Staff Policy to Encourage Participation in Local Sports

Council will now reimburse the membership fees of local sporting clubs for eligible Council employees, both new and existing, following a recent management decision.

The initiative is thanks to the new Sporting Organisation Employee Access Policy, which was recently approved and endorsed by Council management.

The policy aims to encourage and support new and existing staff to invest in positive wellbeing choices and community connection when starting a role with Council.

It means eligible staff will be able to receive a reimbursement of up to $300 to cover fees paid for membership to a local sporting organisation, club, team or gym.

Mayor Danielle Slade congratulated the Council team on putting together the policy and said it would not only encourage Council staff to keep physically active, but would also support local sporting clubs and organisations.

“A significant number of Council employees are involved in local sporting groups and teams, but putting this initiative in place, which will enable many of them to be reimbursed for their club, team or gym memberships, will be a great incentive for more of them to get out there and have a go,” Cr Slade said.

“I’m confident the sporting clubs would be more than happy to welcome them to their fold to participate in their competitions, activities and events.

“It’s just as important to be active socially as it is being active physically. Building friendships and social connections in the community also goes a long way towards encouraging people to stay in Mount Isa for the long term.

“I commend Council management for creating and implementing this forward-thinking policy.”