wellness
Workplace wellbeing: rights and local resources
Geelong workers facing technology-driven job pressures now have clearer pathways to mental health supports through local services and employment rights.
How we reported this
Barwon Health recorded 142 referrals for workplace stress support in the first quarter of 2026, up from 98 the same period last year.
National data released this week showed women and university graduates in Australia face the highest risk of AI-related job losses, with Victoria recording a 12 per cent rise in stress-related workers compensation claims since January. The figures arrive weeks after the Telstra network failure disrupted triple-zero calls and train services across Geelong on 8 July, leaving many local employees without access to managers or support lines during the outage.
Geelong residents can connect with Barwon Health’s mental health intake team at its Ryrie Street clinic or join the free Geelong Waterfront parkrun each Saturday morning at 7am starting from the Eastern Beach pavilion. Both options sit within existing workplace wellbeing frameworks that require employers to offer reasonable adjustments under the Fair Work Act when staff disclose mental health concerns.
Local programs and access points
Barwon Health runs a six-week stress management course at its Belmont community health centre on High Street, with the next intake opening 22 July at a cost of $25 for materials. Participants learn breathing techniques and boundary-setting scripts they can use during performance reviews or shift changes. The same organisation operates a 24-hour telephone line that remained operational during the recent Telstra outage because it routes through a separate fibre connection.
Staff at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre on Little Malop Street also host monthly lunchtime sessions on employment rights, covering topics such as requesting flexible hours after a stressful project. These sessions draw on current Fair Work Ombudsman guidance and attract 20 to 30 people each month, according to library attendance records.
Next steps for employees
Workers who want to raise concerns should first speak with their direct supervisor or human resources contact, then document the conversation in writing. If further support is needed, contacting Barwon Health’s intake line at 1300 094 187 provides an initial assessment within two business days. Employees can also visit the Eastern Beach rock pool before or after shifts for a low-cost physical outlet that complements the formal programs. Those unsure where to start can book a free 15-minute consultation with a Barwon Health wellbeing coordinator by calling the Ryrie Street clinic before the end of July.