Women in power: Career diversity and work life balance 

(L-R): Power and Water Corporation employees Tash Rammers, Djuna Pollard, Irene Shangarai and Natalie Cardwell.
(L-R): Power and Water Corporation employees Tash Rammers, Djuna Pollard, Irene Shangarai and Natalie Cardwell.

The Northern Territory’s Power and Water Corporation’s female employees say rewarding roles and a work life balance are key reasons they enjoy their jobs.

Hydrogeologist Tash Rammers looks after the borefields for major and minor centres in the Northern Territory. Her role sees her working across the Territory, developing, protecting and managing groundwater sources.

“One great aspect is the travel,” Ms Rammers said.

The mother-of-one said having a balance between family and work was a big plus.

“It’s really important to have work life balance especially with the commitment we have in our personal lives whether its bringing up a young family or playing high level sport,” she said.

Power and Water’s most senior female employee, acting executive general manager business services Djuna Pollard, agreed.

“Having worked with the corporation for more than 15 years I’ve had the opportunity to work in a number of areas from finance to economics and regulation to retail,” she said.

“Power and Water has a workplace culture where women are valued and supported, we have many talented female staff members across the Territory.”

Digital customer service consultant Natalie Cardwell responds to enquiries and information requests by digital media, creating business improvements to streamline customer transactions. She said she loves her job because no day is ever the same.

“Each day I am presented with new challenges and situations, which really help me to stay focused and interested,” she said.

“We have a very strong female presence in our leadership team, who are always available to mentor and support you to succeed in whatever role you are in.”

Irene Shangarai moved to Australia from Tanzania in 2002 to complete university studies in Perth. She relocated to Darwin and started at Power and Water in 2009. Ms Shangarai said the work life balance allows women to manage life, family and work as needs and roles change.

In her role as acting learning and development business partner, she has an understanding of the range of career pathways, and training options available to staff.

“Power and Water is a great employer with great career pathways including Apprenticeship and Graduate opportunities. Today’s women no longer limit themselves, and are following careers in different trades such as electrical, cable jointing and engineering,” she said.

“There are also career opportunities in areas such as finance, legal, customer service, HR and IT. There really is a job to suit everyone, no matter your skills and experience, or career goals.”

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