Treat our employees with respect

OUR Swim, Sport and Leisure venues endeavour to offer a safe, inclusive space where our entire community can come together for exercise and social connection.

Unfortunately, rising instances of occupational violence and aggression (OVA) are taking place in these venues, directed at staff who are simply there to do their job.

Our staff are faced with threats to their safety, verbal abuse and, in some cases, even physical intimidation and violence.

This behaviour is entirely unacceptable, and I think it’s even more disappointing given our leisure workers, some of them teenagers, are there to help keep the public safe and even save lives.

As the City’s chair of Sports and Recreation, I find it very disheartening and disgusting to hear of these incidents happening in venues that are there to provide the community with a positive, active environment.

Unfortunately, this rise in violence and aggression is something we are witnessing across the board at the City of Greater Geelong.

Last financial year, there were 258 reported incidents of OVA towards our people.

This included 25 reports of physical assault and 140 reports of verbal violence and aggression.

These instances are on the rise, up 36 per cent on the 2023-24 financial year, and 99 per cent up on the year before that.

Staff in our leisure venues experienced exponentially higher levels of OVA compared to other City employees.

Recent data indicates that employees in Swim, Sport and Leisure facilities made up 21 per cent of OVA incident reports over the past 12 months, on par with employees working in Early Childhood facilities.

It’s baffling to me that our employees are being targeted when their role is to help the community, families and children – be it by the pool or in the classroom.

These are not just workers – they’re family members, friends and neighbours and they deserve to feel safe.

As the weather starts to warm up and more of us return to the pool, I urge you to please treat leisure centre workers with respect.

In fact, please treat all City employees with respect. Occupational violence and aggression must not be accepted in any Australian workplace, particularly when it’s directed at people that are employed to assist the public, first responders and law enforcement officers. It’s not on!

They’re there to protect you and your families. If something were to happen to you at the pool, they might be the ones to save your life.

We know that with the arrival of summer, our leisure venues become a central hub for the entire community.

As temperatures rise, the number of people using our pools, gyms and courts also increases, leading to more aggressive incidents.

We aim to foster a harmonious community where everyone, staff and patrons alike can enjoy a safe and positive environment.

We need to work together to keep the ‘leisure’ in leisure venues. Patience, kindness and understanding are the most powerful tools we have to ensure everyone can enjoy their time without fear or aggression.

Also, remember, we are no better than the behaviour we accept. If you see antisocial behaviour in our leisure venues, kindergartens, service centres or even on the street, and it’s safe to do so, speak up.

Remember, our staff are here to help, not to be harmed.

As always, I am happy to speak to anyone on Council-related matters.

Please see my contact details: phone 0455 532 006 or email [email protected]