Diversity and Inclusion Awards

2026

On 5 March 2026, ESF will host the annual International Women’s Day forum. This is an event that will put the spotlight on issues of gender bias faced by people across the sector, and celebrate people and work in the sector who are demonstrating leadership and can inspire others.

Diversity and Inclusion Awards will be presented at the IWD event. This is an initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating leading practice in promoting inclusion and gender diversity amongst ESF’s 12 member agencies.

Applications close on 15th of December.

There will be three Awards:

Categories one and two are intended to acknowledge a program, not the agency in general.

Inclusivity Initiative – This award will acknowledge a particular program within one of ESF’s 12 member agencies at the corporate, branch, or unit level.
Women’s Equality Initiative – This award will acknowledge a particular program within one of ESF’s 12 member agencies at the corporate, branch, or unit level.
Diversity and Inclusion Champion – This candidate will have made a significant impact to advance diversity and inclusion through demonstrated actions and initiative in their workplace, regardless of their role or rank. They should be a shining example of, and role model for, gender diversity and inclusion.

The judging panel includes:

Vivienne Nguyen, Commissioner (CEO/Chair) of the Victorian Multicultural Commission at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Dr Niki Vincent, Victoria’s inaugural Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner.

A shortlist will be drawn from the applications, who will be contacted to confirm attendance at the IWD forum on 5 March at Leonda. Winners will be asked to speak briefly on a panel at the forum, with judges Dr Niki Vincent and Vivienne Nguyen.

Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2026 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.*

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Your Contact Details for Correspondence

Surname*

Given name(s)*

Position held*

Business phone*

Business email*

Phone of nominee (for Diversity and Inclusion Champion)

Email of nominee (for Diversity and Inclusion Champion)

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Inclusivity Initiative Award

This award will acknowledge a particular program within one of ESF’s 12 member agencies at the corporate, branch, or unit level.

Women's Equality Initiative Award

This award will acknowledge a particular program within one of ESF’s 12 member agencies at the corporate, branch, or unit level.

Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award

This candidate will have made a significant impact to advance diversity and inclusion through demonstrated actions and initiative in their workplace, regardless of their role or rank. They should be a shining example of, and role model for, gender diversity and inclusion.

ESF Member Agency*

Program / Initiative Title*

Candidate Given Name(s)*

Candidate Surname*

1. Please describe the problem the initiative was developed to address.*

1. Please describe the behaviour and capability demonstrated by the individual which makes them a champion for diversity and inclusion. (200 word limit)*

2. Please describe the initiative that the agency developed to address the problem. (200 word limit)*

3. What were the objectives of this initiative? (200 word limit)*

2. Please provide an example that illustrates the impact this behaviour has on promoting diversity and inclusion. (200 word limit)*

4. Who contributed to developing the initiative? (200 word limit)*

Statements of Support

3. Please provide statements of support from two individuals who can speak to this champion’s actions. (200 words each)

3a. First Statement of Support*

3b. Second Statement of Support*

5. Please describe and provide any evidence to demonstrate how the objectives of the initiative have been met. (200 word limit)*

6. How has the initiative been promoted to staff and / or volunteers? (200 word limit)*

7. What plans are in place to sustain and continuously improve the initiative? (200 word limit)*

Statements of Support

8. Please provide statements of support from two individuals who have benefited from this initiative. (200 words each)

8a. First Statement of Support*

8b. Second Statement of Support*

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Supporting Documents

Please provide any other supporting documents or evidence for your application.

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 9 February 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

2026

Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2026 Application Form

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Your Contact Details for Correspondence

Section Break

Inclusivity Initiative Award

Women's Equality Initiative Award

Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award

Statements of Support

Statements of Support

Supporting Documents

Supporting Documents

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