Despite the tyranny of distance, Human Resource Managers from four participating Pilbara Councils have come together to develop an effective Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management Plan.
Western Australia’s Pilbara Regional Council (PRC) is made up of the Shire of East Pilbara, Shire of Ashburton, Town of Port Hedland and the Shire of Roeburne. It was established in May 2002 to assist these vastly dispersed Councils in the coordination of resource sharing and common issues.
A component of the PRC is the Human Resource Managers Group which meets on a regular basis to share information and develop projects of mutual benefit. The Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management Plan is just one of these.
“The Plan aims to ensure all current employees and prospective employees receive fair and equitable treatment in the workplace: this includes equal access to jobs, promotions and training and recognising cultural differences within the workplace,” said group member and Payroll/HR Officer for the Town of Port Hedland, Dayle Bird.“In order to raise awareness of these rights and responsibilities, it is an objective of the plan to provide training to all staff. This includes information on discrimination and harassment, relevant legislation, remedies available under each type of legislation, and grievance procedures.”
Both Port Hedland and Ashburton Councils have implemented their plans with Council endorsement. Equal Opportunity and Diversity Surveys have been distributed to all staff to help identify needs within the organisation.
“The template for the plan is currently being used by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) as the recommended template for all WA Councils,” said Dayle Bird.
Last year the Plan won the Rural Award for Organisational Practices in the National Local Government Awards. For further information, contact PRC Executive Officer, Amanda Hutchins, on (08) 9186 8510.
