Celeste Scott wins Fair Work unfair dismissal claim against Mary Valley Rattler

A former worker with the Gympie council-owned Mary Valley Rattler has blasted the internal culture of the tourist venture after a Fair Work victory following an almost year-long fight in which she claims she was bullied, harassed, and hospitalised. VIDEO.

A former Mary Valley Rattler worker, found to have been unfairly sacked, has lifted the lid on what she says is a “toxic” workplace culture within the heritage tourist venture.

Volunteer Co-ordinator Celeste Scott was sacked by the Rattler just before Christmas last year following a five month-long suspension which caused her so much stress she had to be hospitalised.

Ms Scott told the Gympie Times she had been placed on probation before the suspension with eight allegations levelled against her.

These included accusations she had refused to attend a staff meeting – despite it being non-compulsory and outside her work hours – and refused management direction by going over a manager’s head to buy bottles of soda water for volunteers.

“They were all just absolutely petty allegations,” Ms Scott said.

“I didn’t steal anything, I didn’t abuse anyone, it was just me doing my job.”

She was suspended on July 16 an internal investigation was launched into the allegations against Ms Scott, and those she raised herself about bullying and verbal harassment.

The suspension prohibited her from speaking to any staff member, volunteer or stakeholder of Rattler, including community groups working with the train.

Fighting back tears, Ms Scott said she struggled to cope with being cut off.

“These were my friends, these were my work colleagues, these were my support network, and my community members … but the threat was just constantly there,” she said.

“You speak to these people … you lose your job.”

Celeste Scott said she was suspended by the Rattler for 148 days before being made redundant by the organisation shortly before Christmas 2021. Pic: Visit Sunshine Coast.

Six weeks into her suspension she had a breakdown and was hospitalised in Noosa for severe hypertension “brought on by stress”.

She was made redundant on December 10 – notified of the decision by letter on December 15.

On May 23, 2022 Fair Work Commissioner Jennifer Hunt ruled by consent Ms Scott’s dismissal was unfair under Section 35 of the Act.

This required a person be dismissed in a “harsh, unjust, and or unreasonable” way not in line with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code and not as a genuine redundancy.

The Rattler agreed to pay Ms Scott three weeks’ notice and four week’s redundancy.

Celeste Scott said the internal culture of the Rattler organisation was “toxic” and claimed she experienced bullying and harassment while working there. Picture: Shane Zahner

In a joint statement, new Rattler general manager Linda Barry and board chairman Ian McNicol said they were aware of “historic staffing issues”.

“Regarding Celeste Scott, we are respectful of the outcome of Celeste Scott’s recent Fair Work claim and recognise and support the courts ruling,” the said.

“We wish Celeste all the very best with her future endeavours and thank her for her contribution to the Mary Valley Rattler.”

Ms Barry and Mr McNicol said in March a third party was brought in to review the Rattler’s internal culture.

“The board and current senior leadership team takes very seriously any allegations of bullying and harassment and once this review is finalised we will take any necessary action required,” they said.

Rattler chairman Ian McNicol, in a joint statement with new general manager Linda Barry, said a third party was brought in March 2022 to review the Rattler’s culture. Photo Renee Pilcher / The Gympie Times

They declined to address questions around claims two staff members had been “stood down” with pay by the Rattler, and whether this was in any way linked to Ms Scott’s matter.

“With regards to specific individuals, we will always respect their privacy and will not comment on any particular cases or details.”

Ms Scott claimed she experienced bullying and harassment as did other staff members and volunteers; more than a dozen of whom had resigned in the past year as a result.

“It was just a mass exit of people,” Ms Scott.

A source connected to the Rattler, who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity, supported Ms Scott’s claims.

“They’ll be nice to your face but in the background they will be putting the knife into you,” they said.

A source with links to the Rattler who requested anonymity supported Celeste Scott’s claims and said if left unchecked the “toxic” workplace culture would be the heritage train’s undoing.

They said decision to suspend her for 148 days while barring her from speaking with anyone connected to the Rattler was “disappointing” given the Rattler was happy to spruik about its anti-bullying and pro mental health stance.

“It’s all just a charade,” they said.

They also warned the toxic culture risked derailing a popular attraction which had been given a rare opportunity on the back of about $20m from Gympie ratepayers and Queensland taxpayers.

“If left unchecked it will be the undoing of the place,” they said.

“For any railway to get a second chance like the Rattler’s got is unheard of.

“If they don’t get it right this time it’s game over.

“No-one’s going to want to put money into something a third time.”