Creating Safer Workplaces and Stronger Communities

Belmont 16s Sailing Club has worked with Got Your Back Sista for many years to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence. This year, that partnership moved from awareness into practical workplace action, with the Club becoming the pilot organisation for Got Your Back Sista’s Workplace Domestic and Family Violence Education Program.

For many years, Belmont 16s Sailing Club has partnered with Got Your Back Sista (GYBS), supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence through funding, events and awareness initiatives.

In 2026, that partnership reached a new milestone when Belmont 16s became the pilot organisation for GYBS’s Workplace Domestic and Family Violence Education Program.

Designed to help workplaces recognise, respond to and support employees affected by domestic and family violence, the program has strengthened the Club’s internal capability while helping shape resources that can support workplaces across Australia.

“As a large employer who cares about our crew, we have a responsibility to provide a workplace where people feel safe, supported and know where to turn if they need help,” said Belmont 16s CEO Scott Williams.

Building Better Pathways

Belmont 16s played an active role in developing the program, drawing on insights from human resources manager Rachael Baxter and her lived experience as a victim-survivor of domestic and family violence.

Her feedback helped shape the Domestic and Family Violence Roadmap and Pathways Guide, a practical resource designed to simplify access to support services and help people understand where to start when seeking assistance.

The guide is now available throughout the Club, providing discreet access to trusted information for employees, members and visitors.

“Sometimes the hardest part isn’t leaving. It’s simply knowing where to begin,” Ms Baxter said.

Training Every Employee

Over two days, all 185 Belmont 16s employees completed Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Training delivered by GYBS.

The training explored the warning signs of abuse, including coercive control, financial, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, spiritual and technology-facilitated abuse, while providing staff with practical guidance on how to respond safely to disclosures.

Importantly, the training reinforced that the workplace can often be one of the few safe places where someone experiencing domestic and family violence may seek support.

Supporting Our People

In addition to awareness training, leaders and managers completed specialised training covering:

• Workplace responses to disclosures
• Safety planning
• Domestic and family violence Leave obligations
• Confidentiality and privacy
• Referral pathways and workplace adjustments.

Employees also have confidential access to counselling and wellbeing support through Life Matters Psychology.

Turning Learning Into Action

To complement the training, Belmont 16s has introduced a range of practical supports, including access to the Domestic and Family Violence Pathways Guide, dedicated support resources and emergency support packs for people facing immediate hardship after leaving a violent situation.

These initiatives ensure support extends beyond awareness, providing tangible assistance when it is needed most.

Working Together

Through its partnership with Got Your Back Sista, Belmont 16s is helping to create a workplace where people understand the signs of domestic and family violence, know how to respond appropriately and can confidently connect others with support.

By investing in education, practical resources and employee wellbeing, the Club is demonstrating how meaningful partnerships can create safer workplaces and stronger communities.