Southern Cross Care (Vic) Announced as a White Ribbon Workplace

Leading aged care provider Southern Cross Care (Vic) has successfully been accredited as a ‘White Ribbon Workplace’, for taking active steps to prevent and respond to men’s violence against women.

Over the past 18 months, Southern Cross Care (Vic) has demonstrated effective leadership, resource allocation, communication, human resources policy development and staff training to create a safer and more respectful workplace for women.

Of the 15 assessment criteria, the organisation received outstanding achievements in five key areas, i.e. leadership commitment, internal communication, external communication, documentation of policies and procedures, and response to victims.

Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Care (Vic), Andrew Newton, welcomed the accreditation for the organisation that is staffed mostly by women.

“I am extremely delighted and proud of how our staff have embraced the work and commitment that comes with White Ribbon accreditation. With over 88 per cent of our staff being women, we see it as our responsibility to creating a safe and conducive workplace which does not discriminate against women and is free from any forms of violence,” said Mr Newton.

Former CEO Jan Horsnell, who retired recently, was equally delighted with the news.

“It symbolises and supports the principles that underpin this great organisation and the culture that is embedded throughout,” said Ms Horsnell, who has been the driving force behind Southern Cross Care (Vic)’s commitment to White Ribbon.

“I only hope that many other organisations will also take the opportunity to speak out and take action to eradicate this despicable crime of domestic violence,” said Ms Horsnell.

With this accreditation, Southern Cross Care (Vic) joins a growing number of prominent Australian businesses and organisations that have become a White Ribbon Workplace.

In April, the organisation introduced special paid leave for employees who are experiencing domestic or family violence at home. Under this new policy, employees are provided with leave to seek safe accommodation, to attend medical appointments, counselling or legal proceedings, or to arrange alternative care or education arrangements for their children.

“By supporting our employees, Southern Cross Care is not only making a change in these women’s lives, but also influencing the future generation,” said Mr Newton. “Change does not come overnight. All of us need to play a role in changing people’s attitudes and mindsets towards women, and sending a strong message that violence against women has no place in our society.”

In her congratulatory message, Chief Executive Officer of White Ribbon Australia, Libby Davies, said, “Southern Cross Care (Vic) is now officially recognised by White Ribbon Australia as a pioneer in contributing to national cultural change to prevent and respond to violence against women. The organisation has evidenced commitment to gender equality, supporting employees to be more respectful across all spheres.”

Click here to find out more about Southern Cross Care (Vic)'s aged care services.