Build a safer, more confident business with free training

Published on 31 August 2026

Mount Alexander Shire Council has partnered with VicHealth to deliver safety and wellbeing training to local businesses.

The Safer Business Initiative is a community-led program working to prevent aggression and violence in customer-facing businesses.

Incidents involving verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, intimidation and, in some cases, physical violence are becoming an increasing challenge across a range of industries, including hospitality, retail, community services, local government and licensed venues.

The free training will provide practical solutions that can create safer workplaces, reduce alcohol-related harm and strengthen community confidence.

“We’re proud to support our business community with this informative and practical training,” said Mayor Toby Heydon.

“We have zero tolerance for aggression and violence in customer-facing businesses, and this training will equip our community with the tools to both understand and de-escalate aggression.

“A big thank you to VicHealth for funding this training – it’s a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses and we’re pleased it can be accessible with free entry.

“We know it can be difficult for businesses to find the time to fit in training, but I encourage anyone who can – owners, employees – to come along for this informative session.

“Whether you’re in retail, hospitality and events, community services or any other customer-facing business, there’ll be lots of valuable and practical takeaways.”

Join this engaging and practical training designed to help you:

• increase awareness of workplace aggression and violence risks
• understand why incidents occur
• understand early warning signs and risk factors
• improve understanding of employer responsibilities under occupational health and safety legislation
• learn practical prevention and de-escalation strategies
• showcase innovative solutions to assist businesses improve worker safety
• support workers following an incident.

Businesses are invited to express their interest during the training in becoming a case study that will receive one on one support to strengthen systems to prevent workplace aggression and violence.

This training is facilitated by Victoria Beresford from Trust Culture, former NSW Police Inspector and workplace aggression and violence specialist.

When: Monday 21 September, 11.00am to 12.30pm
Where: Phee Broadway Theatre
Register: events.humanitix.com/safer-business-initiative

For more information, contact Mel Fowler, Council’s Community Projects Officer, at m.fowler@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

This training is hosted by Mount Alexander Shire Council and funded by VicHealth.