Disability and social justice advocates, community groups, small businesses and leading employers have been recognised at the Inaugural CCIWA Diversity and Inclusion Awards, in partnership with BHP.
The awards gala, held at Crown Perth on Friday, July 19th, celebrated the Western Australian businesses and organisations that continue to go above and beyond to promote diversity and inclusion.
More than 120 initiatives were nominated across the 11 categories, ranging from small, family businesses to some of WA’s largest employers and not-for-profits.
The winners were selected by in independent panel of expert judges, who measured each initiative across a range of different metrics.
CCIWA Chief Executive, Chris Rodwell, said the event has put the spotlight on the big strides taken by WA organisations to make our state a better place.
“It’s wonderful to see the way WA businesses have embraced diversity and inclusion in the realisation that it’s not only the right thing to do but also great for their business,” he said.
“The winners exemplify the very best of WA and show us that while there’s still work to do to improve diversity and inclusivity in our workplaces, we’re well on the journey. The response this year has been way beyond initial expectations.”
Mr Rodwell said the awards were the first of their kind in Australia and would be back again in 2025.
“WA businesses are leading the charge when it comes to creating equitable workplaces where everyone can thrive,” he said.
“We know that businesses that excel at diversity and inclusion are more profitable, and their staff and customers are more loyal.
“We’re committed to making sure the efforts of businesses in this space are recognised, in the hopes it will encourage others to go on the same journey. We’re especially focussed in at lifting employment of people with disability.”
The CCIWA Diversity and Inclusion Awards, in partnership with BHP, were sponsored by Fortescue, Good Sammys and media partner 9News Perth.
CCIWA is one of around 80 organisations across the nation to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia this year. It is the third consecutive year it has achieved this recognition.
About the winners:
Indigenous Inclusion: Sponsored by Workskil Australia
Laing O’Rouke was recognised for outstanding engagement with Indigenous heritage, staff and suppliers on the Morley to Ellenbrook Metronet project.
Disability and Inclusion: Sponsored by the Activ Foundation
WA All Abilities Football Association was recognised for state-wide initiatives to engage people with physical and intellectual disabilities in grass-roots AFL.
Cultural Inclusion: Sponsored by the Western Australian Department of Communities
Bachar Houli Foundation was recognised for its grass-roots program aimed at getting Muslim children in Perth involved in AFL, founded by former Richmond player Bachar Houli.
LGBTQIA+: Sponsored by Rio Tinto
Fortescue was recognised for an employee-led initiative to support LGBTQIA+ staff across Fortescue’s operations.
The Michael Parker Gender Inclusion Award: Sponsored by CCIWA
BHP was recognised for its Gender Equity Network, a grass-roots employee resource group designed to support women and non-binary people with their career development.
Community and Social Impact: Sponsored by Roshanna Group
Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence was recognised for their ground-breaking pilot program, tackling family violence perpetrated against people with disabilities.
Individual Change-maker: Sponsored by the Industry Capability Network
Sheldon Smith from Curtin University was recognised for his work to identify and tackle workplace attitudes that contribute to gender-based violence in the community.
Workplace Wellbeing: Sponsored by MIB Projects
Rio Tinto was recognised for an employee-led initiate to place QR codes linking to mental health support on benches across some Rio Tinto mine sites.
Corporate Enterprise: Sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia
Rio Tinto was recognised for its programs designed to build safe and inclusive workplaces across all Rio Tinto operations.
Medium business: Sponsored by Ventia
Scitech was recognised for making the fun of science accessible to people of all abilities and celebrating the different ways the human body works.
Small Business: Sponsored by the City of Swan
Hospitality Disability Network WA was recognised for improving outcomes for people with disabilities by finding employment opportunities in WA’s hospitality sector.
