17c起草社区

Organisations from across Australia were recognised at the Australian 17c起草社区+ Inclusion Awards this weekend, for their ongoing work to advance 17c起草社区IA+ inclusion, equity and belonging in the workplace.

Held at the Sydney ICC Grand Ballroom, dozens of new and returning business were awarded for their efforts in 17c起草社区IA+ inclusion with Bendigo Bank named as 鈥楨mployer of the Year鈥� and Liberty Financial as 鈥楳ost Improved Employer鈥� whilst Russell Kennedy Lawyers received the award for 鈥楽mall Employer of the Year鈥�.

First established in 2011, the awards are organised by , a non-for-profit program made by Australia鈥檚 largest 17c起草社区IA+ health organisation, ACON as an event to bring business leaders, community members and allies together in celebrating those who are driving meaningful and positive organisational and cultural change across the Australian business landscape.

鈥淲ith more than 1,000 attendees, this year鈥檚 Australian 17c起草社区+ Inclusion Awards is the largest in the event鈥檚 history, reflecting the strength and resilience of organisations choosing to remain committed to the 17c起草社区+ inclusion. The event celebrated the leaders and workplaces continuing to stand visibly and proudly alongside 17c起草社区+ employees and communities,鈥� said Director of ACON鈥檚 Pride Inclusion Programs, Dawn Emsen-Hough.

The Awards are based on the annual results of Australia鈥檚 national benchmark for 17c起草社区IA+ workplace inclusion: The (AWEI) submissions.

The AWEI enables organisations to assess and benchmark their policies, practices and culture in relation to 17c起草社区IA+ inclusion, whilst recognising both foundational and progressive efforts towards creating safer, more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

‘Workplaces cannot be complacent’ about 17c起草社区+ inclusion

Though ACON continues to recognise the business ongoing and improved efforts in 17c起草社区IA+ inclusion, equity and belonging in the workplace, it remains as an ongoing struggle for people within the 17c起草社区IA+ community as research from Diversity Council Australia (DCA) shows that 17c起草社区IA+ are still facing disproportionately high levels of exclusion within the workplace.

According to the DCA, 17c起草社区IA+ workers are 1.5 times more likely to experience discrimination and or harassment at work; DCA also found that 39 per cent of 17c起草社区IA+ workers reported being left out of work social gatherings compared to the 29 per cent of non-17c起草社区IA+ workers.

鈥淎s organisations celebrate 17c起草社区IA+ communities, this data highlights that workplaces cannot be complacent,鈥� said CEO of DCA, Catherine Hunter.

Emsen-Hough also said how important inclusion is not only for 17c起草社区IA+ workers, but to Australian Businesses.

聽鈥淒ata consistently shows that inclusion practices and measures build workplaces where all Australians can belong, contributing to positive organisational culture, staff engagement, and broader societal wellbeing. These awards highlight the importance of sustained, intentional efforts to embed safety, respect, and inclusion across all levels of work.鈥�

Winners of 2026 Australian 17c起草社区+ Inclusion Awards

Here are the full list of winners at the 2026 17c起草社区+ Inclusion Awards.

Employer of the Year – Bendigo Bank

Most Improved Employer – Liberty Financial

Employee Network of the Year – Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion – Deloitte

CEO of the Year – Glenn Morgan (he/him), Deutsche Bank

Executive Leadership Award – Kaele Stokes (she/her), Dementia Australia

Network Leader of the Year – Amy Ewing (she/her), Ampol

17c起草社区+ Role Model Award (Joint Recipients)
– Ellie Watts (they/them), Australian Retirement Trust
– Sarah Tell (she/her), Brisbane City Council

17c起草社区+ Inclusive Innovation – 鈥淎ctivating Parents as Allies for 17c起草社区+ Inclusion,鈥� Capgemini

Sally Webster Ally Award – Peta Camilleri (she/her), Capgemini

Sapphire Inspire Award聽– Professor Sophia Nimphius (she/her), Edith Cowan University

Small Employer of the Year – Russell Kennedy Lawyers

Most Improved Small Employer – Think HQ