Work Health and Safety Specialist
The Victoria Racing Club is a premier racing club in Australia, renowned for hosting the iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival. As an industry leader, we are committed to delivering exceptional racing, entertainment, and hospitality experiences. Our mission is to be treasured by all as a world leader in racing and event entertainment, guaranteeing an unparalleled experience.
About the Role
We are seeking a Work Health and Safety Specialist to play a crucial role in maintaining a risk-aware culture throughout the organization. The successful candidate will ensure that our business activities, practices, and processes embody health and safety principles.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement WHS strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with legislation and best practice.
* Identify and manage WHS risks through regular inspections, audits, and ongoing review of the WHS Risk Register.
* Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, including hazardous materials, asbestos management, and psychosocial risk mitigation.
* Lead incident investigations, oversee timely reporting, and drive corrective actions.
* Oversight of WHS planning and risk assessments for race days, events, builds, and bump-outs, including emergency response support.
* Coordinate inductions, training, and ongoing safety education for staff, contractors, and volunteers.
* Foster a strong safety culture through coaching, toolbox talks, and stakeholder engagement.
* Chair WHS Committee meetings and collaborate on emergency planning and compliance reporting.
* Monitor WHS performance metrics and ensure documentation, audits, and first aid compliance are maintained.
Requirements:
* Tertiary qualifications in Work Health and Safety or a related field, with a solid understanding of relevant legislation, codes of practice, and industry standards.
* Hands-on experience managing WHS in high-risk, dynamic environments — ideally across large-scale events, public venues, and operational areas such as stables, tracks, or temporary infrastructure builds.
* Strong knowledge of risk identification and control in areas like crowd safety, contractor management, working at heights, plant and equipment, and hazardous substances.
* Confident working across diverse stakeholder groups — from ground staff and contractors to senior executives and regulatory bodies.
* Skilled communicator able to deliver clear safety messaging in fast-paced, high-pressure settings like race days or major event builds.
* Proactive, solutions-focused, and agile — able to adapt quickly and lead safety outcomes in an environment that evolves rapidly.
Benefits:
* Work in a dynamic team environment
* 15 weeks paid parental leave and keep in touch days
* Employee Training and Development Programs
* Wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Program
* Opportunity to be part of our iconic racing club and contribute to its continued success
* Health and Wellbeing programs including EAP
* Onsite parking
* Annual Staff Membership with discounts
* Work in beautiful surroundings at Flemington racecourse