One of Coliban Water’s most knowledgeable and respected employees retires this week after more than four decades of service.
John Wright started at the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission in 1980 and is currently Networks Manager for Lendlease Services, Coliban Water’s business partner for its networks and plant operations.
Executive General Manager Service Delivery Danny McLean said John is the go-to person for issues in the network.
“John’s knowledge of the water industry is vast, spanning a career over four decades, he brings background, history and data to every incident or issue,” Mr McLean said.
His colleagues at both Lendlease and Coliban Water said his teamwork and kindness under all situations makes him well respected personally and professionally.
“It’s just been a fantastic opportunity to learn from someone with such profound knowledge and to use him as a sounding board when we’re problem solving, and really just a great professional to have by my side,” Acting Service Delivery Manager, Lendlease, Elizabeth Christian said.
John regards his ability to help the future generations of the water industry in high regard.
“There have been quite a few graduates I’ve helped along the way and now they’re managing various departments or having success interstate. I take great pride in that,” Mr Wright said.
“Where we are at the moment is a great foundation for the next generation of people, now that I’m moving on, to build on what we’ve already got, I know I can step back knowing I made a difference.
“Changes in technology, especially communications and GIS mapping, have made a difference to how network teams operate and respond to issues, like burst water mains,” he said.
“When you were on-call after hours, customer calls to report issues would be diverted to your home phone. If I was out on a job my wife would answer and take down the details for the next job. There was no GIS mapping at that time so we would work from a large book of network plans.
“We are more customer focussed now and have response times so customers aren’t without water for long periods of time.
“There’s also a much bigger focus on safety and systems now, whereas there were times we just had to muddle our way through and make the best with what we had,” he said.
Coliban Water Managing Director Damian Wells said John’s passion and knowledge will be missed.
“John is a legend of the water sector, he knows just about where every pipe and every water asset is in our region, it’s an encyclopedic knowledge and he’s leaving enormous boots to fill,” Mr Wells said.