Your fortnightly newsletter from DCA. Together towards inclusion. |
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To our members and community |
Welcome to DCA’s first newsletter of 2026. As we begin a new year, we do so with care and concern for those affected by recent events across Australia, and with optimism for what we can achieve together this year.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent bushfires and floods across Victoria. We extend our appreciation to the firefighters, emergency services, paramedics, and volunteers who continue their tireless work to keep people and communities safe.
To colleagues and members of our network who are part of the Jewish community, we stand firmly with you in the wake of the devastating antisemitic attack at Bondi. We acknowledge the National Day of Mourning, announced by the Prime Minister, to be held this Thursday 22 January.
No individual should have to live in fear because of their faith, culture or identity. Our path forward must be grounded in respect and care for one another, where we recognise our diversity as a source of strength.
We also express our deep concern and condemnation for the significant increase in Islamophobic incidents. This has no place in our society and undermines the values that make us stronger.
These events affect how people feel and how they show up at work. It is vital that workplaces actively uphold the safety, dignity, and inclusion of all. To support this, we have made our DCA Member resource on supporting an inclusive workplace in difficult times available to all workplaces.
In the face of growing societal challenges and an increasingly complex workplace, diversity and inclusion must not be viewed as optional — they are essential to our collective strength and success. Our evidence shows that this work is key to enhancing employee wellbeing, improving retention and performance, and reducing risk. In 2026, DCA will continue providing research, tools, events, education programs and other opportunities to connect, learn, and lead inclusive workplaces.
Thank you for your steadfast commitment to workplace inclusion. Together, we will continue our vital work building workplaces where everyone can thrive. |
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Catherine Hunter (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer
Diversity Council Australia |
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How DCA will support inclusive workplaces in 2026 |
The new year provides space to step back and set direction, reassess priorities and strengthen long-term strategic plans. In 2026, DCA will continue to work alongside members to strengthen the case for diversity and inclusion, and provide the resources needed to ensure everyone can thrive at work. We will support our members with evidence-based research, practical tools, impactful events and education programs, and even more meaningful opportunities to connect and learn from each other.
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Snapshot of what's new in 2026 |
- Research: The 2025-2026 Inclusion@Work Index, Neurodiversity Data at Work, Sexual Harassment and Inclusion@Work, Age Exclusion at Work, and a focus on inclusion across the employee lifecycle.
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Events: Chief People Officer Roundtables, webinars on mental health, productivity, reimagining merit, the ageing workforce and more.
- Education programs: Inclusive Leadership, Inclusive Employee Lifecycle, Promoting and Reporting on Workplace Gender Equality, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, and Intersectionality Fundamentals.
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We are also excited to be expanding our eLearning offerings as well as our events calendar, and exploring new ways of supporting and engaging with our members. We look forward to working with you in 2026 to build workplaces where people feel safe, respected and able to do their best work. |
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Is our content hitting the mark? |
Please take part in a short Inclusion Matters readership survey. Your insights will help us continue to deliver an impactful newsletter. |
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Don’t miss our Knowledge Program sale – book now! |
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DCA’s Knowledge Programs are a great way to help boost your teams’ understanding of core Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) concepts. Take advantage of our new year sale with 10% off our 2025 pricing for all programs booked by Friday 20 February.
Knowledge Programs are 90-minute evidence-based education sessions delivered by experienced DCA facilitators and suitable for all teams. |
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Introductory Knowledge Programs: - Diversity & Inclusion Fundamentals
- Anti-Racism Fundamentals
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| Core Concept Knowledge Programs: - Building Inclusion at Work
- Countering Unconscious Bias at Work
- Unpacking Words at Work
- Understanding Anti-Racism at Work
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Are your team’s social events inclusive? |
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Team socialising is an important aspect of inclusion, providing opportunities for work friendships to form, offering career networking opportunities, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Despite this, not everyone experiences inclusive socialising at work, with some workers being much more likely to be left out than others. Our latest Inclusion@Work Index found First Nations workers, workers with disability, and LGBTQ+ workers experienced much higher levels of exclusion.
DCA’s new Inclusive Socialising resource offers quick, easy steps to help ensure your organisation’s social activities are inclusive for all. |
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How to get started on D&I in 2026 |
To all those who lead, implement, or are involved in diversity and inclusion work in their organisation, Getting started on D&I is your step-by-step guide to: - getting the basics right
- identifying priority areas, and designing and implementing initiatives that address these
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navigating DCA’s extensive resource library to find the right resource for each task or project.
Designed as a practical roadmap, the guide offers a structured, end-to-end approach to D&I — from foundational requirements to embedding inclusion across everyday practice, policy, culture, and systems. |
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Join DCA as our Social Media and Content Advisor |
The Social Media and Content Advisor is responsible for planning, creating, monitoring and publishing timely and relevant social media content aligned with DCA’s communication strategies and broader organisational goals. The role delivers a clear and consistent social media strategy to build brand awareness, increase engagement, and drive website traffic. This position manages content planning and approvals with internal and external stakeholders, supports promotion of DCA events, research and education, and contributes to timely advocacy and public commentary.
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A warm welcome to the following organisations who recently became members of Diversity Council Australia! |
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Date: Wednesday 18 February 2026
Time: 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM AEDT |
Date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 PM AEDT |
Date: Tuesday 3 March 2026
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 PM AEDT |
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Partnership to prevent workplace sexual harassment |
The Australian Human Rights Commission has partnered with Bridges at Work, an Australian Research Council–funded research project bringing together universities, regulators and safety bodies to strengthen the prevention of workplace sexual harassment. The three-year project will develop new evidence and practical tools to address root causes before harm occurs. Read more.
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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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Click here
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