Champions for Change

With the involvement of male champions such as Mark Waller, AGL is an agent for positive change regarding family and domestic violence in the Latrobe Valley communities.

Domestic violence has been described as a national crisis in Australia. On average, almost two women a week lose their lives at the hands of a current or former partner, while one in four children have been exposed to family and domestic violence.

The Latrobe Valley, two hours southeast of Melbourne, experiences some of the highest rates of domestic violence in Victoria. And as one of the largest employers in the region, AGL was determined to help address the problem and make a difference.

“In 2015, AGL introduced its Family and Domestic Violence [FDV] Support Policy,” explains Renee Kurowski, AGL’s Stakeholder Relations Manager. “We looked to implement ways to help our employees and vulnerable customers.”

As part of their policy, AGL developed special leave and access to flexible work arrangements to support employees who are experiencing domestic violence. The company also operates a specialised support helpline for its people, posts useful information on the workplace intranet, implements a personal safety strategy, and drives internal awareness campaigns. “In 2018, we rolled out FDV training

across the organisation,” says Renee. Part of that training included partnering with Gippsland Women’s Health, which, says Renee, was essential to understanding issues specific to the region.

It led to the creation of a Male Champions program at the Loy Yang site where employees including Mark Waller, Capital Projects Manager, underwent extra training that included a Bystander Program. “The Male Champions are a connection point for people in our workforce, providing education and guidance,” says Renee. “The Loy Yang site is 90 per cent male. It’s important men are part of the conversation and solution to domestic violence.”

Two years ago, Mark, along with colleagues Debra DeCarli and Sheryrn Linton, established AGL’s FDV working group. A passionate anti-domestic violence advocate, Mark has seen its devastating effect on families. “I’ve had women in my life touched by domestic violence,” says Mark, “I’ve seen the behaviour of some men, and I haven’t liked what I’ve seen.” Mark is determined to change the culture, not just at work, but in the broader community, through being a positive role model, and calling out unacceptable behaviour. “Through the

“It’s important men are part of the conversation and solution to domestic violence issues. ” – Renee

training we were taught very carefully how to call out inappropriate behaviour in the workplace and the community,” explains Mark, who appreciates it needs to be handled the right way. “I’ve been in the power industry for 33 years, and I sense that attitudes are heading in the right direction. I hear less inappropriate comments. I suspect more men are calling it out.”

“When men see other men taking a stand on domestic violence, and they hear it from someone who is well known in the community and at work, it’s a powerful message,” says Renee.

“It’s important men see other men taking a stand in this area.”

If you or anyone you know needs help or support, call 1800 RESPECT.