Diversity in Manufacturing
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Category Definition & Guidelines
To assist you with this application the judges have provided some guidelines.
When providing your answers, the “For Example”/guidelines we have suggested for each question are not intended to be exhaustive. They are designed as examples and prompts to help you understand the judges’ requirements. It is important that where you state that you have evidence in support of the specific question you are answering, you need to provide that evidence – usually, a generic brochure or company overview is not sufficient.
Download a category information guide here.
Additional Information
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Focus of the category
This award recognises businesses and individuals that have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the manufacturing industry. It celebrates initiatives that create inclusive workplaces, improve accessibility, build diverse talent pipelines, and contribute to broader community engagement. This includes efforts to support underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, neurodivergent employees, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
This award recognises businesses and individuals that have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the manufacturing industry. It celebrates initiatives that create inclusive workplaces, improve accessibility, build diverse talent pipelines, and contribute to broader community engagement.
Each of the listed criteria must be addressed, and where possible, evidence provided. Photographs, drawings, etc., may be included as an attachment to the online application form—please label them clearly.
Please address the following criteria and restrict the content of each response to 300 words or less.
Judging criteria & Values
Question 1:
Leadership & Organisational Commitment
Judging Criteria
- How does your organisation demonstrate leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion?
- Provide examples of leadership accountability in fostering DEI initiatives.
- What DEI policies, strategies, or frameworks have you implemented?
- Why do these stand out?
Value:
25/100
Question 2:
Inclusive Workforce & Career Pathways
Judging Criteria
- What initiatives have you implemented to create equal opportunities and remove barriers for underrepresented groups?
- Have you introduced mentoring, upskilling, or leadership pathways to support diversity?
- What education is provided to your workforce as a whole on inclusion and diversity, and how is this delivered?
- What support do you provide to underrepresented groups, including employees with disabilities, to ensure they are included and not discriminated against?
- Have you implemented workplace adjustments or accommodations to support employees with disabilities or neurodivergent individuals?
Value:
20/100
Question 3:
Impact on Business Performance & Innovation
Judging Criteria
- How has diversity contributed to business success, innovation, or competitive advantage?
- Provide measurable outcomes demonstrating the positive impact of DEI on productivity or workplace culture.
Value:
20/100
Question 4:
Community & Industry Engagement
Judging Criteria
- How does your organisation advocate for diversity beyond your workforce (e.g., supplier diversity, partnerships, or community programs)?
- What external initiatives or collaborations have you led to promote diversity in manufacturing?
Value:
15/100
Question 5:
Future-Focused DEI Strategies
Judging Criteria
- How does your organisation invest in building a more diverse workforce for the future (e.g., STEM engagement, apprenticeships, or training programs)?
- What ongoing efforts are in place to ensure sustained DEI impact?
Value:
10/100
Question 6:
Workplace Accessibility & Equity
Judging Criteria
- What policies or programs do you have in place to promote accessibility and flexible work arrangements?
- How have you removed barriers to employment and career advancement?
- Have you implemented any physical workplace modifications, assistive technologies, or tailored job design initiatives to support employees with disabilities?
Value:
10/100
Application Guide & tips
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