HR Group

The Human Resource Group (HR Group) was formed in November 2002 by the Bendigo Manufacturing Group as a special interest forum at the request of a number of CEOs from local manufacturing enterprises. Since its inception, the Group has met every eight weeks or so, to hear guest speakers, discuss topical HR issues and to share experiences.

The Group is hosted by the City of Greater Bendigo, Economic Development Unit, and is chaired on a rotating basis by members of the Group.

Based on a number of membership requests, the HR Group has now expanded membership beyond the manufacturing sector.

Purpose

The purpose of this Group is to provide a professional platform for HR Practitioners to:

• Hear and discuss topical HR issues;
• Share experiences and information with peers in a supported and confidential environment; and
• Provide advice and information to industry groups such as the Bendigo Manufacturing Group (via City of Greater Bendigo) as required.

Membership

HR Practitioners from across all sectors in the Bendigo region are welcome to attend HR Group meetings.

It is expected that all members will at all times:

• Maintain confidentiality of all information discussed at meetings and other activities;
• Actively contribute to all meetings and activities of the Group;
• Embrace professional development opportunities which may emerge from the membership and activities of this Group;
• Behave in a respectful and professional way during meetings; and
• Be a positive and supportive advocate for the Group.

The Group meets every eight weeks or so to hear a guest speaker talk on a topic of interest and to share their experiences. Topics covered have included:

• Absenteeism;
• Attracting and retaining Generation Y employees;
• Best Practice in Workcover claims management;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Employer of Choice;
• Engendering a positive workplace culture;
• Environmental Management Systems;
• OH&S;
• Random Drug and Alcohol Testing;
• Staff Appraisals, Staff training and development;
• Staff induction;
• Workchoice Legislation; and
• The HR Landscape - Serge Sardo (CEO AHRI).

For more information on the HR Group please contact Peter Jeffery of the Economic Development Unit on (03) 5434 6137 or edu@bendigo.vic.gov.au.