In 2022, the Victorian Government responded to the Ministerial Taskforce on Workplace Sexual Harassment. As part of this response, WorkSafe Victoria is leading the delivery of 13 recommendations including Recommendation #4 which has resulted in the expansion of the WorkWell program to prevent work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment.
WorkSafe’s WorkWell is leading a transformative shift in the way workplaces understand and address psychological health and safety. To achieve this, WorkWell, through a range of interventions is providing employers with access to knowledge sharing, resources and funding opportunities aimed at building the capability, confidence, and commitment of leaders to drive organisational-wide cultural change to prevent mental injury.
The aim of the WorkSafe WorkWell Respect Fund is to support projects that design and deliver evidence-based initiatives within high-risk industries to prevent work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment. The principles underpinning this program are:
Councils across the Gippsland region have been called upon and agreed to committing to zero tolerance of gendered violence in the workplace.
This OELG Internal Communications Campaign is designed to support local government and councils to promote work-related gendered violence prevention amongst their leaders and teams.
Check out the campaign page to access the campaign toolkit and assets developed to share key messaging for use across council channels and platforms.
Includes multiple topics on workplace diversity and inclusion as well as mental health safety basics.
The WorkWell Toolkit provides a step-by-step approach to prevent mental injuries and promote safe and mentally healthy workplaces.
Foundational knowledge on Work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment, along with links to key documents including fact sheets, guidance for employers.
“As as CEO, I am committed to creating an environment where everyone can freely unleash their potential and pursue their professional aspirations, regardless of gender or diversity. Ultimately, I aim to foster a culture where every employee feels appreciated, acknowledged, and where diversity is embraced and celebrated.”
– Steven Piasente, Chief Executive Officer, Latrobe City Council
” I am proud to be part of Our Equal Local Government project because gendered violence occurs in Gippsland communities at a rate that is completely unacceptable. As a leader of a local government organisation, I am passionate about doing my part to ensure our organisation is free from gendered violence and discrimination in the workplace, and demonstrates leadership in our community.”
– Kerryn Ellis, Chief Executive Officer, South Gippsland Shire Council
“As Mayor of Wellington Shire Council, and representing our community through One Gippsland, I am fully dedicated to supporting initiatives like ‘Our Equal Local Government’ that strive to eradicate work-related gendered violence. It’s imperative that every workplace fosters an environment of respect, inclusion, and equality, and I’m proud to champion this cause alongside our local partners.”
– Cr Ian Bye, Mayor Wellington Shire Council.
“The right to safety within a workplace and a life space is a human right! Thus our commitment to this project.”
– Jane Barr, Chief Executive Officer, Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault
Gippsland Women’s Health acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of Country and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gunaikurnai and Bunurong as the Traditional Owners of the land and waters now known as Gippsland and acknowledge that they have never ceded sovereignty.
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We acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government.
