Equal Opportunity Policy

Date: October 2023

Purpose:

To set out the club's position and response on matters of discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation

Policy:

  1. AAC Falls Creek is an equal opportunity club.
  2. Discrimination
    • No one will be excluded or discriminated against on the basis of disability, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
    • By the nature of a residential club, it is important that candidates for membership are considered with respect to their ability to live harmoniously with others in the lodge. However, this consideration will not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
    • Guests of members are expected to live harmoniously with others in the lodge and it is the responsibility of the member booking them in to ensure this. No guest will be excluded on the basis of disability, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
    • In limited circumstances, guests may apply to stay without a member accompanying them. This will be will be considered on a case by case basis (and rarely if ever allowed in peak ski season). The risk of damage to the facilities or conflict with other guests will be taken into account but will be based on specific circumstances, not disability, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
    • The club is established primarily to support winter sports and other alpine activities. It is not practical to modify the lodge or facilities to address all the needs of diverse groups. Eg Lodge facilities are spread across multiple floors and there are no elevators or other infrastructure specifically provided for patrons who cannot use stairs. Patrons are often required to share bedrooms with unrelated parties. Disabled patrons are welcome providing that they can move about the lodge unassisted or with the help of their own carer. Bedroom allocation will not allow minors to share with unrelated adults, nor allow sharing between unrelated people of different genders (unless special approval is given by all parties). These bedroom allocation provisions can at times mean that someone cannot be accommodated at a busy time.
  3. Sexual harassment and victimisation
    • AAC Falls Creek will not tolerate sexual harassment or victimisation by members or guests in the lodge, at Falls Creek and surrounds, and at other AACFC or Australian Alpine Club functions.
    • Members reasonably suspected of sexual harassment in these circumstances may be asked to terminate their stay. They may also be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with the Rules of Association. This also applies to members whose guests sexually harass others.
    • The same provisions apply to members reasonably suspected of victimisation.
    • In the event that staff or contractors are reasonably suspected of sexual harassment or victimisation, the committee will consider what action is appropriate including reporting to their employer or terminating services or contracts.
  4. Raising concerns
    • For immediate assistance, in the lodge you can raise any concerns about discrimination, sexual harassment or victimisation with the lodge manager.
    • More formally you can contact the Chairperson or Secretary to report incidents or raise concerns. Contact details are on the club website.

Review

This policy is subject to Committee review from time to time.