• Charles Sturt to deliver unconscious bias and inclusivity training to Wagga Wagga City Council managers and executives
• Training is part of the University’s Workplace Gender Equity Strategy 2018-2022
• Council will use new knowledge to deliver training to its staff as part of theDVproject: 2650

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) will provide training to Wagga Wagga City Council as part of the University’s efforts to create an inclusive community, starting with major workforces in the city.

The University will deliver unconscious bias and inclusivity training to Wagga Wagga City Council managers and executive team.

The training is part of the University’s Workplace Gender Equity Strategy 2018-2022 and is being delivered externally to spread the important message of inclusivity to community leaders.

Charles Sturt project manager in Equity and Diversity Mr Nicholas Steepe said the training had already been delivered throughout the University to 160 staff and 100 residential advisors.

“As a values-based organisation, centred on being inclusive, impactful, inspiring and insightful, we are driven to be leaders in gender equity in our sector and the regions in which our campuses are located,” he said.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement for Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga Ms Samantha Beresford said the University was committed to ensuring other organisations could benefit from such training to encourage inclusive workplaces.

“Charles Sturt has a proud history of striving for equity and diversity and is committed to the delivery of such programs as the unconscious bias and inclusivity training,” she said.

“Charles Sturt is excited to be working with Wagga Wagga City Council in the delivery of this training to our community leaders.

“This is a wonderful example of the collaboration and active working relationship between the two organisations.”

Council’s equity project manager Ms Maryna Bilousova and equity project officer Ms Allana Condron are responsible for partnering with the University to deliver the training to Council staff.

Ms Bilousova said to build equal and inclusive workplaces we need to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes that limit people.

She said when stereotyping, disrespect and gender inequality exists, the risk of violence against women is increased.

Education will be the greatest defence in eradicating this behaviour, which is one of the aims of the Council’s theDVproject;2650, according to Ms Bilousova.

“If you are not aware of what is leading to the behaviour, you can’t challenge these behaviours if they are exhibited by your family or colleagues,” she said.

“Charles Sturt has the opportunity to influence a younger generation of people.

“Council is leading theDVproject:2650 in the community so if the knowledge starts at Council, it could cascade down through the community.”

TheDVproject:2650 is a joint initiative between Wagga Wagga City Council, the Wagga Women’s Health Centre and Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.

Charles Sturt is a Workplace Gender Equality Agency Employer of Choice and was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Institute Award in December 2018.

The University’s Equity and Diversity Unit will deliver the three-hour training to Wagga Wagga City Council managers and executive team on Friday 8 November.