Westernport Water welcomes new managing director
by Cecilia Harris
Victoria’s Westernport Water has appointed a new managing director, Dona Tantirimudalige, who will commence the role in September 2021, just in time to lead and influence the development of the utility’s next five-year price plan.
Prior to joining Westernport Water, Tantirimudalige was the General Manager of Distribution Services at Yarra Valley Water, and was responsible for managing water, recycled water and sewerage infrastructure to agreed levels of service and in accordance with environmental performance standards.
Tantirimudalige was responsible for long term asset management, the optimisation of existing infrastructure networks, and the maintenance and renewal of infrastructure.
Westernport Water Board Chair Phil Clark said Tantirimudalige will bring valued experience to the corporation.
“Dona has a wealth of leadership experience and a strong record of delivering customer-focused results in the Victorian water sector,” he said.
“Furthermore, Dona has made a significant contribution in the not-for-profit sector, where her strategic leadership, stakeholder management, financial management and governance skills have been demonstrated as a Board Chair and Director.
“We welcome Dona to Westernport Water and look forward to her commencement.”
Experience and expertise
Tantirimudalige holds a Masters in Public Policy and Management, a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil — Honours), and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
The new Managing Director also brings six years of board experience into the role and is the outgoing President of the Institute of Water Administrators.
Tantirimudalige’s appointment coincides with the upcoming departure of long-serving Managing Director Peter Quigley, who has held the role for almost six years.
Quigley leaves a strong legacy at Westernport Water, including improved operational performance, a strong focus on workplace health and safety, asset management, community engagement and employee engagement, Clark said.
“The board would like to thank outgoing Managing Director Peter Quigley for his significant contribution to our workplace and for the improvements in products and services that he has championed for our customers. We wish him the very best for the future,” he said.
