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9 JULY, 2025
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A ‘toxic’ culture By Cade Lucas Sexual harassment, bullying, a drinking culture and an excessive workload were some of the issues that made Hobsons Bay council a toxic workplace, a new report has found. A listening and support process into council’s workplace culture was established at the beginning of this year following a series of complaints by employees to WorksSafe about safety issues at the council, resulting in the suspension of then chief executive Aaron van Egmond. Mr van Egmond has since resigned. The listening and support process, led by former Mitchell Shire chief executive Brett Luxford and former Court Services Victoria executive Jewil Fulton, released its final report on July 1 after hearing from 138 current council employees. Based on their testimonies, Hobsons Bay council was deemed to have a “toxic” workplace culture in which employees felt unsafe and fearful. One of the contributing factors was sexual harassment, including six incidents that were directly reported and several others reported by bystanders and witnesses. Sexual comments and repeated requests for dates and drinks were among the examples cited, but none of the victims were prepared to make formal complaints and witnesses and bystanders felt fear or retribution if they spoke up, the report
stated. Instead they sought to protect victims by alerting them to the presence of the alleged harrasser and making sure they were never alone with them. Systemic bullying was also observed, including the existence of a so-called ‘blacklist’ of employees that members of council’s leadership group wanted to force out of the organisation. The consumption of alcohol, both onsite and offsite, was highlighted, with participants reporting feeling pressured to join in, while racist and derogatory language, a lack of cooperation between departments, excessive workloads causing employee burnout and out of date policies and procedures were among the other issues identified. “This report highlights significant concerns about behaviour that are, quite simply, unacceptable in any organisation,” said Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander. “I know that staff want to see real change, and we are committed to the ongoing change and healing process that is in place.” The report made a series of recommendations, including that council immediately implement a ‘culture change program’ centred around employee empowerment, safety, and high performance and emphasise integrity and governance in hiring its new chief executive.
Wendy Forrest and Maria Maikousis from the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West with home starter kits they’ve prepared for women leaving crisis accommodation. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 485896_02
Women get a home start Women in the west who’ve experienced domestic violence and or homelessness, will receive much needed support from two organisations dedicated to doing just that. For the past three years the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West (Inc.) has been helping McAuley Community Services for Women to provide home starter kits for women in the western suburbs who are leaving crisis accommodation to live independently. This year 10 kits are being distributed, each paid for through
Zonta Melbourne West’s fundraising efforts. The kits consist of basic cooking equipment, dining items (a setting for four) and some essential cleaning items, all contained within a laundry basket. The home starter kits are distributed to not only help women set up their homes with new and useful items, but in the hope that this will encourage them to continue living healthy lives. For more information, visit: www. zontamelbwest.org.au or email zontamelbwest@gmail.com
Sunshine Market Place 80 Harvester Rd From June 27th to July 20th Clowns, Acrobats, Aeriel acts, Hand Balancing, Juggler, Hula Hoops and the amazing Ring of Death
DON’T MISS OUT, BOOK NOW www.circuslatino.com / Phone: 0434 600 703
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