Council secures White Ribbon Accreditation for a further three years

White Ribbon Australia has awarded workplace accreditation to the Council for a further three years.  

The workplace accreditation program involves a whole of organisation commitment to address issues of gendered violence and sexual harassment against women. 

Council first became a White Ribbon accredited workplace in 2016. 

“We took part in the re-accreditation process because we wanted to equip our staff with the knowledge and resources to better understand what gendered violence is, how to identify it and what they can do to prevent it,” explained Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Owen. 

“Whether in the workplace or the broader community, we all have a responsibility to stand up and speak out against behaviours that contribute to gendered violence, and to support women affected by it,” said the Mayor. 

To achieve accreditation, Cardinia Shire Council undertakes a detailed application and assessment process independently reviewed by experienced specialists across organisational development, gender equity, and health. 

Accreditation means Council staff are educated on the many forms of family violence, how to seek assistance if they are either using violence or are the target of it, and how best to support someone in need. 

The White Ribbon workplace accreditation program is internationally recognised and has reached more than 600,000 employees nationally to date. 

“Council continues to work hard to ensure a safe and respectful workplace, through education and training, improved workplace policies and involvement in initiatives such as Together We Can and White Ribbon Day,” said the Mayor. 

Family violence support  

For more information about Cardinia Shire Council’s Together We Can initiative, visit Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/familyviolence or call the Together We Can team on 1300 787 624.