PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has been recognised for its on-going work to achieve gender equity.
Council won a bronze award in the 50:50 Vision – Councils for Gender Equity program.
Council’s application for recognition included a statement of commitment regarding gender equity principles as well as the introduction of a breastfeeding-friendly workplace policy to assist working mothers balance their work commitments and family life.
The assessment panel noted council was “obviously doing some great work” towards gender equity/equality.
The council’s community and organisational development manager Lesley Atkinson said an updated EEO policy was now in place, supported by an EEO management plan for the period 2013/17.
She said the focus of the management plan was on initiatives supporting the employment and career development of women, young people, older people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“There is still plenty of work to be done to bring the demographic of our workforce into closer alignment with the demographic of our LGA but as an organisation we are confident that we are taking the right steps and heading in the right direction,” Ms Atkinson said.
“The award is wonderful recognition but also sends a clear message to the rest of the community that we are working proactively to address any employment inequities.”
