La Trobe University has earned its third SAGE Cygnet Award, in recognition of its work to strengthen the prevention of and response to sexual harm in the workplace.
The award marks an important milestone towards Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Athena Swan Silver Accreditation, which requires institutions to achieve five Cygnet Awards demonstrating sustained progress in addressing gender equity barriers.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the award reflected La Trobe's deep commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for staff and students.
"Preventing and responding to sexual harm and gender-based violence is a commitment shared across our entire University community," Professor Farrell said.
"This award recognises the tremendous work of staff, students and leaders who have strengthened support services, reporting pathways, prevention and safety initiatives and improved organisational capability.
"While we are encouraged by this recognition, we know there is more work to do to strengthen trust, improve support and foster a culture of respect, inclusion and belonging."
SAGE Chief Executive Officer, Dr Janin Bredehoeft, said the award recognised meaningful action taken by the University to address a complex challenge facing the higher education sector.
"It is essential for staff to know where to go and who they can rely on when they experience inappropriate behaviour in the workplace," Dr Janin Bredehoeft said.
"La Trobe University's work to build awareness of and trust in staff support services is the foundation necessary in creating a safe, respectful and transparent culture."
The award recognises work undertaken between 2021 and 2025. During this period, La Trobe implemented initiatives spanning governance, specialist support and reporting services, training, policy reform, prevention campaigns, workplace and campus safety, and improvements to organisational capability and support systems.
Professor Farrell also acknowledged all victim-survivors of sexual harm and gender-based violence, including those who have shared their experience and those who have chosen not to.
"Their experiences continue to inform our efforts to strengthen our prevention, support and cultural change across the University."
The award builds on La Trobe's first two Cygnet Awards in 2025 and 2023, which recognised improvements in academic promotion outcomes for women and gender-diverse staff and support for parents and carers.
About SAGE
Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) is Australia's leading advocate and accrediting body driving systemic change in gender equity, diversity and inclusion across tertiary education and STEMM research sectors.
About the Cygnet Awards
SAGE Cygnet Awards are earned by organisations that have progressed towards making their workplaces more equitable by removing or reducing a barrier to inclusion.
