The winners are:

• Inclusive workplace -McCullough Robertson

• Flexible workplace - The Greater

• Gender Equity workplace - Aurizon

• Diversity champion - Kathy Butler from the Wollotuka

Institute at the University of Newcastle

Equal Futures Project Awards Chair, Belinda Smith, said that the Awards showcased an impressive group of people who were 'walking the talk' when it came to equity and diversity.

 

“Winners represent a terrific sample of our region. From individuals who use their personal and professional skills to lead discussion and change, through to the large and geographically spread organisations whose staff create pilot programs that are setting new standards for flexibility in the workplace,” she said.

 

“The work of a legal firm and a mining company demonstrate that diversity is a team effort but one that needs to be owned by all people across the entire organisation,” Ms Smith said.

 

“Each of the winners, and the organisations that sponsored the awards, provide benchmarks for our region - ones that we should be proud of and work to support, she said.

The International Women's Day breakfast was sponsored by Pacific National. General Manager NSW/Vic, Stephen Cowan, welcomed the inclusion of the Awards in 2015.

 

“As part of the Asciano group we are committed to workplace diversity, with a particular focus on supporting the representation of all ranges of age and women at all levels of the company. It is the right thing to do, and it’s good for our business. At a personal level, I have two children, a daughter and a son. I can’t imagine limiting the future possibilities for either,” Mr Cowan said.

 

The Awards were also supported by gender equity champions The University of Newcastle, The Sista Code, Hunter Region Chamber Alliance Partners, Sparke Helmore, ARTC and the Newcastle Herald.