Call out to combat sexual harassment

FOR small businesses where the owner wears a lot of hats, one of which is human relations manager, the Not in My Workplace summit being held at Sovereign Hill is a must attend.

The forum will provide every Ballarat business, big or small, the opportunity to learn how to deal with and prevent sexual harassment with a range of useful tools and strategies.

Lynne McLennan, vice-president of Not in My Workplace Committee, said there will be an outstanding line-up of speakers, all experts or leaders in their field, at the event.

“We are aiming at small and medium business owners and managers who are committed to ensuring their workplaces are safe and respectable places,” she said.

Grampians Communities of Respect and Equality Alliance, CoRE, in partnership with the Not in My Workplace organisation are presenting the seminar to address the issue of sexual harassment from both a cultural and legal context.

Speakers will include Kate Jenkins ­– Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Jenny Wilson –Superintendent of Victorian Police, Patty Kinnersly – CEO of Our Watch, Sara Quon – CEO at Sovereign Hill, human rights lawyer Elizabeth Lacey, and Evan King ­– CEO Hepburn Shire and CoRE leader.

Marianne Hendron, chair of CoRE, said the impact can be profound and lasting.

“Fifty-nine percent of employees experiencing sexual harassment will suffer from long term consequences, including stress, anxiety and negative mental health outcomes,” she said.

Not in My Workplace is at Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Golden Point on Wednesday, 4 December, from 2.45pm to 6pm. Tickets are $40 available online at notinmyworkplace.org.