years’ experience. But a problem emerged: at the contribute financially to their family. end of the training, the group had not achieved the required standard for swimming ability. Not In the workplace, so good were these young deterred, and having been won over by the ‘most men at their jobs, they became the standard attentive group I have ever trained’, Jeff completed bearers for excellence in job performance, relied a 1,200km round trip and an extra days training to upon by co-workers and managers. Colleagues guide the group to the required standard – at no reported improved cultural awareness and social cost! cohesion, epitomised by genuine friendship groups which developed and socialised away Seasonal employment opportunities at pools spike from work. over summer, and the group was encouraged to apply for work. Each was helped by Maria to Community benefits also emerged. Improved prepare an application, and each was offered a job access and inclusion among people of Arabic ‘interview’. backgrounds emerged leading to increased program enrolments and venue patronage, In the spirit of genuine inclusion, and recognising enabled through breaking down language that a standard job interview approach would likely barriers and a sense of welcome and belonging disadvantage these young men, senior managers through seeing members of their cultural group Pauline McCann and Jon Jamsek modified the on staff. approach to enable applicants to show what they could do, rather than describe in English – not The immense success of this workforce their first language – what they should do. Job diversification initiative has been a catalyst offers were made to the group over two intakes, for expansion and replication. Four young with each working during the summer. women of diversity have completed training and been employed at Auburn Ruth Everuss Through joining the staff team at Auburn Ruth Aquatic Centre. The RLSSA has contributed Everuss Aquatic Centre, immense benefits have 15 scholarships for training of students of occurred – too many to describe in the space Bankstown Senior College, with Belgravia Leisure available but key highlights demonstrate the committing to employ all graduates in leisure importance of the initiative. facilities it operates in western Sydney as part of its’ plan toward workforce diversification, Each of the group reported enhanced work improved access and inclusion. skills and confidence, improvements in use of English, friendships with people outside of their David Burns (NSW Regional Manager, Belgravia cultural group, a sense of pride at being valued, Leisure) & Jeff Walkley (CEO, Belgravia respected and offered leadership roles which Foundation) carried substantial responsibility, and being able to Play by the Rules Magazine Issue 29 07