Diversity and Inclusion Awards

Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2027 Application Form

"*" indicates required fields

Once application information is prepared use the form fields below to submit the application.

PLEASE NOTE you cannot save and come back to the application so make sure you have gathered the information as outlined in word format and any supporting documents (as docx or pdf) before beginning the application process.*

Fill in the fields and click the Submit button at the bottom and your application will be submitted with your supporting documents attached.

Please Select the Award to which this application applies.*

Section Break

Your Contact Details for Correspondence

Surname*

Given name(s)*

Position held*

Business phone*

Business email*

Phone of nominee (for Champion Award)

Email of nominee (for Champion Award)

Section Break

Diversity and Inclusion Initiative Award

Celebrates an initiative that recognises and embraces difference and brings people together. Examples: This could recognise cultural diversity, different perspectives, intersectionality, accessibility, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, generational diversity, disability inclusion, or other forms of diversity.

Inclusion in Progress – Team Award

Recognises a team (club, brigade, unit) that is actively working to create a more inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment, demonstrating meaningful progress through its actions. Rewards teams that may not have "solved" an issue yet, but are demonstrating commitment, learning and tangible movement in the right direction. Examples: introducing new inclusive practices, improving accessibility, listening and responding to diverse voices, building team capability, changing behaviours or processes, or making steady progress toward greater diversity and belonging.

Equity in Action – Champion Award

Recognises someone who has turned inclusion and equality from an idea into practical action. They actively create a culture where women, people from different backgrounds, identities or experiences feel welcomed, respected and included. We’re looking for someone who has taken on equity as a personal mission rather than a D&I manager or similar. Examples: changing a process or policy, removing barriers, mentoring others, creating opportunities for underrepresented people, or delivering a tangible community/workplace impact or advocating for underrepresented groups, challenging exclusion, creating belonging, or making teams and spaces more accessible.

ESF Member Agency*

Program / Initiative Title*

Candidate Given Name(s)*

Candidate Surname*

1. Tell us about your initiative. What is it, who does it support, and what inspired it?*

2. What has the initiative achieved so far? Please share any outcomes, feedback, stories or examples that demonstrate its impact.*

3. Is there any additional information you wish to provide to support your application?*

1. What inclusion or equity challenge has your team identified?*

2. What actions have been taken to address the challenge?*

3. What difference have these actions made across your club/brigade/unit?*

4. Is there any information you wish to provide to support your application?*

1. Tell us about the person you are nominating and their role within emergency services.*

2. Please provide specific examples of what this person has done to advance equity, diversity and inclusion that stands out?*

3. What impact has the nominee's contribution had on individuals, teams or the broader organisation or sector.*

If applicable, please provide any supporting documents or evidence.

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: docx, pdf, Max. file size: 16 MB, Max. files: 5.

Applicant Agreement*

I agree

In applying for this award, I understand the terms and conditions listed below:

1. Closing date for applications is 16 December 2026.

2. Applicants/ nominees must be employed or registered as a volunteer with a Victorian Emergency Services Foundation member agency.

3. Due diligence will be carried out in association with the judging process

4. Shortlisted candidates will be required to present their initiative, team or individual nomination to the judging panel during the first week of February 2027. Please ensure you are available during this period before submitting your application.