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Murdoch University and WestPride Archives recognised for SBLGBTIQA+ Inclusion

Six people standing in front of banksia trees smiling and holding progress pride flags.

Murdoch University has been awarded its second Silver Award in Pride in Diversity’s Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards, achieving its highest ever result in the index.

Murdoch University was awarded a Silver Award for sector-leading gender affirmation leave, improved IT systems for trans and gender diverse community members, an engaged Senior Leadership Team who champion SBLGBTIQA+ inclusion, and a comprehensive Pride and Allyship Program, among other categories.

Strategic Project Coordinator for the SBLGBTIQA+ Community, Em Readman, said the award was welcome recognition and the progress from Bronze to Silver showed a commitment to constant growth.

“I’m thrilled to see Murdoch’s steady improvement each year. I couldn't be prouder,” Mx Readman said.

“An inclusive workplace is a thriving workplace, and I am proud that every day, Murdoch University is making strides for SBLGBTIQA+ people to not only find a career, but a community that is welcoming, supportive, and listens to their voices.”

Pro Vice Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dr Rebecca Bennett said the award also acted as an agent for accountability, driving development alongside best practice for support.

“This is more than an award, it is evidence of a whole-of-University commitment to making Murdoch safer, fairer and more affirming for SBLGBTIQA+ staff, students and allies,” Dr Bennett said.

At a time when inclusion work is increasingly contested and some Australian organisations are withdrawing from the AWEI, Murdoch remains steadfast in our commitment to equity, justice and belonging.

In the Murdoch Special Collections unit, further recognition has been awarded to the WestPride Archives

Following on from the first statewide LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy 2025-3035, Minister for Youth the Hon Hannah Beazley announced the LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Grants Program, committing over $250,000 to LGBTIQA+ community projects.

“The LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Grants will fund projects that work with and for LGBTIQA+ people and communities to build a safer and more inclusive WA,” Minister Beazley said.

The WestPride Archives, housed in the Special Collections Unit of Murdoch University's Geoffrey Bolton Library, were awarded a grant in the first funding round, focussed on the history of the Gay Games.

A photo from the WestPride Archives of a historical Pride march being held by a hand.

The Gay Games were last hosted in Perth in 1984 and will be hosted again in 2030. The WestPride Archives’ grant will support young curators from the LGBTIQA+ community to research and collect the history of the Gay Games in preparation for the 2030 International Gay Games.

“We are thrilled because now we’ll be able to research the Games, and include a lot more West Australian history,” WestPride Archives Co-Convenor and Committee member Jo Darbyshire said.

“We can also show the connection between West Australian history and the original GAGS (Gay Activities Group), which was the fundraising group for the WA AIDS Council (WAAC) and the International Gay Games.”

WestPride Archives Convenor and Committee Member Graham Grundy said the result of this research would be an exhibition in 2030 when the Gay Games returns to Perth.

“We’ll be collecting objects, photographs and stories about West Australians that have been involved in the Gay Games,” Graham said.

Learn more about the WestPride Archives collection by visiting our Special Collections page.

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