A significant GMW leadership change is underway, with Managing Director Charmaine Quick announcing her intention to step down at the conclusion of her contract on 31 July 2026. After seven-and-a-half years in the role, Quick said the timing of her departure was structured to ensure a stable transition both for staff and customers.
Quick said the decision followed months of planning with the board and executive team to minimise disruption.
“I have worked closely with the past and current board and the executive team over the past 12 months, to plan and manage my departure so there is plenty of time for a new Managing Director to settle in and prepare ahead of the next price submission,” she said.
She expressed gratitude for the support she received during her tenure.
“It has been an immense privilege to serve as Managing Director of GMW. I am deeply thankful to the Board for their guidance and to our dedicated staff for their commitment and passion,” she said.
Quick said she was proud of the organisation’s resilience and progress.
“I hope that my legacy will be one of collaboration, data-based decisions and positive change.”
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A period of transformation for GMW
Quick became GMW’s first female Managing Director and led the organisation through a period marked by structural reform, water-efficiency investments, and multiple disruptive external events. Her leadership supported customer pricing stability, the delivery of major projects, and responses to COVID-19, floods, earthquakes, and Commonwealth water recovery programs.
She said these collective achievements were the result of sustained collaboration.
“GMW is well-positioned to continue delivering water for a thriving northern Victoria and I look forward to seeing the organisation’s ongoing success.”
GMW Chair Justin Hanney acknowledged the scale of her contributions.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Charmaine for her outstanding service to GMW,” he said.
Hanney noted her significance as a sector leader.
“As our first female Managing Director, she has made history and set a powerful example for future leaders. Her vision, integrity and commitment will leave a lasting legacy.”
Former Chair Diane James AM echoed these sentiments, describing Quick’s tenure as a period of stability and transparency.
“Charmaine’s leadership throughout that time was marked by clarity and courage. She consistently put customers at the heart of every decision,” James said.
Next steps in the GMW leadership change
GMW will begin the formal search for a new Managing Director in the coming months, with Quick remaining in the role until July 2026 to ensure continuity and progress on ongoing initiatives. The organisation will continue delivering key projects and preparing for its next pricing submission during the transition period.
The leadership change marks a significant moment for GMW as it continues modernising operations and supporting northern Victoria’s water security, irrigation networks and customer services.