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Southern Rural Water's commitment to professional development: Empowers team members to grow and thrive through learning

Southern Rural Water emphasises continuous professional development, supporting team members like Sally Jones, Emma Lazzaro, and Elisa Hunter to complete significant studies while balancing work and personal commitments.

By news@gippsland - 9th October 2024 - Back to News

A commitment to continuous professional development is woven into the fabric of Southern Rural Water - helping our people to grow and thrive. Team members Sally Jones, Emma Lazzaro, and Elisa Hunter recently completed significant study courses, while balancing work and personal commitments.

Southern Rural Water fosters professional growth, with team members completing significant studies while balancing work and personal commitments through a supportive, flexible workplace culture

Fostering development

Elisa Hunter, our General Manager Strategy, People and Culture, highlighted how learning and growth are supported within our workplace culture. "We use the 70:20:10 learning model, where 70 percent of development happens on the job through real experience, 20 percent through interactions with colleagues, manager and other mentors, and 10 percent through formal study. This encourages our people to expand their capabilities in their everyday roles, learn from each other, and the confidence to pursue their studies because they are supported," Elisa said.

For Sally Jones, a Learning and Development Advisor, the decision to study for a Bachelor of Business was sparked by a shift in career focus. "I'd spent 10 years as a skin therapist, but managing a salon ignited an interest in business management," Sally said.

Her passion for human resources led her to pursue a double major in human resources and marketing. Workplace flexibility at Southern Rural Water enabled her to balance her studies with work and family life. "I started through a university placement program and wasn't planning on staying - yet the support and part-time hours made it possible to complete my studies," Sally said.

Studies elevate strategies

Emma Lazzaro, who manages our social media presence, saw her studies as a way to elevate Southern Rural Water's digital strategy. "When I took over managing our social media in 2022, I wanted to create a more robust brand presence," Emma said.

Completing a diploma of social media marketing gave Emma the tools to develop targeted strategies and engaging content. Like Sally, Emma benefited from Southern Rural Water's flexibility. "With two young children and a six-hour workday, the support I received makes balancing everything much easier."

Elisa's learning journey involved completing an Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course. "It was identified in my development plan, and I was supported financially as well as having the flexibility to complete it," Elisa said. "The course took a lot of mental capacity and so I timed it with a less busy period; even so, support from my team during this time was greatly appreciated."

Studies boost careers

The knowledge she gained has already been put to use in her work with the work she does with the board, particularly in preparing for a key strategy session later this year. Likewise, Sally and Emma have found their studies have had a positive impact in their roles. For Sally, learning about the 70:20:10 model has been instrumental in shaping the organisation's approach to professional development and Emma has applied new social media strategies that have boosted audience engagement.

Their advice? Sally encourages others to align their studies with career goals and take advantage of organisational support. Emma believes studying while working can directly enhance workplace skills. Elisa's reflection is "take opportunities to stretch yourself. Getting outside your comfort zone is where you learn, so give it a go. Also finding things you're passionate about makes learning easier."

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
  Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
  Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide.
• East Gippsland CMA protects Gippsland Lakes seagrass meadows through targeted conservation and Aboriginal partnership initiatives
  The East Gippsland CMA, with Australian government funding, is protecting one hectare of Gippsland Lakes seagrass, restricting vessel access, collaborating with GLaWAC, and monitoring growth for ecosystem health.
• Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity.
• Victoria’s scenic drive from Gippsland Lakes to Wangaratta through picturesque towns and alpine landscapes
  Travel Victoria’s iconic Great Alpine Road, winding from Gippsland Lakes to Wangaratta through lush spring landscapes, vibrant towns, roaring rivers and perfect camping weather - an unforgettable journey for adventurous travellers.
• Darren Chester celebrates Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell Facility supporting education and regional workforce development
  Darren Chester welcomed Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell facility, celebrating its role in empowering students, supporting vocational education, and strengthening Gippsland’s workforce and regional communities.