Empowering Coliban Water: A Workplace Strategy for the Future
Founded in the 19th century to supply water to the goldfields, Coliban Water has evolved into a vital regional provider, serving over 50 towns across 16,500 square kilometers. From its origins in the Coliban System of Water Works to its modern role in sustainable water management, its commitment to the community remains at the core of its operations. Now, as it looks ahead, Coliban Water is embarking on a workplace transformation designed to strengthen collaboration, enhance operational efficiency, and support its long-term vision.
Above: Coliban Water Exterior
Coliban Water engaged Venko as Principal Consultant to develop a comprehensive Workplace Strategy and supporting Business Case. The goal was to create a more cohesive and adaptable environment that aligned with best practices, fostered collaboration, and embodied the vision of “Coliban of the Future.” This strategic shift would ensure the physical workspace supported long-term business objectives while enhancing employee and customer experience.
Coliban Water’s Regional Footprint
Above: Map of Coliban Waters Regional Distribution Network
Venko’s Strategic Approach
Venko assembled a team of specialist consultants to conduct extensive research, assessments, and planning for the Workplace Strategy & Business Case:
- Venko – Principal Consultant – Workplace Strategy & Design
- Siscon Projects – Project Management – coordination & oversight & business case
- Bridge Building Surveyors & Consultants – Building Surveyor – Compliance & condition assessments
- TSA Riley Global – Cost planning & estimations
- Erbas – Building Services analysis
- BG&E – Structural engineering analysis
- JACX Property – Real estate analysis – market & relocation feasibility
Venko provided Coliban Water with a clear, actionable framework, guiding strategic decision-making through detailed assessments and stakeholder engagement. The process addressed building conditions, compliance constraints, workplace feasibility, spatial planning, and cost analysis, ensuring alignment with hybrid working principles and long-term sustainability.
Above: The Strategic Process
The Workplace Strategy
Venko adopted a rigorous consultation and discovery process to deeply understand Coliban Water’s operations, challenges, and aspirations. Through comprehensive stakeholder engagement, tailored surveys, review sessions, and presentations, Venko ensured that every level of the organization had a voice in shaping the future workplace. A diverse range of stakeholder groups provided valuable insights, offering a holistic perspective on business needs and priorities.
Above: Feedback from Survey
Using data-driven analysis, Venko synthesized findings from consultations to define workplace requirements, operational inefficiencies, and future opportunities. Benchmarking against local and industry-wide workplace standards provided an informed foundation for accommodation planning, ensuring best-practice alignment
Empowered Workplace Principles
Above: Empowered Workplace Principles
Grounding its approach in the Empowered Workplaces Framework, Venko structured the strategy around five core principles—Plan for Choice, Protect Your Investment, Tread Lightly, Embrace Technology, and Lead the Market. These principles shaped a workplace environment designed to be adaptive, efficient, and supportive of employee engagement. See how we apply the principles in practice below.
Key Elements of the Workplace Strategy
Above: The Workplace Strategy Masterplan
- Hybrid Working Model: The strategy embraced flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work preferences to support staff needs.
- Space Typologies: Defined workplace neighbourhoods—Visitor Experience Zones, Team Neighbourhoods, and Shared Spaces—support a variety of work styles, incorporating open offices, focus rooms, meeting spaces, collaboration areas, and quiet zones.
- Future Spatial Requirements: Forecasted headcounts and spatial planning considerations optimized workplace capacity while ensuring adaptability.
- Cultural Alignment: Workplace principles such as “One Coliban Water” and “Dynamic Interaction” were embedded into the strategy, fostering collaboration and reinforcing organizational values.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: Modular and reconfigurable elements allow the workplace to evolve alongside operational and technological advancements.
This strategic foundation equips Coliban Water with a workplace framework that not only meets its immediate needs but ensures long-term efficiency, collaboration, and cultural integration.
Key Workplace Zones:
The workplace strategy brings together a series of workplace zones. Shown here are a few examples, each shaped by the Empowered Workplace Principles and how they support day-to-day use.
Team Neighbourhood
Adapting to People, Not the Other Way Around
Townhall
The Beating Heart of the Workplace
Visitor Experience
First Impressions That Last
Venko’s Workplace Strategy has set a strong foundation for Coliban Water’s future workplaces, aligning operational needs with cultural and strategic goals. Through thoughtful analysis and engagement, the framework empowers staff, enhances collaboration, and supports business transformation.
While this strategy and business case define the vision, the next phase will bring it to life—translating the strategy into a functional, adaptable environment. With a clear roadmap in place, Coliban Water is well-positioned to shape a workplace that meets evolving needs and supports long-term success.