Stephen Bastian

Manager Planning and Design - Country Water

Graduated in:

2005

Course completed:

Bachelor of Technology majoring in civil engineering

Currently working for:

Country Water

How long have you been working for this organisation?

25 years

Position title and short job description:

Manager Planning and Design. Responsible for current and strategic planning for water assets for the water supply of Broken Hill, Menindee, Sunset Strip and Silverton.

Working highlight so far:

Being responsible for Broken Hill's water supply from 2000 - 2010 which included the longest drought recorded. Also being part of the project team from concept to completion the building of a new 34ML/d water treatment plant for Broken Hill.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

The people I work with and seeing the 'fruits of your labour' when you encounter an engineering challenge and solve it.

An area in which you have needed assistance:

Being in an isolated community we need to be very self sufficient so I am always interested in reading about other people solution of problems in the water industry.

What do you intend to do in the future?

I may do a Masters if I have the time and I intend to stay in the water industry as I find it has unique challenges in Australia, especially in arid regions.

#1 tip for current students studying your course:

Keep at it. I know it sounds very simplistic but keep on handing in those assignments and doing those exams and the rewards are definitely worth it in the long run. It's never too late to do it, I started when I was 42 and graduated when I was 49.