For the second year in a row, VU was recognised as an AWEI Gold Employer at the Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards 2025.
Each year VU participates in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), a nationwide benchmarking activity ensuring the University is living up to our values of progressive inclusivity. The benchmark is paired with the largest and only national employee survey, measuring LGBTIQA+ inclusion for staff at VU.
The University's commitment to inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond has gone deeper and more intersectional, with initiatives and celebrations supporting trans and gender diverse staff and students, and targeted education across the university. There is much work still to do, the University continues to work with the VU community to build on this achievement.
VU's Pride Network and its leadership team have been instrumental in this achievement, driving initiatives, celebrations and advocacy across the university.
"Visibility backed by action is what truly drives change. At VU, we're building a culture where LGBTQIA+ staff and students don't just feel welcome-they feel seen, heard, and valued. That means leadership commitment, active allyship and making inclusion part of our everyday decisions. Real change happens when people can show up as their full authentic selves and know they'll be embraced for it," Tessa Benson (she/her), Director Advisory and HQ and Pride Network leadership team
"As a University, we are thrilled to receive this recognition. We look forward to celebrating with community and working further to build a more inclusive VU where you can be 'Uniquely You'," Sara Austin (she/her) Equality, Inclusion and Belonging Lead said.
Previous AWEI recognitions
- 2021 - VU received Bronze recognition for the first time
- 2022 - Silver recognition
- 2023 - Non-submission year
- 2024 - Gold recognition
- 2025 - Gold recognition
