Mandatory Leaders Racing for Respectful Workplaces training 

Racing Victoria (RV) wishes to advise that all licensed Trainers, Assistant Trainers and Forepersons will be required to complete a mandatory in-person education workshop entitled Leaders Racing for Respectful Workplaces in 2026. 

This important training is being initiated with the support of the Australian Trainers Association (ATA) and follows the successful delivery of five pilot workshops over the past 12 months, which were held prior to rolling out to the full cohort of the above participant groups. 

Feedback from these workshops has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 95% of attendees rating the training as very good or excellent. 

To be offered a renewal of your Victorian licence or registration for the 2026-27 season it is now a requirement that you have completed this training. iHR Australia will deliver the workshops using an interactive, theatre-style approach which incorporates racing specific scenarios. 

Employment laws require all employers and people with management control to create respectful workplaces and positively manage factors in the work environment that can cause psychological or physical harm, such as stress, anxiety, depression, bullying and harassment. 

One of the fastest growing areas of workers’ compensation claims are those linked to these unmanaged psychosocial hazards in the workplace, and this training is designed to help mitigate the risk of legal action, reputational damage and high employee turnover, all of which can have a detrimental impact on a business.

These workshops follow on from previous mandatory Workplace Safety and Behaviours online training modules and roadshows held in conjunction with the ATA. They are part of RV’s commitment to the education and training of participants to ensure that our industry is best placed to meet modern expectations and obligations. 

The training also builds on the ‘Respect at Work’ program being undertaken by RV in response to the Racing Integrity Commissioner’s report and recommendations on victim support and complaint processes in the racing industry.

Workshop Dates

A total of 18 workshops are programmed across all regions of Victoria from February to May 2026 as listed below. You are required to attend one in person.

Unless otherwise advised the workshops will be held at the local racecourse/training centre.

Should you not be able to attend the workshop held at your nearest location, you will be required to attend another workshop at a different location. 

Each mandatory workshop will run for two (2) hours. 
 

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants are welcome to remain for an additional 30-minute Q&A and engagement session with iHR and RV – however this component is not mandatory.

Morning Tea will be provided and you are invited to advise our team of any dietary requirements by emailing training@racingvictoria.net.au.

Workshop Overview & Attendance

The two-hour workshop will equip trainers and leadership staff with the tools they need to manage workplace matters and enforce respectful workplace practices. 

A member of the RV Stewards panel will be present at each workshop to confirm your attendance, and you are only required to attend one workshop to complete the mandatory training.

Should you fail to attend your chosen workshop, you will be required to re-book to attend an alternative workshop at a later date or you will not receive your next licence or registration renewal offer in May 2026.

Failure to attend a workshop means you will not be able to renew your licence for the 2026-27 racing season and from 1 August 2026 you will not be permitted to work in your current licensed/registered capacity in Victoria until such time as the mandatory training has been completed and you have been relicensed/registered.

Important Points to Note

• This training is mandatory for all licensed trainers in Victoria, including those who hold a dual licence. 

• Each individual trainer within a training partnership is required to complete the training. 

• Trainers who are based interstate but hold a Victorian licence are also required to attend a workshop if they wish to renew their licence for the 2026-27 season. 

• If you wish for other relevant staff at your workplace to attend a workshop to further their education and knowledge, please email training@racingvictoria.net.au and consideration will be given pending availability.

• Any individual who attended one of the five pilot workshops conducted by RV in 2025 is not required to attend another in 2026. 

How to Book

To register for your preferred workshop, please click on the button below. Numbers will be capped at each workshop, so bookings are essential and you’re encouraged to do so at an early opportunity.

CLICK TO BOOK YOUR WORKSHOP DATE

Once you have booked your workshop, you will be sent a reminder email one month before your chosen date to confirm your attendance. A further reminder email will be sent a week prior to your chosen workshop date.  

The training that will be delivered in these tailored workshops will be of valuable assistance in fulfilling your role as leader in the Victorian racing industry.

If you have any questions or issues with the booking form, please email our team on training@racingvictoria.net.au