Balancing the Act: ADCQ newsletter - issue 28 (Winter 2010)

Mackay Regional Council leads the way

Mackay Regional Council (MRC) has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to preventing discrimination and sexual harassment through regular training of staff. Since 2000, the Commission has conducted regular training for MRC employees.

In recent times, the focus has been on Contact Officer training and refresher courses. MRC conscientiously recruit and train new contact officers on a regular basis and offer refresher training for existing contact officers. The Council encourages the participation of a wide cross-section of employees in the contact officer role, with representatives from different departments, both genders, a range of age groups and backgrounds.

MRC has been looking at ways to better publicise the role of contact officer and promote the individuals who are contact officers. The use of photos and contact details on posters and on the intranet has been effective. The enthusiastic participants are keen to expand their knowledge and skills in this role and enjoyed networking with other contact officers.

‘It is refreshing to see a local council with a strong and ongoing commitment to promoting a discrimination and harassment free environment’ said Royalie Walters, Regional Manager, Anti-Discrimination Commission, Townsville.

Back to table of contents for issue 28.