Breaking the glass ceiling and championing diversity

One woman from a Victorian utility is challenging norms, driving innovation and championing diversity in the Australian water industry.

Entering male-dominated sectors frequently demands resilience, yet for Pam Kerry, the Technical Director of Science at South East Water, the hurdle lies equally in collaboration and leadership. The water industry is more than pipes and treatment plants – it’s an ecosystem where science, collaboration and innovation converge to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges.

With a career that started in mining and agriculture, Kerry’s journey into urban water management has been defined by a focus on practical applications of science, blending environmental stewardship with the realities of urban infrastructure.

“I was excited by the opportunity to apply practical science in urban and rural water management,” Kerry said.

Her initial efforts in restoring land that had previously been a mine site highlighted the vital importance of water in supporting ecosystems and communities. This experience guided her to South East Water, where she has dedicated years to converting scientific knowledge into tangible benefits for the community and environment.

Shaping the future

Kerry’s role is not only about solving today’s problems but also about building a culture of technical excellence. As Technical Director of Science, her mission is to foster South East Water’s science capability and create clear career pathways for technical specialists.

“Traditionally, career progression leaned heavily toward people leadership roles, leaving limited opportunities for technical specialists,” Kerry said. “We need both.”

This focus on technical leadership has led Kerry to spearhead several high-profile initiatives. One of her most significant projects is South East Water’s response to PFAS contamination, an emerging environmental challenge with far-reaching implications. She leads the organisation’s risk management approach, coordinating internal and external efforts to ensure readiness for future risks.

“It’s about aligning efforts across the organisation and learning from this to inform our approach to other emerging risks,” Kerry said.

Beyond risk management, Kerry is also enabling advancements in data science and analytics. With water utilities generating more data than ever, she believes there is immense potential to use these insights to optimise operations and solve problems more efficiently.

“Leveraging the value of our data assets allows us to improve our processes and deliver better outcomes,” she said.

Leading by example

Kerry is not only a leader in science but also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the water industry. Throughout her years in the field, she has seen incredible strides forward, thanks to initiatives like the Gender Equity Action Plan (GEAP) that have brought about real change. Yet she believes that simply relying on metrics isn’t enough.

“It’s about how people interact and support one another every day,” said Kerry.

For Kerry, diversity also means diversity of thought – a principle she sees as crucial for tackling the complex challenges of water management.

“Sometimes, people who think differently struggle to fit in, but there’s growing evidence that this kind of diversity adds value,” she said.

Her focus is on creating environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed and collaborative problem-solving is the norm.

Industry events and storytelling are central to this mission. Kerry believes that showcasing diverse role models and sharing personal stories can inspire others to pursue careers in water. Essentially, the message is that you cannot be what you cannot see.

Recognition and authenticity in championing diversity

Kerry’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, she was highly commended in the Water Professional of the Year category at the AWA Victoria Awards. While the recognition was humbling, it also provided an opportunity to reflect on broader conversations about authenticity and self-doubt in professional spaces.

“It’s wonderful to be recognised, but it also leads to discussions about being yourself in professional settings,” Kerry said.

She shared how the experience sparked dialogues about imposter syndrome and the challenges of embracing individuality. For Kerry, authenticity is about acknowledging awkwardness but doing it anyway.

She considers these discussions essential for creating a workplace culture in which people feel empowered to contribute their unique strengths.

“Being recognised is lovely, but it’s also a reminder of the team effort behind every success,” she said.

Charting a sustainable future

Looking ahead, Kerry is focused on embedding technical leadership as a core value at South East Water. She believes this will not only attract and retain top talent but also ensure the organisation is equipped to meet future challenges.

“I want people to be excited by science and its practical applications,” she said.

Sustainability is another key priority. Kerry is particularly passionate about integrated water management, which considers water’s interconnected role in urban systems. She sees opportunities to align resources like recycled water with broader environmental goals, such as urban cooling and climate adaptation.

“It’s about celebrating every step of progress, even when the journey is slow,” she said.

Collaboration remains at the heart of her vision. Kerry highlighted South East Water’s work with other utilities on PFAS response initiatives as an example of the power of collective action.

“I love the willingness to work together to solve problems,” she said.

A new horizon

As the Australian water industry evolves, leaders like Pam Kerry champion an inspiring agenda combining innovation, diversity, and sustainability. Her remarkable efforts at South East Water show how science and teamwork can address today’s challenges while preparing us for future uncertainties.

Through her leadership, Kerry is not only setting a benchmark for technical excellence but also inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in water. The ripple effect of her contributions will undoubtedly shape the industry for years to come, fostering a future defined by inclusion, innovation, and resilience.

For more information, visit southeastwater.com.au