General News
3 October, 2025
Grace impresses in Malaysia
WARRNAMBOOL’S Grace Davey has brought home two awards from the recent BPW (Business and Professional Women) Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Malaysia.
Grace, who works at Wannon Water, attended the three-day conference which followed the theme of ‘Democracy, Dialogue, Direction.’
The conference brought together over 200 women from 28 countries, all focused on shaping a more inclusive and forward-thinking future.
Grace was announced the winner in two categories, which recognised her STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills and her efforts to empower young women.
The first was the BPW Asia Pacific Women Science and Technology Award, recognising her contribution to the science and technology sector.
The second award, the BPW Asia Pacific Young Members Creative Challenge Award, recognised her creativity in expressing how BPW empowers young women in their communities.
BPW South West president Mel Curtis said Grace was a positive example of the values that BPW South West promotes.
“We are enormously proud of Grace for the way she uses her skills and experiences for the betterment of young women in the south west region,” Ms Curtis said.
Wannon Water managing director, Steve Waterhouse said Grace’s achievements recognise her outstanding technical expertise and genuine passion for our community.
“Through her work at Wannon Water, Grace is helping shape the future of essential water and sewerage services in our region, while inspiring the next generation of young women to see what’s possible in STEM,” Mr Waterhouse said.
Recalling moments from her overseas trip, Grace said one story that stood out during the experience came from a fellow attendee.
“Despite women making up 56 per cent of university graduates, only 14 per cent of women over 15 are part of the workforce,” Grace said.
“It was a reminder of how different the barriers can be globally, and how fortunate we are in Australia to have access to education, career pathways, and the freedom to choose our own direction."
