Coliban Water awards women in STEM scholarship
Coliban Water has awarded a Women in STEM Scholarship valued at up to $20,000 to Bendigo local and first year La Trobe University civil engineering student, Sarah Rogers.
The scholarship, designed to support young women pursuing a career in engineering and technology, will provide much-needed financial assistance and real-life industry mentorship and networking opportunities.
Chief Officer Assets and Operations at Coliban Water, Danny McLean, said the scholarship will fund full-time undergraduate studies for up to four years and open career pathways locally.
“We are proud to help drive diversity and equality within the water industry and to help rising stars like Sarah turn an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into an exciting, long-term career.
“Our scholarship was launched based on the recognition our business will benefit from an increase in the participation of women. The different perspectives women bring, particularly in engineering, improve our service delivery and lead to better outcomes for our customers.
“If we can nurture and develop a broad and diverse next generation of water and sewage treatment experts in our own backyard, that’s a great result for customers across the Coliban Water region,” Mr McLean said.
For recipient, Sarah Rogers, the road to an engineering career was forged early with a love of problem solving.
“I was fortunate during high school to be involved in a range of programs and science and engineering competitions that fostered my interest in STEM studies. I worked with a group that converted an old Range Rover into an electric vehicle, while other opportunities to attend conferences and workplace tours proved engineering would be the right career direction for me,” Ms Rogers said.
Sarah said the scholarship will greatly assist her during her studies in the coming years, helping with the cost of her day-to-day living expenses.
“Coliban Water is taking the weight of educational expenses off my shoulders. They’re also providing an opportunity to kick-start my engagement with a potential employer in Central Victoria in an industry associated with my chosen career path.
“It’s hugely encouraging to know that such a highly regarded local organisation believes in me and wants to support my journey to become a civil engineer.”
Mr McLean said Coliban Water is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.
“It’s clear to us there is great value in diversity. We're a stronger and more capable organisation thanks to the breadth and experience of our current team.
“And with an ambitious program of infrastructure upgrades and improvements scheduled for the coming years, it’s important we can continue to develop a team with diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This will ensure we deliver solutions and services for our customers that are smarter, more innovative, more sustainable, energy efficient, and ready to meet the needs of our growing community,” Mr McLean said.
Additional information about career pathways and opportunities at Coliban Water is available at www.coliban.com.au.
L to R: Damian Wells, Coliban Water Managing Director; Sarah Rogers, Scholarship Recipient; Rachel Mason, La Trobe University Senior Development Manager; Zoe Czempinski, Technical Specialist Engineer Coliban Water; Pat Egan, Senior People and Capability Business Partner Coliban Water.
Last updated on 23 May 2025