Published: Sunday, 4th February, 2024
Updated: Sunday, 4th February, 2024
Albany Pride’s growing list of support needs has received a much-needed boost with Dan Murphy’s funding $30,000 for Albany Pride committee members to offer diversity, equity and inclusion training for local businesses and other organisations.
Albany Pride Media Coordinator Tiger Bird (they/them) said the donation from national retailer Dan Murphy’s has funded the development of a workshop series, allowing Albany Pride volunteers to help local businesses, clubs and other organisations create safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ people.
“The aim of the educational program is to give organisations and businesses a preliminary, but comprehensive, introduction to the LGBTIQA+ community, issues that are pertinent to us, and how organisations and businesses can be more inclusive to provide a better working environment for LGBTIQA+ people so that they can get the best out of them,” Tiger Bird said.
Tiger Bird said the sessions give people from all walks of life the opportunity to better understand the LGBTIQA+ landscape, allowing for further growth as a community.
“I think it’s understandable that for people outside of the LGBTIQA+ community, the whole rainbow umbrella, the various identities, and the complexities relating to Queer sexuality and/or gender might appear to be quite a mammoth thing to begin to understand – especially when there’s so much misinformation flying around.
“What our program aims to do is to provide a space where people can begin to understand it, ask questions in a safe and non-judgmental place, and to come away with a better understanding of the community, so you can better a better ally or source of support for someone within the LGBTIQA+ community.”
Tiger Bird says the program has the potential to improve workplace culture which, in turn, impacts on productivity, employee morale and retention, and organisational effectiveness. They said having the support of Dan Murphy’s to address this topic in the Albany community is a powerful act.
“It’s great to see that some organisations, like Dan Murphy’s, are already making efforts to ensure the inclusion of LGBTIQA+ staff is kept front of mind at every step,” they said. “From employee support programs to inclusive language, this company is setting a great example and it’s easy to see the effects of this smart approach in their business.”
Dan Murphy’s Proud Committee Co-Chair Robyn Stevens (she/her) said the initiative was part of the broader vision of Proud, and Dan Murphy’s as a whole.
“Dan Murphy’s strives to ensure its workplace is inclusive, and part of that is taking actionable steps in the communities we live and work,” she said.
“One of our core values, not just through Dan Murphy’s but also throughout the Endeavour Group brands, is that we’re inclusive and I believe it is important to live and breathe those values.
“Our Proud Committee has taken an active approach to supporting, sponsoring and partnering with organisations that empower and connect LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in regional communities.
“We are committed to creating spaces, places and moments where everyone feels safe, welcome and encouraged to truly be themselves – and we recognise that is about more than what we do in our workplace.
“The opportunity to actively support other organisations to build programs and culture of inclusion is foundational to ensuring communities, and individuals, can flourish, and thrive as their authentic selves.”
For more information about Albany Pride’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training, send an email to hello@albanypride.com.au.
Tiger Bird
Albany Pride Media Coordinator
Phone: 0478 542 847 (0478 LGBTIQ)
Email: media@albanypride.com.au