Respecting OCAV’s diverse and inclusive culture

The challenge facing many retirement village and aged care providers is how to ensure they have a skilled and responsive workforce as the demand for aged care support continues to grow.

It is a challenge which the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria’s Council has risen to with the recent passing of its Diversity and Inclusion policy.

Councillor Leslie Wood said: “One of our strategic goals is a diverse and inclusive culture, where our staff and volunteers reflect the diversity of our residents and the community.”

“We already promote and live by a culture which thrives on mutual respect, teamwork and diversity of thought in the workplace, but this policy puts it into practice,” she said.

The policy, cemented in the lead up to International Women’s Day on 8 March, highlights the importance of diversity in experience, education, age, gender, race, national origin, physical abilities, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other real and perceived differences.

Framed around three objectives, the policy calls for an inclusive and representative workforce, visible leadership and commitment to foster a culture free from discrimination, sexual harassment, workplace bullying, harassment and victimisation, and recognising and supporting staff with differing needs.

“As an inclusive employer, we hope that it will encourage more people to join OCAV as staff and volunteers because of our commitment,” Ms Wood said.

OCAV currently employs 119 women and 32 men. Staff and volunteers come from many different culturally and linguistic backgrounds including Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and the Philippines.

#EachforEqual