Colourful outfits, thought-provoking conversations, inclusive entertainment and an incredible scene of allyship was how the Crown Perth Pride Luncheon celebrated and honoured WA’s LGBTQIA+ community last week.
L-R: CCIWA’s Rowena Lynch, Cass Wright, Louisa Gardner, Ash D’Rozario, Simon te Brinke, Darren Ward, Kym Lloyd, Renee Bond and Tracy Al Saidi.
Individuals, allies and businesses donned their best and arrived in style to the seventh instalment of the event on Friday, November 21, supported by Pride WA, Pride Professionals and Pride in Diversity.
Part proceeds from ticket sales went towards The Pinnacle Foundation – an education charity providing scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for young LGBTQIA+ Australians to realise their full potential.
In support of colleagues and community, CCIWA proudly attended with the Director, People & Culture Tracy Al Saidi, Diversity and Inclusion Council members, staff allies, and Board representative Simon te Brinke.
We are here, we are everywhere
This year’s theme ‘We Are Here’ was aptly chosen as a reminder that LGBTQIA+ people have always existed and will continue to thrive geographically and culturally.
Pride WA CEO Dr Lauren Butterly said it was a call-to-arms for allies, businesses and corporates to support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community across WA.
“Investing in time, resources and money are important for nurturing the community and creating safe spaces for people to feel seen and supported for generations to come,” Butterly said.
Patience, education a must to cultivate community allyship
The afternoon’s keynote speaker, former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, spoke powerfully about his experience growing up in conservative Ireland, touched on his trailblazing choice to front the public as openly gay and expressed concern over the revival of discriminatory practices and ideologies resulting from US President Donald Trump’s presidency.
“As a whole, we must focus on merits – diversity, equity and inclusion are about lifting everyone up so we must make sure people feel like they can be who they truly are,” Joyce said.
“That is the world and Australia that we want, and it’s with events like today that we’ll get there.”
On community allyship, Joyce said having the patience to help people from different cultures, backgrounds and generations to understand diversity, equity and inclusion concepts was critical to building support.
“The best way to make change is to bring the community with us and include them in conversations, instead of alienating them,” he said.
Inclusion is not optional, it’s essential: CCIWA Director, People & Culture
CCIWA Director, People & Culture Tracy Al Saidi said events such as the Crown Perth Pride Luncheon were more than celebrations, they were also catalysts for change.
“These events create space for meaningful conversations and challenging biases, and remind us that inclusion is not optional, it’s essential for thriving workplaces and communities,” she said.
“Inclusion is the foundation of innovation and engagement – when people feel safe to bring their authentic self to work, they contribute their best ideas and energy.
“That’s how businesses succeed by valuing diversity and ensuring every voice is heard.”
CCIWA powers on with commitment to inclusivity
For the fifth-year running, CCIWA is proud to be named an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council Australia (DCA). This recognises the organisation’s ongoing commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.
CCIWA recently held its second CCIWA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, honouring businesses leading the way in nurturing equitable workplaces – an initiative that gained international recognition at the 2025 World Chambers Congress.
Find out how We Welcome Different and opportunities to join our team.
