East Gippsland Water is increasing awareness of its community support activities following feedback from its annual customer satisfaction survey.
While customers continue to express satisfaction with service delivery, feedback indicated many people would like greater visibility of the organisation’s broader contribution to the community.
East Gippsland Water general manager customer, community and communications David Radford said the organisation was committed to supporting strong, connected and resilient communities across the region.
“Our customers know us as a provider of essential services, but many are surprised by the breadth of support we provide to community organisations and local initiatives across East Gippsland,” Mr Radford said.
“Feedback from our customer satisfaction survey indicated people would like to know more about how we’re contributing to the communities we serve, so we’re increasing awareness of these programs and expanding opportunities for face-to-face engagement with customers.”
As part of this approach, East Gippsland Water has increased its presence at local markets and community events through its Customer Connect sessions, providing residents with convenient opportunities to meet staff, ask questions and discuss water-related matters closer to home.
The organisation also participates in a range of community events throughout the year, including the annual Christmas Street Parade, helping strengthen connections with the communities it serves.
East Gippsland Water has assisted 630 not-for-profit customers in applying for the Victorian Government’s Water and Sewerage Rebate Scheme, allowing eligible organisations to receive up to $260 per property each year off the service charge component of their water bill.
In addition, 36 organisations receive a one-off annual rebate equivalent to 25 per cent of their water and sewer charges, recognising the important contribution they make to communities across East Gippsland.
“Our rebate programs help community organisations direct more of their resources towards supporting local people and delivering important services,” Mr Radford said.
Through its Community Support Program, East Gippsland Water also provided $26,000 in sponsorship funding during the 2025-26 financial year, supporting a diverse range of local initiatives, events and community activities across the region.
Over the years, the organisation has supported projects and events in communities including Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Orbost, Mallacoota, Buchan and Swifts Creek.
East Gippsland Water also provides in-kind support to community events through the free hire of portable drinking stations, ensuring attendees have access to free drinking water while helping reduce single-use plastic waste.
Since 2024, the organisation has supported Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House through quarterly water bill rebates and employee volunteering during Neighbourhood House Week.
Last year, East Gippsland Water donated four semi-trailer loads of hay from its farms through feed donation programs to assist farmers affected by challenging seasonal conditions. The initiative provided practical support while demonstrating the benefits of recycled water and the circular economy.
“We’re proud of the many ways we’re able to support our community, whether it’s assisting community groups with their water bills, sponsoring local events, providing practical support during difficult times or meeting customers face-to-face at local markets and events,” Mr Radford said.
“These programs are an important part of our commitment to the region and help strengthen the organisations and communities that make East Gippsland such a great place to live.”
