Uniting once again awarded for inclusivity
The inclusivity of one of the nation’s faith-based aged care providers has been acknowledged three times over this week, as part of the the 2018 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) awards.
Uniting resident Alma with staff at Mardis Gras (Source: Uniting)
Uniting was the only faith-based organisation recognised in the event, with the organisation taking home multiple AWEI category awards, including the Gold Employer award, the award for Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion, and an individual award for one staff member for the Sapphire Inspire Award, as a reflection of their inclusivity and support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) community.
Uniting Director Customer, People and Systems, Jill Reich, says the three awards presented to them in 2018 are a “welcome addition” to their previous AWEI awards won in the last two years.
“One of the major aims of Uniting is to confront injustice to create an inclusive, connected and just world,” she says.
“This includes advocating for compassion and inclusivity for all Australians, including the many LGBTI members of our community.”
She says all Uniting community services, including youth, aged care and chaplaincy services, are all backed by an organisation-wide commitment to inclusion and diversity.
“We welcome all people irrespective of sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or intersex status [and] these awards recognise Uniting’s ethos of welcoming people exactly as they are,” Ms Reich continues.
“In addition to promoting inclusivity within the workplace, Uniting teams also proudly participate in LGBTI community events across the states, including the Broken Heel Festival in Broken Hill, Fruitopia Festival in Lismore, and Pride Marches in Dubbo.”
In addition to being the only faith-based organisation to receive the AWEI awards, Uniting was also the first faith-based organisation in Australia to receive Rainbow Tick accreditation.
