The University of Western Australia scooped two major Employment and Inclusion Awards at the Diversity@Work Awards announced in Melbourne last night.

UWA's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson, was named as the National Diversity and Inclusion Champion from a large group of finalists representing both the public and private sectors nationally.

The award to Professor Robson recognised his strong personal commitment to equity and social justice demonstrated by his consistent championing of many significant and transformational changes at The University of Western Australia over the time of his leadership.

The second major award was to the University's Ally program which won the national award for Employment and Inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Intersex people.  The UWA Ally program fosters a more inclusive campus culture by promoting greater visibility, awareness and understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex staff and students.

Professor Robson's citation made reference to the fact he had endorsed, launched and was a visible champion of the University's Ally Network.  It also cited his instigation of significant changes within the University's recruitment, promotion and recognition systems to dismantle structural and historic employment barriers.

The University's Ally Program was a first within the Australian higher education sector and has been emulated in 14 other Australian universities as well as attracting interest from the trade union sector and organisations committed to advancing their workplace diversity.

Staff wanting to become part of the Ally Network participate in a half-day interactive orientation workshop to better understand how they can advocate for a greater understanding of GLBTI issues in the workplace and the curriculum. 

Media references

Beverley Hill (UWA Manager Equity and Diversity)  (+61 8)  6488 3791  /  (+61 4) 10 057 146
Sally-Ann Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 7975  /  (+61 4) 20 790 098