By acknowledging and supporting diverse experiences we create experiences that reduces feelings of isolation and stress, improving mental health and creating a stronger sense of belonging. When our people feel accepted and valued for their authentic selves, they experience greater emotional and psychological wellbeing, improved self-esteem, social connections and relationships.

We value lived experience, the personal knowledge gained through direct involvement and life events, which gives unique perspectives, insights and skills, and acknowledges the importance of involving lived experience through collaboration to bring expertise to inform our policies and initiatives.

The Inclusion intranet page and subpages have been designed to be a resource hub, providing general information and links to further reading. If you would like additional support on any of the content found in these pages please contact the Culture and Inclusion team as per the Contact Us details provided at the bottom of the page.

Diversity is who we are. It is the unique characteristic and experiences that we bring that make us who we are.

Equity is removing barriers. It is working together to remover barriers so that everyone can succeed.

Inclusion is what we do. It is the deliberate behaviours we show that display that we value and respect others.

This all leads to belonging. How we Feel. The sense that we are valued for who we are and are all part of #TeamPossible.

Fostering an inclusive environment in a workplace not only boosts morale but can lead to increased employee engagement, creativity, productivity and performance. This is not about valuing one diverse experience over another, however there are diverse experiences that benefit from increased understanding and support to overcome barriers of inclusion.

By increasing awareness and equitable workplace practices, we are providing the opportunity for all our people to be their best selves through a supportive and inclusive #TeamPossible.

Our culture is created through our behaviours, and in creating a truly inclusive culture it’s important to understand the role of an Ally and how we transform from being aware to active. By definition, an ally is a supporter of another person, idea, initiative or community, even when the ally doesn’t share that identity or belief system. We show active allyship by going out of our way to show someone that they are included through our behaviours.  This includes being well-informed, sharing and seeking diversity when asked or prompted, being visible by participating in events and inclusion initiatives and encouraging those around us to do the same.  

Be visible

• Acknowledge days of significance
• Wear shirts, lanyards, pins and display posters
• Update your Teams background
• Perform an Acknowledgement of Country

Be informed

• Listen to podcasts– Diversity Council Australia (DCA) ’s Art of Inclusion is available to all employees
• Watch documentaries
• Read reputable publications/websites
• Broaden your network

Be the solution

• Use Inclusive language
• Include Lived Experience– Nothing about us without us
• Call out jokes, slurs and negative comments or distract to stop the conversation in its tracks!

The following 3 short courses (8 min) are available on Engage and cover important information about workplace diversity and inclusion focusing on unconscious bias.

Creating Value Through Diversity and Inclusion – Understanding Diversity and Inclusion– An Introductory course focusing on understanding unconscious bias and the role it plays as a barrier to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Creating Value Through Diversity and Inclusion – Understanding Unconscious Bias– Building on the introduction course, this course discusses how to challenge unconscious bias to encourage and promote the growth of diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Creating Value Through Diversity and Inclusion – Strategies for Tackling Unconscious Bias– Rounding out the series, this discusses the strategies you can use to prevent unconscious becoming a barrier between achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace

We are a Diversity Council Australia (DCA) member. DCA is Australia’s only independent, not-for-profit peak body leading workplace diversity and inclusion (D&I). As a member of DCA, all employees have free access to DCA’s many events and resources – covering a range of diversity dimensions.

DCA’s member-only resources help support our organisation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. All our employees can access the resources which include DCA Events and the D&I Significant Dates Calendar (downloadable to your Outlook) by creating an individual login:

Get started by creating your own log-in by following the steps below:

1. Visit Register for a user account – Diversity Council Australia (dca.org.au)
2. Fill in your name, work email address, position title and pronouns
3. Create a unique password and then select submit
4. Verify your login via your email inbox
5. Login and explore the DCA website

Celebrating and commemoration diversity and inclusion days significance allow us to increase awareness and show solidarity. Our teams are made up of a range of different and unique people and these dates allow up to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for their traditions and histories while mobilise support for action, from our local working communities.

The following days are just an example of celebrations and commemorations Endeavour Foundation have been part of over the years to give you and your teams inspirations and resources for planning upcoming events and fostering a culture of inclusion.

International Women’s Day

On the 8th of March we come together to honour and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women in our workforce and the women we support through International Women’s Day. Endeavour Foundation is committed to supporting the acceleration of workplace gender equality throughout the year, through the Australian Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.

See our past celebrations and prepare to celebrate the women in your team this March with 2024 Inspire Inclusion, and 2023 Cracking the Code and check out our WGEA reporting on our gender intranet page.

IDAHOBIT

Friday 17 May is IDAHOBIT Day a day that marks the anniversary of 17 May 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. IDAHOBIT standards for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia and as time has progressed holds reference to a day against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination to specifically include those who are lesbian, queer and asexual.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) held 27 May to 3 June each year, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Around 35% (274,400) of First Nations people under 65 have a disability. This is nearly three times the percentage of people with disability in the general population (12%). Listening to First Nations people with disability – Disability Royal Commission

Endeavour Foundation are currently developing the next iteration of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). You can find out more information on our First Nations Page.

Find out more about how we recognised The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever and in 2022 Geebung inclusive event.

Pride Month

LGBTQIA+ people with intellectual disability have many people in their lives who can impact how and when they can express or share their experiences. We all play an important role through our everyday interactions so that the LGBTQIA+ community feel included, respected and celebrated. June is Pride month and a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, a time to share awareness of diverse experiences, and to acknowledge ongoing challenges still present today.

Learn more about Pride Month by checking out what we did for Pride Month 2024 and start planning for next June.

NAIDOC Week

Across Endeavour Foundation we are fortunate to operate our services on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. Our diverse services and locations create many opportunities to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC week. Held in the first week of July it is a week to celebrate, recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

#TeamPossible get involved by planning events or activities at office sites and services. Whether it’s organising an event, hosting a lunchtime gathering, Acknowledging Country, or engaging in NAIDOC-themed activities, we all contributes to fostering workplace inclusion and steps towards reconciliation.

Check out our past resources to get a head start on next NAIDOC Weeks event planning with our 2024 employee stories, 2023 for our Elders, 2022 Get up Stand up Show up, or to share information with your team.

Wear it Purple

Wear It Purple Day, acknowledges sexuality and gender diverse young people – or rainbow youth. Getting involved is simple!Wear purple on the 30 August each year! By wearing purple, you demonstrate to rainbow youth that they are seen, supported and respected. You also demonstrate to our people who identify as LGBTQIA+ that they are valued members of our organisation.

Learn more about Wear it purple by checking out what Endeavour did for our Wear it Purple Day 2024, through 2024 People stories,  or check out  the Wear it Purple 2023 awareness day campaign and participate in the years to come.

RU OK? Day

When we genuinely ask, ’R U OK?’, it can make a real impact in the workplace. At Endeavour Foundation, we not only believe that the mental health of our people is a priority, we also recognise CARE as one of our values, and it is ingrained in the way that we interact with each other every day.

Held on the second Thursday in September each year see how we have asked R U Ok? Over the years 2024 R U OK? Day, How to ask, Am I ok recording, 2022 R U OK? Day.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace, Endeavour highlights the importance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Held each year on 25 November, this day serves as an important reminder of the worldwide effort to eliminate violence against women and girls, advocating for their dignity, rights and wellbeing

Learn more about Gender based violence by reading the resources Endeavour provided in 2024 and start having conversations with your team, colleagues and community, sharing awareness and support.

International Day of People with Disability

Every year on 3 December, people around the world take part in International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). It is a day to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in the community. Endeavour is proud to be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community and help to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of the 4.4 million people with disability in Australia. 

We all have a role to play in ensuring people with disability have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of community life.  Learn more about IDPwD by checking out what Endeavour did for our 2024 QArt panel, 2024 #JustAsIAM, 2023#ProudToBeMe , 2022#ProudToBeMe Celebrations and start getting ready for next year!