SECOND ANNUAL AWARDS

Business in Colour Awards 2026

Recognising organisations and leaders advancing workplace inclusion, cultural diversity and anti-racism across Australian workplaces.

Held on 23 October 2026 at The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne.

Winners Finalists Judges Sponsors and partners Photos and booklet

2026 winners

Congratulations to this year’s winners. Each was selected by an independent judging panel.

Exemplar Award: Lena Nahlous, Diversity Arts Australia

As CEO of Diversity Arts Australia, Lena has helped turn research and anti-racism resources into practical pathways for creative careers. The inaugural Shifting the Balance leadership program supported 20 participants, with 14 undertaking paid fellowships and mentoring opportunities.

Sponsor Award: Louise Stark, Hachette Australia

Through Hachette Australia’s Changing the Story work, CEO Louise Stark has supported paid internships, anti-racism learning and partnerships with black&write!, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Magabala Books to encourages readers to engage with diverse stories.

Research Excellence Award: Professor Dimitria Groutsis, University of Sydney

Dimitria’s research explores how race, ethnicity, migration and gender shape workplace experiences. Her contributions include Counting Culture, Cracking the Glass Cultural Ceiling and Who Gets to Tell Australian Stories, as well as work to improve how the University of Sydney collects data on ethno-racial diversity.

Inclusive Companies Award: SBS

At SBS, cultural diversity and First Nations inclusion are woven into the organisation’s purpose and everyday work. Its submission highlighted an approach connecting anti-racism education, recruitment, employee voice, leadership accountability and career development.

Collective Impact Award: VPS Women of Colour Network

What began as a staff-led network in 2019 has grown into a community of more than 1,000 members, with eight local chapters across the Victorian Public Sector. The VPS Women of Colour Network has created spaces for connection, confidence and leadership, while bringing members’ experiences into conversations about workplace policy and practice.

Finalists

These leaders, employee-led networks and organisations were shortlisted from over 85 submissions.

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 (winner)
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

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 (winner)
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

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 (winner)
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

Research Excellence Award Finalists

Research from universities and education institutions that deepens our understanding of cultural diversity.

Miriam Forte, Wongutha CAPS
Alanna Kamp, Western Sydney University
Ramona Vijeyarasa, University of Technology Sydney
Dimitria Groutsis, University of Sydney (winner)
Rebecca Griffiths and William Lukamto, SBS
Huang Nguyen, La Trobe University

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

Judges

Fifteen judges reviewed this year’s submissions. Thank you for your time, expertise and care.

Exemplar Award judges

Amy Crookes, Asia-Pacific ESG Services Leader, EY
Cass Tratt, Head of First Nations Talent and Culture, ANZ
Yusuf Liban, Director, Multicultural Youth Group

Sponsor Award judges

Fiona Vines, Global Head of Inclusion, Telstra
Rosie Thyer, Deputy Chair, Foundation for Young Australians
Andrew Scott Mullay, Owner/Director, PhotoPro

Inclusive Companies Award judges

Ro Allen, Commissioner, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Celia Tran, Founder and Director, The Social Fabric
Sam Muir, Senior Manager Indigenous Affairs and Inclusion, Coles

Research Excellence Award judges

Pearl Subban, Associate Professor, Monash University
Phoebe Mwanza, Head of Education, Diversity Council Australia

Collective Impact Award judges

Adam Fennessy PSM, Public sector leader
Glenn Milliken, Head of First Nations Strategy, Bupa
Jamad Hersi, Senior Advisor, Department of Justice and Community Safety