An 18-month process has culminated in the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s accreditation as a White Ribbon workplace.

Mid North Coast Local Health District chief executive Stewart Dowrick said the organisation is committed to support victims of domestic violence and ensure staff have the skills to respond, communicate and link people to resources in a better way than before.

“That increased awareness will also help our staff support their colleagues in the workplace and feel more inclined to seek support or assistance,” he said.

The local health district satisfied 15 assessment criteria under three separate standards to receive accreditation.

It demonstrated effective leadership, resource allocation, communication, HR policy development and training to create a safer and more respectful workplace.

Mr Dowrick said the aim was to be a leader within the region and NSW.

“We are happy to support them [other organisations] within the region and also NSW to walk with us on this path,” he said.

White Ribbon Australia’s Jennifer Mullen said workplaces play a critical role.

She said organisations were in the unique position to be able to drive culture change and strengthen respect and gender equality.

“Health is in a particularly unique position to be able to drive that culture change,” Ms Mullen said.

“Becoming the first local health district in NSW to become accredited is a huge achievement and I think we will see them leading the way for the other health districts.”

Australia has 107 White Ribbon accredited workplaces.

Accreditation lasts for three years and evidences an ongoing, sustainable commitment to the prevention of violence against women.

Domestic violence survivor Dr Angela Jay was recognised by her former workplace as a White Ribbon advocate during a gathering at Port Macquarie Base Hospital to mark the White Ribbon workplace accreditation.