top of page

Filter by Content Stream

Filter by Content Stream

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit | Agenda

Day One  |  Tuesday, 17 October 

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

8:50-9:00

Chairperson’s Opening Address

Aisha Aboulfadil, Senior Advisor Diversity & Inclusion, Department of Transport (she/her)

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

9:00-9:30

Keynote: Why the conversation on inclusion in the workplace must continue

  • Where are we today? Celebrating progress and bridging gaps

  • Broadening definitions of diversity and positive action initiatives

  • Combating discouragement by slow progress and recognising it’s an initiative without a set finish line

Lisa Annese, CEO, Diversity Council Australia


Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

9:30-10:20

Panel Discussion: Workplaces need employees and employees need a workplace… Is there a disconnect?

  • Persisting microaggressions

  • Changing workforce behaviour: recognising that today’s workplace is very different… what can organisations do?

  • Intersectionality and establishing effective policy… what does that look like?

Moderator: Aisha Aboulfadil, Senior Advisor Diversity & Inclusion, Department of Transport (she/her)

Bruce Hardy, General Manager – Emerging Business, AGL

Veema Mooniapah, Program Manager, Worksafe Victoria

Edward Osano, Head of GradWISE, WISE Employment

Genevieve O'Neil, Manager Diversity & Inclusion, NSW Department of Customer Service

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

10:20-10:40

Table Discussion: Combating DE&I Fatigue and avoiding burnout

Exhibition Hall

10:40-11:10

Morning Tea (Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit)

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

11:10-11:40

Increasing Indigenous employment participation, retention and success

Richard Hurst, Indigenous Employment and Engagement Manager, Monash University

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

11:40-12:20

Panel Discussion: The future landscape for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees

  • Strategies for recruiting and sourcing talent in limited talent pools 

  • Ensuring culturally safe workplace environments and policies 

  • Addressing microaggressions and other barriers to inclusivity

Moderator: Roman Ružbacký, Principal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant (he/him)

Katie Wyatt, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Coles (she/her)

Kayla Cartledge, Aboriginal Communities – Engagement Lead, Monash University (she/her)

Melissa Harrison, Executive Director – Koori Programs and Initiatives, Court Services Victoria

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

12:30-12:50

Table Discussion

Exhibition Hall

12:50-1:50

Networking Lunch (Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit)

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

1:50-2:00

Trivia

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

2:00-2:30

Attracting and harnessing neurodiverse talent

  • Alternative recruitment process: focusing on both potential and experience

  • Understanding the symbiotic nature of creating workplaces where neurodiversity can thrive

  • Attracting and retaining talent

Samantha Garbutt, Chief People Officer, Australian Spatial Analytics

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

2:30-3:20

Panel Discussion: Invisible and Visible Diversity

  • Making workplace accessible for both people with a disability and neurodiverse Disability and invisible diversity – what does an inclusive work environment look like?

  • Effective framework to enhance the employee experience 

  • Intersecting identities

Moderator:Anaab Rooble, Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, Victoria Department of Families, Fairness & Housing

Sarah Kruger, Managing Director Talent, Accenture

Katie Wyatt, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Coles (she/her)

Antoinette Battista, Executive Director People & Culture, VIC Department Transport & Planning

Pamela Marcou, Diversity & Inclusion PM Partner, Coles

Rebecca Grace, General Manager, Centre for Inclusive Design

Exhibition Hall

3:20-3:50

Afternoon Tea (Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit)

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

3:50-4:00

Cultural Safety Framework

Veronica Pardo, Principal, Veronica Pardo & Associates; Chairperson, Western Edge

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

4:00-4:40

Panel: Unpacking racial equity in the workplace

  • Understanding the systemic and institutional barriers facing diverse employees

  • Attracting and retaining culturally diverse talent

  • Rectifying lack of pathways into senior leadership

  • Avoiding role pigeon-holes for CALD employees

  • Attracting skilled migrants into under-represented positions

Moderator:Veronica Pardo, Principal, Veronica Pardo & Associates; Chairperson, Western Edge

Padmi Pathinather, People and Culture Director, Lifestart Co-Operative Ltd

Cilla Robinson, Employment Partner, Clayton Utz (she/her)

Niveditha Balachandran, Inclusion and Diversity Lead, Transport Accident Commission

Bedi Othow, Head of Corporate Services, Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission; Co-Founder, DivTal

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

4:40-4:50

Reflection and Key Takeaways

Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

4:50-5:00

Chairperson’s Closing Address

bottom of page