Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards
The annual Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards are held each May and hosted by Pride in Diversity.
The Inclusion Awards recognise outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts within the workplace, and are based on the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI).
About AWEI »
Find AWEI LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces »
Nominate!
Nominate a colleague or campaign for outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace.
AWEI Individual Awards
- CEO of the Year Award »
- Executive Leadership Award »
- LGBTQ+ Inclusive Innovation Award »
- LGBTQ+ Role Model Award »
- Employee Network: Leader of the Year Award »
- Sally Webster Ally Award »
- Sapphire Inspire Award »
AWEI Employer Awards
- LGBTQ+ Employee Network of the Year Award »
- Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion Award »
- Employer of the Year Award »
- Most Improved Employer Award »
- Small Employer of the Year Award »
- Most Improved Small Employer Award »
LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards Results »
2025 » 2024 » 2022 » 2021 » 2020 » 2019 » 2018 » 2017 »
🦍 CEO of the Year Award
The CEO of the Year Award recognises the outstanding support, promotion, and/or contribution to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace by an organisation’s CEO, or equivalent, or the most senior executive.
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | NSW: Department of Education | 🦍 Winner » Murat Dizdar |
| 2024 | Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) | 🦍 Winner » David Locke |
| Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) | Finalist » Mike Burgess | |
| NSW Department of Education | Finalist » Murat Dizdar | |
| 2022 | Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | 🦍 Winner » David Anderson |
| 2021 | IBM Australia | 🦍 Winner » Katrina Troughton |
| 2018 | PwC | 🦍 Winner » Luke Sayers |
| 2017 | Deloitte Australia | 🦍 Winner » Cindy Hook |
🦁 Executive Leadership Award
The Executive Leadership Award recognises outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace by an organisation’s executive or senior leader.
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | Murdoch University | 🦁 Winner » Rebecca Bennett |
| KPMG Australia | Finalist » Paul Howes | |
| Zurich Financial Services | Finalist » Evelyn Foong | |
| 2024 | The Star Entertainment Group | 🦁 Winner » George Hughes |
| IHG | Finalist » Chris Waite | |
| Novartis Pharmaceuticals | Finalist » Jess Huf | |
| Services Australia | Finalist » Nicky Bell | |
| 2022 | NSW: Police Force | 🦁 Winner » Assistant Commissioner Gelina Talbot |
| 2021 | AGL Energy | 🦁 Joint Winner » Christine Corbett |
| Woolworths Group | 🦁 Joint Winner » Guy Brent | |
| 2020 | Maddocks | 🦁 Winner » Alicia Albury |
| Deutsche Bank | Finalist » Glenn Morgan | |
| MinterEllison | Finalist » Gordon Williams | |
| 2019 | Brisbane City Council | 🦁 Winner » Andrea Kenafake |
| 2018 | PwC | 🦁 Winner » James Collins |
| 2017 | EY Oceania | 🦁 Winner » Lynn Kraus |
👌 LGBTQ+ Inclusive Innovation Award
The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Innovation Award recognises LGBTQ+ inclusion within the development and promotion of an organisation’s products and services, processes, or ways of working.
This award replaces the defunct External Media Campaign Award (EMCA).
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | Think HQ | 👌 Winner » The Unsaid Says a Lot |
| Deloitte Australia | Finalist » Building Trans Inclusive Workplaces | |
| QBE Insurance | Finalist » Not Atypical Podcast | |
| 2024 | KPMG Australia | 👌 Winner » Voices of Our People |
| American Express Australia | Finalist » Sydney World Pride Activation: & Proud | |
| Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | Finalist » Retracing the steps of the first Mardi Gras | |
| EY Oceania | Finalist » Sydney World Pride Activation: Queer Careers | |
| 2022 | Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | 👌 EMCA Winner » Innies + Outies podcast |
| 2021 | Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | 👌 EMCA Winner » ABCQueer |
| 2019 | Suncorp Group | 👌 EMCA Winner » AAMI: The Road to Broken Hill |
| 2018 | ANZ Australia | 👌 EMCA Winner » Hold Tight |
💃 LGBTQ+ Role Model Award
The LGBTQ+ Role Model Award recognises an LGBTQ+ individual within an organisation who is highly visible as an LGBTQ+ role model and has made an outstanding contribution raising awareness, advocating for, and promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace.
Results also include the defunct Out Role Model Award (ORM).
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | Origin Energy | 💃 Winner » Georgi Hodge |
| Deloitte Australia | Finalist » Laurie Rutter | |
| NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development | Finalist » Harriet Whyte | |
| Medibank | Finalist » Juan Campos | |
| Murdoch University | Finalist » Em Readman | |
| Urbis | Finalist » Johnathan Bryant | |
| 2024 | National Australia Bank (NAB) | 💃 Winner » Kim Lee |
| Bendigo Bank / Adelaide Bank | Finalist » Sarah Bateson | |
| Clifford Chance | Finalist » Damian Bachor | |
| Gold Coast University Hospital | Finalist » Jed Shiels | |
| MinterEllison | Finalist » Renee Shike | |
| 2022 | National Australia Bank (NAB) | 💃 ORM Winner » Kim Lee |
| 2021 | Capgemini | 💃 ORM Winner » Steph Sands |
| Aussie Broadband | Finalist » Clinton Savage | |
| IBM Australia | Finalist » Abigail Clark | |
| MinterEllison | Finalist » Gordon Williams | |
| The University of Sydney | Finalist » Daniele Gianotti | |
| 2020 | Australian Federal Police (AFP) | 💃 ORM Winner » Cathy Grassick |
| BHP | Finalist » Dwayne Mullins | |
| Capgemini | Finalist » Steph Sands | |
| 2019 | Charles Sturt University | 💃 ORM Winner » Nicholas Steepe |
| 2018 | YMCA NSW | 💃 ORM Winner » Angus Lonergan |
| 2017 | ANZ Australia | 💃 ORM Winner » Dave Beks |
⚡ Employee Network: Leader of the Year Award
The Employee Network: Leader of the Year Award recognises the leader of an LGBTQ+ Employee Network group who performs above and beyond the expectations of their role, significantly improving LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace.
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | Macquarie University | ⚡ Winner » Michelle Power |
| Medibank | Finalist » Juan Campos | |
| Medibank | Finalist » Reah Saunders | |
| Origin Energy | Finalist » Georgi Hodge | |
| QLD Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support | Finalist » Brendan Carlson | |
| Victoria University | Finalist » Tessa Benson | |
| 2024 | Brisbane City Council | ⚡ Joint Winner » Luke Nixon |
| The Star Entertainment Group | ⚡ Joint Winner » Craig Dumas | |
| Charter Hall | Finalist » Federica Pastorino | |
| Compass Group Australia | Finalist » Luke Butler | |
| KPMG Australia | Finalist » Michelle Pallas | |
| 2022 | Stockland | ⚡ Winner » Benjamin Vella |
| 2021 | EY Oceania | ⚡ Winner » Gina Mills |
| Boston Consulting Group | Finalist » Alan Wong | |
| Capgemini | Finalist » Wayne Marshall | |
| National Australia Bank (NAB) | Finalist » Lisa Wade | |
| 2020 | Clifford Chance | ⚡ Joint Winner » Nathan Eastwood |
| QBE Insurance | ⚡ Joint Winner » Ben Brown | |
| CBRE | Finalist » Mark Sangiuliano | |
| 2019 | BHP | ⚡ Winner » Cameron Tirendi |
| 2018 | Alcoa of Australia | ⚡ Winner » Mark Hodgson |
| 2017 | Woodside Energy | ⚡ Winner » Dane Renner |
👫 Sally Webster Ally Award
The Sally Webster Ally Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and action as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community within the workplace.
The award is named in honour of Sally Webster, a former Curtin University staff member, known for her tireless work in promoting equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | DLA Piper | 👫 Winner » Nerissa Byrne |
| Bendigo Bank / Adelaide Bank | Finalist » Lori Turner | |
| Coles Croup | Finalist » Mia Horner | |
| Crown Resort Perth | Finalist » Scott Alderson | |
| National Australia Bank (NAB) | Finalist » Julie Patterson | |
| 2024 | Russell Kennedy Lawyers | 👫 Winner » Anthony Massaro |
| Services Australia | Finalist » Hannah Venn-Brown | |
| The GPT Group | Finalist » Justine Knight | |
| 2022 | Capgemini | 👫 Winner » Janani D’Silva |
| 2021 | National Australia Bank (NAB) | 👫 Winner » Drew Bradford |
| 2020 | AGL Energy | 👫 Winner » Belinda Young |
| Coles Croup | Finalist » Genevieve Hawkins | |
| EnergyAustralia | Finalist » Hannah Wright | |
| Services Australia | Finalist » Hannah Venn-Brown | |
| 2019 | PwC | 👫 Joint Winner » Ian Bennett |
| Australian Federal Police (AFP) | 👫 Joint Winner » Superintendent Richard Roberts (posthumously) | |
| 2018 | ANZ Australia | 👫 Winner » Melissa Tandy |
| 2017 | Medibank | 👫 Winner » Lori Turner |
👸 Sapphire Inspire Award
The Sapphire Inspire Award recognises an LGBTQ+ individual who identifies as or is perceived as a woman, and has made an outstanding contribution in raising awareness and promoting workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ women and under-represented genders.
The award acknowledges the “double glass ceiling” that LGBTQ+ people who are or may be perceived as women face within the workplace, as they are half as likely to be in senior roles than both LGBTQ+ men and non-LGBTQ+ women.
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | KPMG Australia | 👸 Joint Winner » Marie Stella |
| Medibank | 👸 Joint Winner » Reah Saunders | |
| Bendigo Bank / Adelaide Bank | Finalist » Sarah Bateson | |
| QLD Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support | Finalist » Louise Baxter | |
| Transdev / John Holland | Finalist » Suzanne Mah | |
| 2024 | EY Oceania | 👸 Winner » Maggi Hughes |
| Deloitte Australia | Finalist » Lisa Walton | |
| Suncorp Group | Finalist » Catherina Behan | |
| 2022 | EnergyAustralia | 👸 Joint Winner » Jenny Ratsep |
| KPMG Australia | 👸 Joint Winner » Alicea Stoney | |
| 2021 | Woolworths Group | 👸 Winner » Nic Hennessy |
| 2020 | AGL Energy | 👸 Joint Winner » Alix Sampson |
| KPMG Australia | 👸 Joint Winner » Meri Machin-Roberts | |
| PwC | Finalist » Amelia Kondilios | |
| 2019 | ANZ Australia | 👸 Winner » Caitlin Monnery-Korving |
| 2018 | Uniting | 👸 Winner » Kimberly Olsen |
| 2017 | Accenture | 👸 Winner » Tracy Taylor |
🔗 LGBTQ+ Employee Network of the Year Award
An LGBTQ+ Employee Network is a voluntary, employee-led Employee Resource Group (ERG) within an organisation that focuses on fostering a sense of belonging and support for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies.
These groups provide a safe space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in the workplace, impacting DE&I strategies, reducing discrimination, and promoting a positive environment with the workplace.
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | Macquarie Group | 🔗 Winner » Macquarie Pride |
| Amazon | Finalist » Glamazon | |
| AstraZeneca | Finalist » AZPride | |
| Capgemini | Finalist » OUTfront | |
| Department of Health, Disability and Ageing | Finalist | |
| KPMG Australia | Finalist » Pride@KPMG | |
| Origin Energy | Finalist » Pride@Origin | |
| Zurich Financial Services | Finalist » PrideZ | |
| 2024 | Macquarie Group | 🔗 Winner » Macquarie Pride |
| Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) | Finalist » ASIOpen | |
| Australian Taxation Office (ATO) | Finalist » ATOMIC | |
| Clayton Utz | Finalist » Momentum | |
| Department of Health, Disability and Ageing | Finalist | |
| KPMG Australia | Finalist » Pride@KPMG | |
| QANTAS | Finalist » Illuminate | |
| SAP Australia | Finalist » Pride@SAP | |
| Transgrid | Finalist » Rise Allies | |
| Westpac Banking Corporation | Finalist » GLOBAL | |
| 2022 | KPMG Australia | 🔗 Winner » Pride@KPMG |
| 2021 | Capgemini | 🔗 Joint Winner » OUTfront |
| KPMG Australia | 🔗 Joint Winner » Pride@KPMG | |
| J.P. Morgan | 🔗 Joint Winner » PRIDE | |
| RMIT University | 🔗 Joint Winner | |
| CBRE | Finalist » BE@CBRE | |
| PwC | Finalist » The Shine Network | |
| QBE Insurance | Finalist » QBE Pride | |
| 2019 | Lendlease | 🔗 Winner » Lendlease Pride |
| 2018 | EnergyAustralia | 🔗 Winner » Prism Network |
| 2017 | Commonwealth Bank | 🔗 Winner » Unity |
🦋 Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion Award
Past Winners and Finalists
| 2025 | DLA Piper | 🦋 Winner |
| Fujitsu Australia | Finalist | |
| Medibank | Finalist | |
| QANTAS | Finalist | |
| The Star Entertainment Group | Finalist | |
| The University of Queensland | Finalist | |
| Transdev / John Holland | Finalist | |
| Victoria University | Finalist | |
| 2024 | The University of Queensland | 🦋 Winner |
| Capgemini | Finalist | |
| Gold Corporation – The Perth Mint | Finalist | |
| Monash University | Finalist | |
| RMIT University | Finalist | |
| Services Australia | Finalist | |
| Stockland | Finalist | |
| The Star Entertainment Group | Finalist | |
| 2022 | Capgemini | 🦋 Winner |
| 2021 | Capgemini | 🦋 Winner |
| 2020 | RMIT University | 🦋 Winner |
| Deakin University | Finalist | |
| National Australia Bank (NAB) | Finalist | |
| 2019 | RMIT University | 🦋 Winner |
| 2018 | Uniting | 🦋 Winner |
| 2017 | ANZ Australia | 🦋 Winner |
🏆 Employer of the Year Award
In the AWEI a standard/large Employer has 501 or more employees.
Past Winners
| 2025 | DLA Piper | 🏆 Joint Winner |
| The Star Entertainment Group | 🏆 Joint Winner | |
| 2024 | DLA Piper | 🏆 Joint Winner |
| The Star Entertainment Group | 🏆 Joint Winner | |
| 2022 | Capgemini | 🏆 Winner |
| 2021 | Capgemini | 🏆 Winner |
| 2020 | RMIT University | 🏆 Winner |
| 2019 | RMIT University | 🏆 Winner |
| 2018 | EY Oceania | 🏆 Winner |
| 2017 | ANZ Australia | 🏆 Winner |
🚀 Most Improved Employer Award
In the AWEI a standard/large Employer has 501 or more employees.
Past Winners
| 2025 | AstraZeneca | 🚀 Winner |
| 2022 | NRMA Insurance | 🚀 Winner |
| 2021 | Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | 🚀 Winner |
| 2020 | Transdev / John Holland | 🚀 Winner |
| 2019 | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | 🚀 Winner |
| 2018 | TAL Life Insurance | 🚀 Winner |
| 2017 | EnergyAustralia | 🚀 Winner |
🏆 Small Employer of the Year Award
In the AWEI a Small Employer has 500 or fewer employees.
Past Winners
| 2025 | Custom Fleet | 🏆 Winner |
| 2024 | McCullough Robertson Lawyers | 🏆 Winner |
| 2022 | Boston Consulting Group | 🏆 Winner |
| 2021 | Oliver Wyman | 🏆 Winner |
| 2020 | Dentons | 🏆 Winner |
| 2019 | Initiative Media | 🏆 Winner |
| 2018 | Key Assets – The Children’s Service Provider | 🏆 Winner |
| 2018 | Key Assets – The Children’s Service Provider | 🏆 Winner |
🚀 Most Improved Small Employer Award
In the AWEI a Small Employer has 500 or fewer employees.
Past Winners
| 2025 | Future Group | 🚀 Winner |
| 2022 | Investa Property Group | 🚀 Winner |
| 2021 | Liberty Financial | 🚀 Winner |
| 2020 | ADSSI | 🚀 Winner |
