Central Safety Group Amsterdam

CSG: Over 60 years and still going strong

There are so many people to thank for the past and continuing success of Central Safety Group after more than 60 years of existence: an impressive roll call of volunteers who have run the group; expert speakers who have shared their knowledge freely; and loyal members who have supported us.

All of this was celebrated last October at our special lunch at Parliament House Victoria. I think the joyous atmosphere that day was enhanced by the fact that it was the first time we had all seen each other in person for more than two years. The networking side to CSG was on show and embraced enthusiastically -some of those connections have borne fruit already. Helen O'Keefe offered the use of her Board Room for our monthly events now that we have moved to a hybrid format -it is a great venue and Helen's generous sponsorship means that we are able to use it free of charge. Several people also offered to be presenters / source speakers / host site visits and we have already had a couple of those speakers this year -more to come. 

We were honoured to have Dr Narelle Beer, Executive Director of Health and Safety, WorkSafe Victoria attend and give the keynote address. We welcomed Narelle's commitment on behalf of WorkSafe Victoria to maintain ties with our group, which has been put into practice with WorkSafe Victoria becoming one of three Corporate Members that have joined CSG in 2023.

There were many other highlights of the day, including David Caple AM as MC, and Barry Naismith from OHS Intros giving a fascinating overview of the history of OHS in Victoria. Our longest-serving president, Ollie Matthews, was honoured for his 22 years of service to the group (1998-2022). He had flown in from South Australia for the day, interrupting a holiday in SA & NT! 

A scrapbook was handed around with documents and photos gathered over the years, which are forming part of a history being written by our Membership Co-ordinator. If you have any memories or achival material you would like to contribute to this project, please conatct Marina via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I asked our current President, Nan Austin, for her reflections on the event and the future of CSG. She said: "Emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, the CSG Committee confidently proceeded with plans to celebrate our 60 years of monthly discussions on workplace safety with a luncheon at the Victorian Parliament House Dining Room in October 2022. This event was all the more poignant with the recent closure of the Western Safety Group as the only other Victorian regional industrial safety group established under the Department of Labour still operating. Our history is displayed in our formal bank account name as the Central District Industrial Safety Group. I thank all our members, speakers and especially committee members who have supported CSG over these years. We are now planning a strategic review to ensure our continued relevance in the fast evolving sphere of workplace safety. We look forward to your contributions to this activity and our ongoing monthly events. We also welcome your reflections on our past, present and future."

For those who missed it, or others who would like to re-live this special occasion, we have produced a memorable package. There were a few technical challenges on the day, including our original plan for filming the speakers. However, our wonderful secretary Heather Turner saved the day by filming it with her phone and, while it will not be nominated for an Academy Award, it certainly captures the atmosphere well.

Financial members can view it here (log in first)

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Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Strategy 2023–2033

I received a media release from the Australian Institute of Health & Safety that would be of interest to CSG members -about their endorsement of Safe Work Australia's 10-year WHS Strategy. Here is their statement:

Too many Australians each year die or become seriously injured or ill due to work; this is unacceptable and preventable. The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) endorses the vision of safe and healthy work for all Australians in the new Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Strategy 2023–2033.

We believe that every Australian, whatever their job, whether in rural workplaces or cities, has the right to healthy and safe work. As the peak national body for the health and safety profession, we commit to supporting the vision of the new Strategy.

“It may be a small note in the purpose and scope, but the recognition that this strategy should also contribute to the work and understanding of all in the WHS system including researchers, experts and practitioners who play a role in owning, contributing to, and realising the national vision is an important reminder of the critical role of our profession”, says Naomi Kemp, AIHS Chair.

Each and every day, our members provide evidence-based and practical advice to organisational leaders on health and safety matters so they can prevent work-related psychological and physical harm to their workers and meet their duties under work health and safety legislation.

Alongside Safe Work Australia, its members, and this new strategy, the AIHS will:

• Uphold standards for WHS education and training to enable good WHS practice, based on the OHS Body of Knowledge.
• Drive informed collaboration as the independent experts sitting between unions and employer organisations to respond to WHS challenges effectively.
• Promote and showcase innovation and exemplary WHS practices that prevent work-related psychological and physical harm.
• Build an effective WHS workforce by promoting the career path and ensuring professional and ethical standards.
• Raise the capability and credibility of the profession through certification to assure employers and governments of the quality of advice needed to save lives in our workplaces.
• Support Australian researchers to provide employers and governments with evidence regarding current and emerging risks to deepen knowledge and broaden understanding.
• Shape contemporary policy and practice by providing regulators with the evidence base beyond the WHS system to inform policy and regulation.

Following the release of the new Strategy, the AIHS will be releasing its new Strategic Plan - Vision 2026 which will provide more detail. “The AIHS looks forward over the next decade to continuing our commitment to healthier, safer workplaces and communities,” Ms Kemp said.

To view the complete strategy, click here.

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Free Webinar -Cyber Awareness and Safeguarding of Information

CSG members LinkSafe are holding a free online event on Wednesday 26th April at 2pm AEDT on the topic of Cyber Awareness and Safeguarding of Information, to be presented by Michael Connory, CEO at Security in Depth

As businesses continue to expand their online presence and reliance on technology, the emergence of sophisticated cyber-attacks has become a harsh reality that demands immediate attention. 

In this session, Michael will discuss crucial strategies for identifying potential threats, highlight the indispensable value of partnering with ISO27001 accredited businesses, and underscore the significance of adopting robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard the integrity and sustainability  of your company.

Join LinkSafe as they equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to fortify your organisation's digital defences and ensure a secure future in the face of cyber uncertainty. 

As it's a free event, it's bound to book out quickly, so make sure you register now via the link here.

Financial CSG members can also catch up with the presentation given to us on this topic by Michael Connory in November 2020 Web Safety Risks. That was our first zoom presentation and it was as timely then as it is now. Michael has a wealth of knowledge and gave a great deal of practical advice.

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Central Safety Group Inc. AGM news

On the 14th February 2023, Central Safety Group held its 2022 AGM.

The committee has changed slightly due to Frank Imbesi stepping down from the role of Vice-President. He has been replaced by Christina Rennick, and we have a new ordinary member, Dominic Melling. Congratulations Christina and welcome Dominic! The current committee is made up of the following people:

• President - Nan Austin
• Vice-President - Christina Rennick
• Secretary - Heather Turner
• Treasurer - Cameron Cranstoun
• Committee Members - Jane Loudon, Marina Milankovic, Dominic Melling

There were no nominees for the new position of Social Media Co-ordinator, but hopefully someone will put up their hand during the year. The primary purpose of the role is to maintain up-to-date information on our LinkedIn page, blog posts on our website, and develop other platforms over time.

The financial statement shows that our current account had a very low balance at the end of 2022, which was mainly due to costs associated with our 60th anniversary activities. Our Treasurer Cameron Cranstoun also informed members that the website is in need of a major upgrade this year, because the current platform will no longer be supported without it. This will be a considerable expense that cannot be avoided. As our webite is our greatest asset, it is certainly worth the investment.

This led to the first of 2 proposals: that the individual membership fee for 2024 increase to $85 per calendar year. There was quite a bit of discussion about this, as the fee has only just been raised to $80 and it is unusual for the fee to increase in consecutive years. In the end, the proposal was passed with 60% of the vote.

However, it was agreed that there is an option to hold a Special Meeting later in the year to reverse this increase, if our financial situation warrants it. For example, if we boost our membership numbers or if we receive sponsorship to pay for the upgrade. We also discussed having a slightly lower-key event at the end of the year instead of the Parliament House luncheon, the cost of which has increased substantially since pre-pandemic times. If you have other ideas, or can help us secure some sponsorship, we would love to hear from you!

The other proposal came from Jane Loudon: to form a working group to update and formalise the aims and purpose of Central Safety Group. This was passed with 80% of the vote. Volunteers for the working group so far are Nan Austin, Jane Loudon and Craig Ramadge. If you would like to be involved, contact Jane at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thanks to those who attended the AGM and we are looking forward to another great year!

Log in to view the Minutes, Annual Report and Financial Statement.

Rosie O’Halloran

Date & Time: Tuesday 4 April 2023, noon
*Note: a week earlier due to Easter public holidays

CSG Hybrid Lunchtime Presentation -via zoom or in person

Speaker: Rosie O’Halloran, Ergonomist, University of Amsterdam

Topic: Green ergonomics: Designing a sustainable workplace

How do you gain a green star rating for ergonomic design? You can learn what’s involved from Rosie O’Halloran, an award-winning Human Factors and Ergonomics practitioner, in her presentation to Central Safety Group on Tuesday 4 April.

She will present a methodology she developed for evaluating and certifying the interior of buildings with a green star rating credit for ergonomic design. Following her success with this at the University of Amsterdam, Rosie won the 2022 University Safety Association’s Safety Professional of the Year award.....read more

Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 3 April 2023.  When booking, please ensure you select the April Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.

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Kevin Jones

Date & Time: Wednesday 15 March 2023, noon
*Note: different day due to Monday public holiday

CSG Hybrid Lunchtime Presentation -via zoom or in person

Speaker: Kevin Jones, Editor, SafetyAtWorkBlog

Topic: The hot topics of OHS today

Some of the latest books on workplace OHS will be discussed by Kevin Jones in a lunchtime presentation on Wednesday 15 March. This is a chance to find out what’s new, what’s getting attention, and some of the fastest growing trends in OHS.

Kevin is internationally recognised for his commentary and analysis on safety-related matters and is involved in different areas of safety.....read more

Note: RSVP by close of business Tuesday 14 March 2023  When booking, please ensure you select the March Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.

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Helen O'Keefe

Date & Time: Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 12:00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE ZOOM Event:

Speaker: Helen O’Keefe, Director, HOK Talent Solutions.

Topic: Recruiting and retaining OHS staff

Like many areas of the current job scene, employers looking for quality OHS professionals are finding themselves in an inflated job market, where there are more roles available than suitable applicants.

So what’s required to attract and retain OHS talent when good candidates are spoilt for choice? What do you need to be doing differently? Some useful advice will be offered by Helen O’Keefe, who runs a leading national health & safety executive search agency, at a presentation for CSG at noon on Tuesday 14 February....read more

Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 13 February 2023.  When booking, please ensure you select the February Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.

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Ross Macfarlane

Date & Time: Tuesday 8 November 2022 at 12:00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE ZOOM Event:

Speaker: Ross Macfarlane, Director, RM The Risk Manager.

Topic: Five top tips for successful auditing

Ross Macfarlane has extensive experience conducting successful OHS audits for a wide range of companies and organisations. Since 2008 he has conducted over 1,000 audits and has an audit log of over 1,350 days. Based on this wealth of experience, Ross will share his top 5 tips for a successful audit program in a lunchtime Zoom talk on 8 November.

Ross will discuss how to develop and implement an audit schedule based on risk and then how to plan and prepare for the audit itself. Other topics covered will be: putting auditees at ease during interviews, the rules of evidence, and strategies for corrective actions that actually work...read more

Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 7 November 2022.  When booking, please ensure you select the November Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.

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CSG 60th Anniversary

Date & Time: FRIDAY 14 October 2022 at 12:00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: In person @ Parliament House Event:

Speakers: Dr Narelle Beer, Executive Director of Health and Safety, WorkSafe Victoria; and Barry Naismith from OHS Intros.

Compere: Professor David Caple AM

Join us in the grand surroundings of Parliament House Victoria to celebrate CSG’s 60 years of networking and continuous service to the OHS community. Hosted by David Caple AM, with speakers Dr Narelle Beer (ED WorkSafe Victoria) and Barry Naismith, and a delicious meal showcasing the state’s fresh produce....read more

Note: RSVP by close of business Friday 7 October 2022. 

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Ben Thomson

Date & Time: Tuesday 13 September 2022 at 12:00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE ZOOM Event:

Speaker: Ben Thomson, Safety Manager, Flight Academy Australia.

Topic: When a company is small and risks are high

Aviation demands particularly sound safety management systems and behaviours. Ben Thomson, Safety Manager for Flight Academy Australia (FAA), a light aircraft pilot training business, faces special challenges with instructors and students from a wide range of backgrounds...read more

Note: RSVP by close of business Monday 12 September 2022.  When booking, please ensure you select the September Event from the dropdown list (shaded orange), to RSVP.

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