Meet the finalists for the 2026 Business in Colour Awards!
The Business in Colour Awards recognise people, organisations and staff networks who are advancing racial and cultural equity in Australian workplaces.
Huge congratulations to our 2026 finalists!
Exemplar Award Finalists
Role models who have used their race, ethnicity and cultural background as a strength and helped other diverse people succeed.
- Michelle Kam, Vice President Talent and Performance, BHP
- Lena Nahlous, CEO and Executive Producer, Diversity Arts Australia
- Kelly Williams, Director First Nations Strategy, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
- Katrina Rathie, Non-Executive Director, Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
- Elaine Laforteza, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion
- Cu Phan, General Manager Integrated Operations Copper SA, BHP
- Andrew Williams, President, Tarwirri
- Alpana Modi Tyson, Inclusion and Diversity Lead, Australian Red Cross
Sponsor Award Finalists
Allies and advocates who have used their influence to advance CALD employees and build inclusive cultures.
- Melissa Haigh, First Nations Engagement, Lendlease
- Louise Stark, CEO, Hachette Australia
- David Anthony, Partner and Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Corrs Chambers Westgarth
- Andrew Thomas, Chief Legal Officer – Investments, Lendlease
- Ainslie van Onselen, CEO, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Inclusive Companies Award Finalists
Organisations that have made a real investment in racial and cultural diversity and inclusion.
- Victoria Legal Aid
- University of Melbourne
- SBS
- CQUniversity
- Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Research Excellence Award Finalists
Research from universities and education institutions that deepens our understanding of cultural diversity.
- Wongutha CAPS
- Western Sydney University
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Sydney
- SBS
- La Trobe University
Collective Impact Award Finalists
Staff-led networks, employee resource groups and committees driving change from the ground up.
- Women of Colour Network, Victorian Public Service
- Women of Colour Network, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
- Multicultural Committee, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- First Nations Friends and Allies People Network, PwC
- Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Network, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA)
- Cultural Inclusion Committee, Hall & Wilcox
Join us on awards night!
We’ll announce the winners at the Business in Colour Awards in Port Melbourne. Come and celebrate with our finalists, judges and community.
- Date: Friday 23 October 2026
- Time: 5:30 pm arrival, for a 6 pm start.
- Venue: The Timber Yard, 351 Plummer St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
- Dress code: traditional attire or black tie optional
- For tickets to the awards nights, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/bic-awards-2026
