Gippsland secures funding for safer workplaces

One Gippsland has congratulated Gippsland Women's Health on their funding success for a unique program that aims to reduce gendered violence and sexual harassment in local government workplaces across Gippsland.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor and Chair of One Gippsland Cr Ian Bye said “We are thrilled with the successful outcome of this funding application and the opportunity to work with Gippsland Women’s Health, TAFE Gippsland, Federation University and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault to eliminate gendered violence and sexual harassment across all six Gippsland councils.”
 
The project aims to build the capacity of local government to respond to gendered violence and sexual harassment in the workplace, and to prevent violence before it occurs. 
 
“Unfortunately, local government entities in Gippsland have advised the Gender Equality Commission that up to 9% of their employees have informally reported sexual harassment in the workplace,” Cr Bye explained.
 
“We need to do better to create safer and more respectful workplace for everyone, and in turn a healthier community,” Cr Bye said.
 
"Preventing gendered violence in the workplace is achieved through systemic change. This change begins with the support and acknowledgment from the State Government, and through the commitment of Local Government leadership to take action. We are excited to continue our work and scale up our efforts with Local Councils in ending gendered violence, which continues to impact our region year on year" said CEO of Gippsland Women's Health, Kate Graham.
 
Gippsland has some of the highest rates of gendered and family violence in Victoria, with three local government areas ranking in the top four LGA’s in Victoria for family violence reporting, indicating a culture of violence against women that often filters through into the workplace.
 
The WorkSafe WorkWell Respect Fund and Respect Network are funded by the Victorian State Government and delivered by WorkSafe Victoria.