Beraca Bope
Capital Delivery Office – UV Project
Beraca was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, the most populous city in his home country, with more than five-and-a-half million people. Studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pretoria, Beraca heard about the TasWater Graduate Program via Seek.com. “The interesting variety of projects taken on by TasWater was what interested me, and I have enjoyed the very warm and welcoming feeling being here,” Beraca said.
“There is such rich knowledge, experience, and such varied project delivery. The projects and site locations allow me to travel across the entire Tasmanian state.” Outside of work hours Beraca enjoys watching sports and playing musical instruments. “I play piano, and my favourite sport is rugby. I do not play rugby anymore, but I love to watch rugby,” he added.
Eliot Sotiriou
Sustainable Infrastructure Services
Having grown up in Brunswick, Melbourne, Eliot comes to us after completing a Civil Engineering Degree with Honours in 2023. This was done through Deakin University, mostly via distance due to COVID. The opportunity to apply to TasWater came to his attention through the Elevation Careers Expo run annually by Engineers Australia.
Eliot said “I enjoyed my water-focused units throughout university, and wanted to gain experience in the water industry where I could develop my skills and knowledge while helping deliver an essential service to the community. TasWater is a friendly and rewarding place to work, with a lot of opportunity.” A few of his favourite activities are mountain-biking, kite surfing, hiking, and spending time with his young family and dog Millie.
Caitlin Johns
Capital Delivery Office – Finance
Catlin grew up on a farm in beautiful Wilmot in NW Tasmania. “I graduated in 2022 with a major in economics and a minor in management,” Caitlin said. “I started studying in Launceston however COVID started when I was in my first month of university and everything changed to studying online and working part time as well after the lockdowns were lifted.
“I saw the graduate program advertised on Seek in 2023 and I was attracted to TasWater because I want to help improve Tasmania in any way possible.” Hobbies she enjoys include archery, and she is preparing to get her firearms licence to begin target shooting. Other passions are travelling, concerts, and watching Formula 1 and MotoGP racing.
Lachlan Randall
People, Culture and Safety
Lachlan was born and grew up in Brisbane, moving to Hobart to start work at TasWater after completing a law degree from Queensland University of Technology. “I was researching interstate graduate programs and one of my friends in Hobart recommended I look into TasWater,” Lachlan said.
“I have always had a keen interest in doing work that is both interesting and that I can feel good about. TasWater providing such an important service to the people of Tasmania aligns with my values. I love the work I do, contributing to something bigger than myself. TasWater has exceeded my expectations, everyone has been so kind and welcoming.”
Lachlan enjoys getting out and about in nature, playing golf, bushwalking, reading, listening to music, and learning new songs on guitar.
Peihan Li
Sustainable Infrastructure Services
Pei was born and raised in China, before moving to Tasmania and majoring in Data Science at UTAS in Hobart. He said, “A friend of mine is currently working for TasWater, and she told me about the Graduate Program. I chose TasWater because I see this as an opportunity not just for a job, but to make a real impact on my local community. The two-year program allows me to gain hands-on technical experience and apply my university knowledge."
“My experience at TasWater couldn't be better, learning something new every day, and my colleagues in the team make me feel what the real definition of a team is. They are always enthusiastic and helpful, as I adapt to the work as soon as possible,” he said. Pei loves working out at the gym to reduce stress, as well as travelling, exploring, and good restaurants.
Jacob Bishop
Capital Delivery Office – Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan [TERHAP]
Jacob was born in Launceston, where he continues to live and work, currently on the TERHAP project. He studied at Monash University in Melbourne, living there for four years, with one year studying online from Tasmania during 2020. Jacob said, “I studied a double degree. My first degree was a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialising in Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering. My second degree was a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Genetics and minoring in Astrophysics.
“I had always wanted to start my career in a position with a structured learning and development process, and the video interviews with last year’s TasWater Grads told me this was a really well thought out and structured program.”
Jacob loves travelling whenever he gets the chance, kickboxing or running for exercise, gaming with friends, and spending time with family.
Rishini Dias
Capital Delivery Office – Finance
Rishini was born and raised in Sri Lank, a beautiful island similar in size to Tasmania. She graduated with a Bachelor double major in Accounting and Finance from UTAS. “I came across the TasWater Graduate Program through a LinkedIn post, and a friend who was doing a placement with TasWater at the time encouraged me to apply. I heard great things about the working culture at TasWater, and the graduate program's rotational structure appealed to me,” Rishini said.
“My first impressions of TasWater are incredibly positive. It is evident that TasWater genuinely cares about its employee’s well-being and invests in their development. Without a doubt, the best thing about TasWater is its people.” Outside of study and work, Rishini enjoys being active in the community, particularly through the Hive Collective, a community group that empowers women through connection and collaboration. She also cherishes spending time with loved ones and her dogs.
Neil Law
Operational Support and Improvement
Born and growing up in Hobart, Neil studied at UTAS with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Neil said, “I did a Summer Placement in the Data and Analytics team in 2021/22 and I liked the culture and people here, so the TasWater Grad Program was an easy choice. “I applied after I saw it advertised on GradConnection, the orientation week was fun, and everyone in the OSI have been really helpful, bringing me up to speed on projects.
“I’ve found everyone I’ve interacted with across all facets of the business are nice and willing to help or give advice when needed. Going out to site and see how things work has been a nice change up from being stuck in a classroom at Uni.”
In his spare time Neil likes to go bushwalking, travelling, or just spend time with mates.
Lachlan Marion
Capital Delivery Office – Macquarie Point
Born in Karratha, WA, Lachie grew up there before moving to Esperance for a couple of years, then to Tasmania for the past 6 years. Completing an Electrical Engineering Degree at UTAS, he learned about our Graduate Program while doing a Summer Placement at TasWater. “I chose TasWater because I enjoyed the work environment from my time working at Bryn Estyn WTP. It is a supportive environment where everyone is open to lending an extra hand to explain things.
“My experiences so far have included getting to be a part of the delivery process of the Bryn Estyn project and getting to assist with the design and procurement process of Selfs Point. The best thing about TasWater is being able to do something that helps support Tasmania,” Lachie said. His passions outside of work and study are hiking, traveling, gaming, and going to the beach.
Kai Feng
Capital Delivery Office – Project Execution
Born and growing up in northern China, Kai then lived in Queensland for six years. After obtaining a diploma from Griffith University, he then completed a degree in Civil Engineering at UTAS, where he is now undertaking Honours. “Some of my classmates at the University of Tasmania told me about the TasWater Graduate Program and I submitted my application through Uconnect at UTAS. I was already a fan of the TasWater YouTube Channel,” Kai said.
“Some of my professors mentioned TasWater as one of the largest companies in water treatment. I was attracted by the excellent reputation. The graduate program is excellent, providing an opportunity to gain insights into engineering processes.
“The best thing about TasWater is that it provides a great platform for students to transition into the workforce. Everyone is patient and makes you feel very welcome.” Outside of studies and work Kai enjoys hiking and travelling.
William Golding
Capital Delivery Office – Mac Point
Will was born in Hobart and has lived in South Hobart his whole life, studying Civil Engineering at UTAS, completing his degree in 2022. Will said, “I heard about the Grad Program from some I know who was one of last year’s participants. They said it was a good place to work. I was interested because of the variety of opportunities offered with the eight-month rotations. This is ideal while I learn where I want to go with engineering.
“I am working on the Selfs Point STP upgrade. I have spent most of my time in the office and visited the Selfs Point site a couple of times. So far I have filled out various reports and spreadsheets, arranged quotes, and organised contractors for subbase testing.” Will loves travelling, and last year went away for 10 months, visiting Asia and Europe.