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Neurodiversity Celebration Week: a framework for fostering neuroinclusive workplaces
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As we celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week this week (17-23 March), let’s commit to working together to build environments where each mind is valued, disclosure is safe, and unique talents can be included to drive innovation and success.
Our latest blog by Alexandra Lazarus-Priestley (she/her), AMAZE Chief Change Officer, discusses what workplaces can do to support neurodivergent employees and ensure everyone feels included and respected at work.
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When organisations actively support the needs of neurodivergent employees and value a range of cognitive styles, they not only create a more inclusive environment, but also tap into diverse talents that drive innovation, enhance problem-solving, and improve adaptability in today’s business landscape. By embracing clarity, transparency and flexibility, we can all take a vital step towards building workplaces that are not only inclusive, but truly empowering.
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Welcoming DCA's new CEO, Catherine Hunter
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We’re thrilled to announce that last week Catherine Hunter (she/her) commenced her new role as DCA's Chief Executive Officer. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Catherine is a purpose-driven leader who combines strategic business expertise with a strong commitment to diversity and social impact. Her leadership will build on the strong foundations already established by DCA, and continue to enable people, organisations, and our members to thrive in this vital time for diversity and inclusion across Australia’s workplace.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Lamb (he/him) for serving as Interim CEO. Read more about Catherine’s background.
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Boost your organisation’s anti-racism journey with DCA’s newest knowledge program
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The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), as declared by the United Nations in 1966, falls on 21 March each year. IDERD provides a chance for workplaces to reaffirm their commitment to a world free from all forms of racism and related intolerances. It calls for an end to racial discrimination, segregation, and other racial barriers.
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In Australia, some organisations observe this day as Harmony Day, which celebrates social cohesion and multiculturalism. While these values are important, it is vital that we do not shift away from discussing the realities of racism and anti-racism that persist in our society today.
DCA’s New Anti-Racism Fundamentals Program: At DCA, we're working to make it easier for organisations to start this journey, or reaffirm their anti-racism commitments. In response to feedback, we've created our new Anti-Racism Fundamentals Program. This is a short, two-hour, accessible, introductory program to better understand core racial literacy concepts and is meant as a precurser to DCA’s flagship and in-depth Understanding Anti-Racism at Work program. Learn more and sign up for DCA’s Anti-Racism Fundamentals Program.
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Ways organisations can support truth-telling — from acknowledgment to action
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At DCA's recent First Nations Insights event, A Pathway to National Truth-telling, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss (she/her) spoke about the importance of truth-telling in shaping a fair and just national agenda. Following her keynote, the Commissioner joined a panel discussion hosted by Kate Russell (she/her), CEO of Supply Nation, and featuring Travis Lovett, Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and Shelley Cable (she/her), Head of First Nations Strategy, Australia at ANZ.
Truth-telling is not just about the past; it is about reshaping the future, ensuring that First Nations voices are heard, respected, and empowered to lead lasting change. Without fully acknowledging the histories, experiences, and leadership of First Nations peoples, Australia risks continuing to uphold existing barriers to equity and inclusion.
Together, these First Nations leaders shared powerful insights into how organisations can take action, the role of leadership, and how we can open hearts and minds in an era of denial and division. Read our post-event blog to learn more, including how organisations can engage with truth-telling.
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Bridging Now to Next – get ready for National Reconciliation Week 2025
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National Reconciliation Week (NRW2025) – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects on the ongoing connection between past, present and future and urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.
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Get ready for NRW2025 by downloading and displaying posters and resources, sharing the theme on social media, joining NRW events, and making plans for how you can use the theme and resources to celebrate the week in your communities. Learn more on the NRW2025 website.
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DCA at CSW69: view the event recordings
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DCA was delighted and honoured to be part of an Australian delegation at the United Nations for the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) last week.
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Dr. Virginia Mapedzahama (she/her), DCA’s Scholar-in-Residence & Director of Special Projects at CSW69
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DCA participated in two key parallel sessions:
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Uniting Across Borders: Global Allyship in the Face of Resistance and Polarisation
DCA participated in this session alongside our Global Inclusion and Diversity Alliance (GIDA) partner, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). View the event recording.
Women and Intersectionality at Work: Inclusive Approaches to Organisational Leadership
This panel brought together leaders in gender equality and inclusion to explore how workplaces can adopt inclusive leadership practices that empower women from diverse backgrounds. View the event recording.
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Gain deeper insights with DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index
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Expressions of interest are open for this year’s Inclusive Employer Index. Participation in the index is open to both DCA member and non-member organisations. By running the survey within your organisation, you'll gain deeper, data-driven insights across key diversity dimensions.
For those organisations that meet or exceed the benchmark, each year, DCA publishes a list of Inclusive Employers to celebrate their work in leading the way in D&I in Australia.
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‘We are immensely proud to feature in the 2024-2025 Inclusive Employer Index, serving as a testament to Asuria’s unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse and supportive workplace for all. That so many of our team members say they are proud and inspired to be part of inclusive teams is not only a welcome validation of our efforts, but further motivation to help other business across Australia to achieve their Diversity and Inclusion goals.’
- Nicole Grainger-Marsh, Asuria Australia CEO
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Get a sneak peek before joining DCA!
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If you’re looking to elevate your organisation’s diversity and inclusion strategy, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of DCA membership. Make 2025 the year you commit to increasing employee wellbeing and improving business performance and join us for a virtual tour of DCA membership.
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What will I discover?
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Evidence-based D&I resources to drive real change.
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DCA’s range of free, regular webinars and networking opportunities.
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How DCA membership can support your compliance and ESG commitments.
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A walkthrough of our membership structure, fees and how to get started.
Time: 1:00PM - 1:30 PM (AEDT)
Date: Tuesday 25 March 2025
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Michelle Buddhipala (she/her)
New Memberships Manager
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Event survey responses highlight value of DCA events
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Thank you to everyone who participated in DCA’s event survey at the end of last year. We had over 550 responses to the survey from members across Australia and even a few from overseas!
Your feedback helped us understand what matters most to you, from the types of events you enjoy most, to the topics you find most valuable. We’re committed to making our events even better by continuing to tailor discussions to your interests where we can - and for future events we will also be checking in with quick 5-minute post-event surveys.
Explore our coming events for this year.
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The State of Workplace Burnout 2024
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Driving disability employment and flexibility in the workplace
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A warm welcome to the following organisations who recently became members of Diversity Council Australia!
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Diversity Council Australia is proudly supported by
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Diversity Council Australia Limited
Hub Customs House Level 4, 31 Alfred St
Sydney NSW 2000
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