Sydney City Liquor Accord Super Session
What a day.
Karen Maher was honoured to deliver a half-day Super Session for 150 senior leaders across Sydney City’s hospitality sector, hosted by the Sydney City Liquor Accord.
The room included leaders from theatres, hotels, restaurants, bars and bottle shops, all united in their commitment to eliminating sexual harassment from the industry.
From Commitment to Action
This proactive session focused on preventing and responding to sexual harassment under the positive duty, with practical tools leaders can apply immediately.
Together, the group explored:
- Moving from reactive complaints to proactive prevention
- Leadership accountability and due diligence
- Strengthening speak up cultures in hospitality
- Responding to concerns with confidence and care
The energy in the room was powerful. When 150 senior leaders lean into the work, culture shifts.
A Full Circle Moment
For Karen, this session carried deep personal meaning.
Having experienced serious sexual harassment at 21 while working in hospitality, standing in front of this group and helping shape a safer future for others was both powerful and humbling.
Real change happens when leaders choose to act.
A special thank you to Steven Speed and Fiona Speed for their tireless leadership, Superintendent Marty Fileman, Commander of Sydney City Police Area Command, NSW Police Force, for his opening address, the City of Sydney, the Australian Hotels Association NSW, and to Merivale for hosting us in the stunning Establishment Ballroom.
Here is to building a safer, more respectful and thriving hospitality industry together.
Strengthening Respect at Work in Hospitality
Karen Maher delivers keynotes and leadership sessions across Australia focused on:
- Preventing and responding to workplace sexual harassment
- Respect at Work and the positive duty
- Bystander intervention in hospitality
- Psychosocial safety and speak up cultures
To explore keynote topics, visit karenmaher.com.au/keynotes.
For comprehensive workplace culture and psychosocial safety programs, explore SmartCulture® solutions at smartculture.com.au.
Prevention is leadership in action.
