Regional/National Reach Program

Over the last decade, employers across Australia, have made enormous strides in progressing workplace inclusion initiatives focused on their LGBTQ+ talent. This includes the private sector, all levels of government and organisations of all sizes. However, one of the great challenges for organisations is how to ensure that positive steps are reaching ALL their employees, irrespective of their distance from head office.

The marriage equality debate in Australia highlighted divergent views on equality across the nation, with some, albeit a minority, of more remote communities showing less progressive or inclusive views. The 2026 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) survey also highlighted the challenges faced away from the major metropolitan areas. For example:

• Metropolitan employees believe LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives are more important than those further afield (84% vs 78%)
• Likewise, more city-based employees understand why LGBTQ+ inclusion is important to an organisation (87% vs 81%] 
• Those employees in regional locations are more likely believe that there is no longer need to spend time on LGBTQ+ inclusion, post marriage equality (14% vs 9%)

Significantly, workforce behaviours differ considerably between city and regional workplaces. Almost 10% of LGB respondents have experienced negative commentary and jokes in their regional workplace, which is double the response from city employees. Likewise, 12% LGB regional employees have personally experienced bullying in the workplace (as opposed to 6% of city-based employees). More specifically, 39% of regional employees pointed to their direct management as a source of such bullying (compared to 20% in the city).

With this in mind, and as part of our strategic initiatives, this program focuses on workplace inclusion in regional Australia. Each day-long program features a series of training sessions on LGBTQ+ awareness and ally enablement, as well as a cross-member roundtable session, and a networking event to bring together LGBTQ+ employees and allies, from member organisations and the broader community.

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Australia Post continues to partner with Pride in Diversity to champion LGBTQ+ Inclusion in regional Australia

• Pride in Diversity is proud to continue its partnership with Australia Post as the sole sponsor of our Regional Reach Program for the FY2026–2027 financial year. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion across regional workplaces nationwide.
• The program delivers four full-day education events in regional centres across Australia. Last year, events were in Orange (NSW), Rockhampton (QLD), Bunbury (WA), and Ballarat (VIC).
• This year, events will be in Mount Gambier (SA), Queanbeyan (ACT/NSW), Bendigo (VIC), and QLD.
• These events are free to attend and are designed to bring together local businesses, government bodies, and community organisations and individuals to connect, share challenges, opportunities, and best practices in fostering inclusive environments.
• This partnership aligns with Australia Post’s PostPride 2025–2027 Strategy, which focuses on creating safe, inclusive workplaces – especially for regional, frontline, and trans and gender diverse team members.
• Together, Pride in Diversity and Australia Post are committed to driving meaningful conversations and action in every corner of the country.

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Reaching Mount Gambier/Boandik with Pride

Thursday 3 September, 2026, 9am – 5pm (ACST)

Achieving genuine LGBTQ+ inclusion in regional workplaces remains a significant and multifaceted challenge, as highlighted by feedback from both employers and employees, along with the latest insights from the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

In response, Pride in Diversity is delivering a cross‑organisational initiative designed to strengthen awareness and foster meaningful inclusion across regional Australia.

Generously hosted by TAFE SA and sponsored by Australia Post, Reaching Mount Gambier/Boandik with Pride will take place on Thursday 3 September. The program features a series of sessions centred on capability‑building, networking, best‑practice sharing, and emerging research. The aim is to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to drive real, lasting change in regional workplaces—regardless of their size, industry, or location.

Event Schedule:

Morning Session 9:00am – 12:00pm

• Inclusion Data Presentation
• Morning Tea
• Trans Awareness training

Lunch & Roundtable Networking 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Afternoon Session 2:00pm – 5:00pm

• Empowering Allies workshop
• Afternoon tea
• Panel Event

Reaching Mount Gambier/Boandik with Pride is free to attend but bookings are essential.

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Reaching Queanbeyan-Palerang/Ngambri/Ngunnawal/Ngarigu with Pride

Wednesday 23 September, 2026, 9am – 5pm (AEST)

Achieving genuine LGBTQ+ inclusion in regional workplaces remains a significant and multifaceted challenge, as highlighted by feedback from both employers and employees, along with the latest insights from the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

In response, Pride in Diversity is delivering a cross‑organisational initiative designed to strengthen awareness and foster meaningful inclusion across regional Australia.

Generously hosted by Queanbeyan-Palerang Council and sponsored by Australia Post, Reaching Queanbeyan-Palerang/Ngambri/Ngunnawal/Ngarigu with Pride will take place on Wednesday 23 September. The program features a series of sessions centred on capability‑building, networking, best‑practice sharing, and emerging research. The aim is to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to drive real, lasting change in regional workplaces—regardless of their size, industry, or location.

Event Schedule:

Morning Session 9:00am – 12:00pm

• Inclusion Data Presentation
• Morning Tea
• LGBTQ+ Awareness training

Lunch & Roundtable Networking 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Afternoon Session 2:00pm – 5:00pm

• Empowering Allies workshop
• Afternoon tea
• Panel Event

Reaching Queanbeyan-Palerang/Ngambri/Ngunnawal/Ngarigu with Pride is free to attend but bookings are essential.

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COMING SOON

The Regional/National Reach program will soon be coming to Bendigo VIC. Check back regularly for more information.