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Events Anti Bulling Policy

EVENTS & FESTIVAL ANTI-BULLYING POLICY 

Fraser Coast Tourism & Events seeks to provide an environment, both at events and online, that is safe and enjoyable for all participants. 

Bullying has a detrimental effect on people and can create an unsafe environment. People who are bullied can become distressed, anxious, withdrawn and can lose self-esteem and self-confidence. Bullying is also in some circumstances against the law. For these reasons, bullying will not be tolerated by Fraser Coast Tourism & Events. 

Fraser Coast Tourism & Events recognises that bullying may involve comments and behaviours that offend some people and not others and accepts that individuals may react differently to certain comments and behavior.  That is why a minimum standard of behaviour is required, this standard aims to be respectful of all workers. 

Fraser Coast Tourism & Events recognises that bullying can take place though a number of different methods of communication including face to face, email, text messaging and social media platforms.  As such, this Policy applies to all means through which bullying can take place. 

This Policy applies to behaviours that occur: 

  • In connection with festival activities, even if it occurs outside normal working hours; 
  • Before, during and after festival operating hours; 
  • At festival secondary events, for example, launches, workshops; and  
  • On social media platforms where attendees interact. 

This Policy applies to all participants including patrons, employees, contractors and volunteers. 

In so far as this policy imposes any obligations on Fraser Coast Tourism & Events (ie those additional to those set out under legislation), those obligations are not contractual and do not give rise to any contractual rights. To the extent that this policy describes benefits and entitlements for participants (ie those additional to those set out under  legislation), they are discretionary in nature and are also not intended to be contractual.  

Fraser Coast Tourism & Events may unilaterally introduce, vary, remove or replace this policy at any time. 

WHAT IS BULLYING? 

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. 

Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records). 

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.  

The following are some examples of overt or obvious bullying: 

  • Abusive, insulting or offensive language or comments; 
  • Violent, aggressive or intimidating conduct; 
  • Belittling or humiliating comments;  
  • Damaging or stealing personal belongings; and 
  • Practical jokes or initiation. 

The following are some examples of covert or hidden bullying:  

  • Unjustified criticism or complaints; 
  • Deliberately excluding someone from activities;  
  • Victimisation; and 
  • Spreading rumours or manipulation relationships 

The above examples are not an exhaustive list of bullying behaviours. They are indicative of the type of behaviours that may constitute bullying and are therefore unacceptable.  

WHAT IS NOT BULLYING? 

Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. 

Reasonable action taken by managers, staff or security to ensure safety. 

OTHER UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT 

Single incidents of unreasonable behaviour (such as harassment, violence or threatening behaviour)  can  also  present a risk to health and safety and will not be tolerated. 

Harassment is considered to be any form of behaviour that is: 

  • Unwanted; 
  • Offends, humiliates or intimidates; or  
  • Creates a hostile environment. 

Where such conduct occurs towards a person due to a particular characteristic of that person (such as when       based on sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, ethnicity or race,) this may be unlawful under discrimination law, even if it is limited to a single incident. For example, sexual harassment is unlawful even where it is not repeated conduct.  

Fraser Coast Tourism & Events will also not tolerate any form of violence. Violence is considered to be any incident where any person is physically attacked or threatened. 

It includes (but is not limited to): 

  • Any type of direct physical contact such as punching, pushing, tripping, spitting or blocking of someone’s way; 
  • Any form of unwanted physical contact. 

FRASER COAST TOURISM & EVENTS ROLE 

Fraser Coast Tourism & Events have an important role to play in terms of fostering a culture that does not tolerate or encourage harassment, bullying or violence and should ensure that they do not engage in any conduct of this nature themselves. 

Managers and supervisors should also ensure that workers, contractors and volunteers understand this Policy and consequences of non-compliance. When employees, managers and supervisors observe harassment, bullying or workplace violence occurring, they should take steps to prevent this conduct from continuing and warn the person or people involved of the consequences. If the behaviour continues (including being removed from event precinct or blocked on social media). 

PARTICIPANTS ROLE 

Fraser Coast Tourism & Events expects participants: 

  • Not to engage in harassment, bullying or workplace violence; 
  • Not to aid, abet or encourage others to engage in harassment, bullying or workplace violence; To behave in a responsible and professional manner; 
  • Treat others with courtesy and respect; 
  • Listen and respond appropriately to the views and concerns of others; and to be fair and honest in their dealings with others. 

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING BULLYING, HARASSMENT OR BEING SUBJECT TO VIOLENCE? 

If you make a complaint of bullying, harassment or violence it will be taken seriously and will be dealt with sympathetically and in a confidential manner (except where the deemed it is necessary to disclose information in order to properly deal with the complaint). 

You will not be victimised or treated unfairly for making a complaint. 

If the claim is found to be substantiated, Fraser Coast Tourism & Events will act accordingly. Consequences of substantiated claims may include but not limited to removal of person/s from events site and/or removal from event related social media accounts. 

Please note that any participant found to have fabricated a complaint may be subject to consequences as outlined above. 

MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES 

  • www.bullyingnoway.gov.au – Provides advice on understanding bullying, responding to bullying, preventing bullying and teaching. 
  • www.esafety.gov.au – Provides advice on how to make a complaint about cyberbullying, educational resources, safety information, advice for parents and careers, and certified training providers of online safety programs. 
  • Kids Helpline—phone 1800 551 800 It’s a free call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
  • Parentline—phone 1300 301 300 for support, counselling and parent education 
  • Headspace eheadspaceoffers online chat or email support services for young people aged 12–25, as well as their family and friends. You can call them on 1800 650 890. It’s a free call. The eheadspace team is available between 9am–1am (AEDT) 7 days a week. 
  • Beyond Blue—phone 1300 22 4636 or chat online for depression, suicide and anxiety support. 
  • Office of the eSafety Commissioner to report serious online bullying. 

 

 

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