Officers and sailors from across Navy descended on HMAS Penguin in May for the annual Diversity Reference Group (DRG) Summit.
The summit brought together volunteer members of all six DRGs representing Navy's diverse workforce, as well as staff from Navy Diversity and Inclusion (NDI).
The aim of the summit is to provide meaningful face‑to‑face engagement between DRG members across the diversity portfolios.
It strives to build relationships, develop shared understanding of workforce challenges and enablers, and ensure that applicable lived experience informs policy, leadership perspectives and inclusion strategies.
Deputy Director NDI Commander Joala Simon spoke about the summit aims in more detail.
"On day one we worked to build a shared understanding and common foundation across DRG portfolios," Commander Simon said.
"Through workshops, coaching and facilitated discussion, members shared insights while actively listening to diverse perspectives and strategic and policy updates.
"Guided by the summit theme 'Strengthening Resilient Warfighting Teams through Diversity and Inclusion', participants then explored specific lines of effort in support of resilient teams in complex environments."
'We are deliberately shaping a fighting mindset defined by grit, adaptability, ethical strength and mutual trust.'
Director General Navy People Commodore Ryan Gaskin presented to the forum.
"We are deliberately shaping a fighting mindset defined by grit, adaptability, ethical strength and mutual trust," Commodore Gaskin said.
"This resilience is built through leadership development, mastery, doctrine and policy, mental health and wellbeing systems, and how we care for our people day to day.
"Inclusive culture is therefore a warfighting enabler. It directly affects readiness, performance and endurance."
Day two of the summit focused on deepening engagement and on how to articulate lived experience narratives to achieve actionable outcomes.
Military Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Commander Tanalee Smith delivered a session focused on storytelling techniques to encourage the clear, respectful and impactful communication of personal experiences.
This was followed by focus activities, allowing intersecting workforce issues to be examined collectively and constructively.
"The high level of engagement from both guest speakers and participants, combined with the contemporary insights shared, reinforced the value of the summit as a forum for meaningful dialogue and practical outcomes," Commander Simon said.
Navy's DRGs provide insight, drive change and advocate for inclusive practices across the workforce. The NDI team leads and manages the DRGs in collaboration with the Navy Indigenous and Navy Women teams.
There are six active DRGs in Navy: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, Disability, First Nations, LGBTQIA+, Neurodiversity and Women.
'This summit is an opportunity to prioritise what matters most, challenge assumptions and propose solutions grounded in lived experience.'
Each DRG comprises volunteer members who bring lived experience and subject matter expertise to support the NDI team in advancing policy reform, awareness and education, culture change initiatives, and workforce engagement and retention.
"Your role as DRG members is advisory, but your influence is real. What you raise shapes decisions and turns intent into practical, lived outcomes," Commodore Gaskin said.
"You play a cardinal role in identifying barriers that are often systemic, invisible or unintentional, and in highlighting where intent does not always translate into impact.
"This summit is an opportunity to prioritise what matters most, challenge assumptions and propose solutions grounded in lived experience.
"Together, we can build a Navy that honours the dignity, strength and potential of every member, shaping us to be lethal, trusted and resilient."
The summit will shape DRG priorities for the year ahead and identify practical actions to attract, retain and empower Navy's diverse workforce in support of capability and readiness.
DRG membership is open to all Navy members who demonstrate the suitability and capacity to undertake this ancillary representational role. They do not need to identify with a particular community to participate - allies are also encouraged to apply.
Navy members can find out more about DRGs at the Navy Diversity and Inclusion Team website.
