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City of Greater Shepparton
URL: http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/residents/cultureandcommunitystrengthening/lead/partners/
LEAD Partner Settings
Murchison Primary School students See Beyond Race posters
Broker House Staff from left to right: Janet Hodges, Xavier Howard, Paul Mazzella, Andrew Westblade, Kelly Simsen, Garry Leed and Natalie Leed
The LEAD project works in partnership with various organisations at the local level, to reduce race based discrimination.
Education
Schools have a significant impact on the lives of young people and are important contexts for the shaping of social norms. The education setting therefore has a pivotal role to play in positively promoting diversity and overcoming race-based discrimination behaviour.
Currently six schools are participating in the project: Ardmona Primary School, McGuire Secondary College, Murchison Primary School, Shepparton High School, Wanganui Park Secondary College and Wilmot Road Primary School.
Each school will be featured in forthcoming e-newsletters.
Murchison Primary School
Murchison Primary School is a small friendly school who were eager to become involved in the LEAD project.
The staff have enthusiastically embraced LEAD, as outlined by P-1 teacher Donna Allen, ‘The Murchison School Community has been excited to be part of the pilot program for the LEAD project. As a culturally diverse community we are always looking for ways to build community connectedness and continue to develop our procedures and practices to support diversity.'
They have encouraged the students to become involved in activities related to the LEAD Social Marketing Campaign - See Beyond Race, creating their own See Beyond Race posters.
Wanganui Park Secondary College
Wanganui Park Secondary College, is a large school of 1200 students, which works hard at creating a culture that emphasises connectedness and values diversity.
'The LEAD project gives us an opportunity to focus on developing a whole school approach so that our policies and programs promote understanding and acceptance,' said Assistant Principal, Nancy Harcourt.
McGuire Secondary College
McGuire Secondary College continues to remain an eager participant in the LEAD project, since its participation from the beginning of the project.
With a total of 600 students, McGuire has a history of being one of the most culturally diverse schools within Greater Shepparton. LEAD has assisted McGuire in building upon their culturally welcoming achievements and as a result increasing opportunities for staff and students.
Employment
Workplaces are a priority setting for LEAD due to the importance of employment to both economic and social wellbeing. Activities are targeted to employers and employees within the workplace and will be transferable into the personal lives of all participants.
The workplaces currently involved in the project are Broker House and Bunnings Shepparton.
Each workplace will feature in forthcoming e-newsletters.
Broker House
Broker House is a locally owned and operated mortgage and finance broker.
They were eager to be involved in the LEAD project due to the social and economic benefits supporting diversity can bring to their business as outlined by director, Andrew Westblade, ‘When Brokerhouse was approached to be involved in the LEAD project, we did not hesitate.
Brokerhouse clientele come from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds and we saw this project as an opportunity to further educate and develop our team's acceptance of the diversity in our local area. Our initial session with the Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights commission was an interactive and insightful session that highlighted the benefits of being involved in this project. We are looking forward to continuing our development in this area.'
Bunnings
As the only retail setting in Greater Shepparton, Bunnings has provided a unique opportunity for LEAD.
Bunnings Shepparton have over 140 team members and are known for their inclusive and welcoming style. A work experience program in partnership with Academy of Sport Health and Education (ASHE) for Aboriginal students has continued for many years and outlines their committment to supporting cultural diversity.
LEAD will continue to work with Bunnings to build on the positive work they have already achieved.
Council
Local councils have an important role to play in supporting diversity and reducing race based discrimination as community members look to their council for leadership in developing positive attitudes and relationships.
The LEAD project will focus on Greater Shepparton City Council as a significant local employer as well as a local service deliverer.
Actions undertaken within Council include:
- Staff experience survey - completed during December/January 2011, in regard to staff attitudes and experiences of race based discrimination and diversity
- Equal Opportunity Training - delivered to all staff
- Audit and review of current policy and internal systems and address gaps identifies regarding issues of culture, race and social inclusion
- Development and implementation of an action plan which addresses the gaps identifies in the audit
We are currently in the process of:
- Pro-diversity training
- Development of Aboriginal Partnerships Plan and Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, to lead further positive change within Council