For more than 20 years, Victoria University and Greater Western Water have developed a strong and far-reaching partnership.
This encompasses research collaborations, scholarship programs, capstone projects and internship opportunities for VU students across a range of disciplines.
20 major collaborative research projects since 2001
5 filtered water fountains installed across VU campuses
5,100 trees planted at the Werribee Campus in 2022
Greater Western Water proudly serves one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. They provide drinking water, recycled water, sewerage and trade waste services to more than 550,000 residential customers and 46,000 business customers. Their service area covers 3,700 square kilometres, stretching from Melbourne’s CBD, inner and north-western suburbs through the Melton and Sunbury growth corridors to Bacchus Marsh and the Macedon Ranges.
They operate in Bunurong, Wurundjeri, Wadawurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country. The Maribyrnong and Werribee Rivers are the major waterways in their region and the source of some of the water they supply to customers.
Greater Western Water’s mission is to enhance community resilience and liveability through safe and efficient water services, delivering:
Both organisations’ goals are more aligned than ever, and our commitment for deeper collaboration is critical for the development of our region and beyond. Our shared purpose is to create value and impact for the diverse communities we serve, and to protect, heal, and care for Country.
Working together, we will achieve the following outcomes during the next phase of our partnership:
VU and Greater Western Water partner on education initiatives at all levels of study, from TAFE diplomas (VU Polytechnic), through to bachelor, masters and PhD degrees.
VU students can complete workplace learning with Greater Western Water in areas including administration, business, law, engineering, community development, science, event management, IT, cyber security and marketing.
The partnership also supports our Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) and Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) students’ final-year projects. These projects provide an excellent platform to bring an industry lens to help deliver an enriching learning experience by providing the opportunity for students to work on real-world problems from the water industry.
In 2021, VU and GWW installed five co-branded MeetPat Water Fountains across four campuses. The consumption of water in single-use plastic water bottles is an environmental blight across the planet. This collaboration aims to limit the use of single-use bottles across our campuses, and encourages staff and students to drink more Melbourne tap water, the cleanest drinking water in the world.
Greater Western Water and VU collaborate on a number of research projects in the areas of water treatment, sustainable water resource management and environmental sustainability, with a focus on improving the quality and sustainability of water processes for Melbourne’s western urban/rural region. Research outcomes will contribute to healthier environments and resources for local communities in the future.
Our research collaborations include investigation into:
Water research at VU in collaboration with Greater Western Water.
To find out more about this partnership, please contact:
Major Partnerships
Engagement & Advancement
Email: majorpartnerships@vu.edu.au
