Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Yarra Valley Water’s General Manager People, Performance and Culture, Amy Singe has been named one of the top HR Executives in Australia by Human Resources Director (HRD) Magazine.
The HRD 2024 Hot List recognises executives who have elevated HRDs role in unique ways, shaping organisational success or stepping up to champion transformation.
Ms Singe was recognised for her innovative approach to remote working and her stellar contribution to gender equality in the workplace.
As a member of Yarra Valley Water’s senior leadership team, Ms Singe has led the organisation’s hybrid working strategy and stance on gender equality for nearly five
Years.
She said she was truly honoured and humbled to receive the award.
“Our profession has been through so many challenges and changes in recent years, it is a real privilege to be working at Yarra Valley Water and receive this award,” she said.
“A huge thanks to our dedicated and hard-working team for everything they do – this award belongs to them.”
Winners were selected after the HRD Australia team conducted a survey of the HR sector to find the most influential leaders who had contributed significantly to their profession over the previous 12 months.
As a passionate advocate of gender equality, Ms Singe said she was proud of the organisation’s efforts to narrow the gender pay gap.
“Whether we work in the office or remotely, there’s no doubt that our work life takes up a large part of our life, that’s why it’s really important to love and deeply believe in the work you do and to strive for excellence and to ensure our role has a real impact on the world around us,” she said.
“We are defaulting to pay transparency and have a Board and Executive team dedicated to
removing our gender pay gap, transparency is paramount, so we now clearly articulate what
we pay on all job ads and have a first and final pay offer process,” Ms Singe said.
“Our people team is one of the best I have ever worked with and is up for breaking boundaries
and trying new things to meet the evolving expectations of our diverse workforce.”
In July 2022, Yarra Valley Water launched its first Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP), which
recognises the barriers for women in the workplace and outlines a blueprint for breaking these
Down.
Yarra Valley Water has recently submitted a Gender Equality Progress Report, as part of its
obligations under the Gender Equality Act.
Ms Singe said it was great to see the positive inroads that have already been made.
“I am really proud of the results we’re seeing from our Gender Equality Progress Report,
highlighting where and how we’re making a real difference for our people.”
“We’ve expanded our parental leave policy to ensure equal access for all parents, removing
reference to primary and secondary carers and providing both parents access to 14 weeks of
paid parental leave as well as importantly no qualifying periods so you can join us and receive
these entitlements straight away,” she said.
Yarra Valley Water was also recognised for its Best Remote Work Strategy at the prestigious
2023 Australian HR awards.
Lisa Anelli, Acting Chief Financial Officer, emphasised the unique benefits of Yarra Valley
Water’s hybrid working strategy.
“As a senior leader, the flexibility of working from home is invaluable. Being able to leave the
office earlier and finishing my work from home has been really empowering,” said Ms Anelli.
“Having this level of flexibility has enhanced my work-life balance but also allows me to maximise productivity in a way that suits my schedule.”
“ It demonstrates Yarra Valley Water’s commitment to fostering a culture that values both professional excellence and individual well-being.”
