiah, has now reached his 20-year anniversary. He said he never thought of moving as Entura provides a range of challenging and diverse projects with a great work-life balance. Paul Southcott, Senior Principal for Dams and Headworks, is celebrating 25 years at Entura and during that time has lots of memories of fun social activities, lunchtime walks and chats, helping younger colleagues learn and grow, plus working on very interesting projects locally, nationally and internationally. Entura’s Managing Director, Dr Amanda Ashworth, has also celebrated a 25th anniversary at the company. “The fact that we work with people who have chosen to dedicate such significant amounts of their working lives to our business is an incredible testament to our supportive workplace culture, our professionalism, and the contribution our projects make to a more sustainable future,” she says. However, one worker surpasses all of the above


achievements. Michael Wallis joined the company (Hydro Tasmania, Hydro Tasmania Consulting and


www.waterpowermagazine.com | May 2025 | 17


then Entura) in February 1965 - and hasn’t left since. Wallis has worked on water infrastructure projects


throughout Tasmania, mainland Australia and overseas, and amassed six decades of professional expertise in civil engineering and hydraulics. He has relished working with young people and generously given his time as an inspiring mentor for many students. His advice to students and younger colleagues is to study hard and to achieve your goals. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something,” he adds. “If you are trying to solve a problem and having trouble, then it is better to ask.” Despite thinking about retiring decades ago, Mike continues to work part-time with Entura because he likes the work and people. If he didn’t, he says, he wouldn’t still be there.


Ripple effect and women in hydro Representation at senior levels gives a good indication


to other women that there’s a place for them, and this can be quite influential in whether women can see a long-term future in such a workplace. When addressing the role of women in hydropower, Helen Barbour-Bourne, GHD’s national hydropower sector lead, says it’s not just about attracting women to the sector, it’s also about retaining them – particularly women with family obligations. Women must have the support and flexibility they need to stay and progress in their careers, she says. Marvelling at seeing more women taking up leadership roles in the hydropower industry, Barbour- Bourne says it is still important to keep examining any barriers to female participation, especially if initiatives to increase this fail to meet their targets.


Above, from left to right:


Richard Herweynen is Entura’s Technical Director for Water


Kel Parker joined Entura after leaving school in 1990.


Karunakara Doddajataka Thammaiah


Paul Southcott has worked for Entura for 25 years


Michael Wallis at his 60th anniversary ceremony at Entura


Below: Attracting younger workers to the hydropower industry is a struggle across many countries worldwide


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