Post by Catherine Gip

After four whirlwind years shaping the evolution of effectively a start-up, it's with mixed emotions that I farewell the VicGrid family to start a new journey as Head of Transmission at Energy Networks Australia.    I was recently asked, 'Where do you see yourself in five years?' This question made me pause and reflect. Had I been asked this five years ago, never in my wildest dreams would have I imagined: ·      Working for Government for the first time in an organisation with a real sense of purpose; ·      Being part of a team that would design fundamental reforms to how Victoria plans and delivers transmission, shepherd new legislation and then enliven it through developing the first #VictorianTransmissionPlan ·      Clocking many miles travelling to some amazing regional Victorian communities, only to find myself at events such as #SheepventionRuralExpo in Hamilton, talking transmission; ·      Meeting a bunch of smart, passionate, funny and fun people, who, above all else, are kind and caring; ·      And finally, that I would build some genuine and deep friendships, the enduring kind. It has been such an incredible privilege. I want to say a special thanks to a group of people who have been uniquely part of that journey Mitch Watson, Natalie O., Nishana Perera, Deepak Sharma, Alex Wilson, Steve Foster, Daniel Mullerworth, Jenny Cleeve, Julia Hinde, Monique Halliday, Lisa Carter, David Blowers, Ben Ferguson and Angela Bourke. When I started in the energy industry, I recall meetings where there were more 'Johns' than women. By stark contrast, since joining VicGrid, I have often found myself in meetings exclusively with women, trying to solve some really gnarly challenges. Reflecting on this and International Women's Day, I feel very grateful to have experienced such diversity and incredible leadership from Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Elizabeth Molyneux, Anh Mai, Ilsa Colson GAICD, Adele McCarthy, Claire Cass, Lashae Roulston, Suzanne Waddell, Vanessa Osborn, Camille Smith, Gabrielle Breen, Meg Pillai, Emily McKillop, Eleanor Dowd, Alison Orwin, Meagan Hunt, Tess Fitzgerald and Felicity Colbourne. Ironically, as of late, I have been in meetings where I have been told there are too many 'Catherines'. What a good problem to have.   Special thanks to Alistair Parker, who has been a mentor for a large part of my professional career. Advice is somehow more palatable when delivered with a charming Irish accent.   And to the team at Energy Networks Australia, I'm excited to continue my work in Transmission with you, because as we all know, there is no transition without transmission. Looking forward to spending time with new colleagues and catching up with old friends at #EN26. I may have orchestrated the perfect transition.