Congratulations to Elizabeth (Lizzie) O’Chin from Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council who was recently awarded a qldwater Scholarship, through the Queensland Water Regional Communities Innovations Program (QWRCIP) to cover her costs of attending the 45th WIOA QLD Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition in Toowoomba (which included a visit to Toowoomba Regional Council’s Pechey Water Treatment Plant)
Lizzie recently shared some of her story so far in a blog for Queensland Water:
“I started working for Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council in 2017 as a Trainee Receptionist. I had been with CASC for just over 3 years when other positions were becoming vacant within council. I thought this was my chance to progress further in my career, and I am now an Assistant to CASC’s Operations Manager (Civil Engineer) – Darren Lonergan.
“In my time as an assistant, I have seen the issues our council faces with maintaining our water and sewage treatment plants. I attempted to assist our Water Operators in any way that I could, starting with basic administration tasks and data entry. On occasions I go out with our operators to the testing sites and observe, and I have also completed various training courses and attend meetings with Qld Health, Contractors etc.”
“I enjoy helping the team and started asking about how I can become a water operator”
Council strongly supports further education which has led to Lizzie starting a Certificate III in Water Industry Operations. (The first block training will be in Cairns in August this year)
Lizzie says when she heard she had received a scholarship to attend the 45th WIOA Qld Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition, she was nervous but excited for the opportunity to get an insight into the Water Industry.
“I would like to show my appreciation to Queensland Water, Toowoomba Regional Council and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council for allowing me these opportunities and look forward to being more involved in the Water Industry in the future”.
We are very proud of you Lizzie and your determination to make a difference!