Part of CCIWA’s vision – for WA to be the best place to live and do business – involves championing diverse and inclusive workplaces. For CCIWA, this includes celebrating WA PrideFEST each year in November.
This year’s PrideFEST theme was Together, Go West – celebrating WA’s vibrant, diverse and unique LGBTQIA+ community.
CCIWA representatives at Crown’s Pride Luncheon.
At the largest corporate event for WA PrideFEST, Crown’s Pride Luncheon on November 22 was headlines by Studio 10 Presenter Narelda Jacobs who delivered a powerful keynote address, emphasising the importance of continuing to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights.
“We know how far we’ve come. We have young people who still know the struggle. The struggle may be more nuanced, but for those people fighting for it, it is a struggle for their very existence,” she said.
“We will use this celebration to fill our cup … to recharge our batteries, because we know that there is so much equality that is yet to be achieved, and together we can achieve it.”
CCIWA was proud to attend the Pride Luncheon with 10 employee and Board representatives, including Board Director and PeopleKind Group Deputy Chair Simon te Brinke.
“For me, Pride is about providing safe and inclusive workplaces for the LGBTQIA+ community and fostering a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work every day,” he said.
“It’s also a time to acknowledge the progress we’ve made towards equality but also acknowledging there’s still a lot more to be done.
“In that sense, Pride is also a time where we should celebrate the courage and resilience of those who’ve come before us, who stood up and fought for love, acceptance and inclusion.”
Workplaces progressing, but hurdles persist
Throughout his career, te Brinke has seen meaningful progress in making WA workplaces more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people, but challenges remain.
“There’s greater awareness and education around LGBTQIA+ issues, and more companies are implementing anti-discrimination policies and celebrating diversity,” he said.
“Leadership commitment to inclusion is growing, and representation is improving, albeit slowly. That said, barriers like tokenism, unconscious bias, cultural resistance, and fear of repercussions, sadly, still persist.”
te Brinke added: “Progress is steady, but true inclusivity requires ongoing effort, accountability, and a genuine commitment to change.
“As a Board Director, I know that commitment must come from the very top of the organisation – from the Board down.”
CCIWA awarded Inclusive Employer status
Earlier this month, CCIWA was recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) for the fourth consecutive year.
To achieve the status, organisations must exceed the National Index Benchmark across at least five out of key areas: awareness, engagement, inclusive organisational climate, inclusive leadership, inclusive team and exclusion.
Driven by the motto we welcome different, CCIWA is proud to have a diverse workforce, which includes 13% of employees who identify as LGBTQIA+.
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or [email protected].
