AWEI Fireside Chats: The Importance of LGBTQ+ Employee Networks

Join Pride in Diversity for an inaugural series called AWEI Fireside Chats: Winners of the LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards!

There is an array of Awards given at the annual Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards, based on the results of the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Submissions and additional nominated categories. This series will focus on the winners in these categories, where each award nomination recognises outstanding advocacy, support and/or contribution to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace by leaders, role models, allies and more.

The winner of the network-related awards for the 2026 are:

·       Network Leader of Year – Amy Ewing (she/her), Ampol

·       Employee Network of the Year – Australian Taxation Office

About the Winners:

Amy Ewing (she/her), Ampol
Over the past four and a half years, including two years as Chair of the Ampol Rainbow Alliance, Amy Ewing has championed meaningful LGBTQ+ inclusion by turning commitment into tangible action. Working within a refinery environment, where she is often the only woman in the room, Amy has focused on creating the visibility, support, and sense of safety she once sought herself.

Amy has embedded gender affirmation beyond policy through practical resources and manager education, established IDAHOBIT and Wear It Purple as impactful organisation-wide initiatives, and used AWEI and internal survey data to drive evidence-based improvements. She has also mentored emerging leaders across LGBTQ+ and gender equity networks, ensuring lasting impact beyond her own leadership.

Leading with authenticity, strategic insight, and compassion, Amy continues to remove barriers and foster a workplace culture where LGBTQ+ employees feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Australian Taxation Office

The ATO's LGBTQ+ employee network exists to inspire and engage colleagues, clients, and the broader community, empowering change, promoting inclusion, and celebrating diversity.

After being named a finalist for three consecutive years, the ATO was recognised as the 2026 Employee Network of the Year.

This Award is not based on nominations, but is determined through a rigorous assessment of the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Advanced Submission, evaluating the impact, maturity, and effectiveness of an organisation's LGBTQ+ employee network.

Employee networks are often the driving force behind LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, leading initiatives that foster belonging, influence organisational culture, and support both LGBTQ+ employees and their allies. AWEI Survey data consistently demonstrates the positive impact these networks have on employee experiences, making it fitting that their contributions are recognised and celebrated.

About this Session:

Join Pride in Diversity and our guest panellists as we discuss the importance of LGBTQ+ Employee Networks (or Alternatives) and Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), emphasising how networks and network leaders successfully contribute to LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts across the organisation; and the impact the impacts this has on employees and organisational culture.

Pride in Diversity Co-hosts:

·       Benji Brown (he/him), Senior Relationship Manager

·       Will Reilly (he/him), Index Project Manager

Guest Panellist:

·       Amy Ewing (she/her), Energy & Emissions Engineering Coordinator (RPEQ) and Char of Ampol Rainbow Alliance, Ampol

·       Mon Langshaw (she/her), HR Officer and ATOMIC Network Co-chair, Australian Taxation Office

This session will be online.

MS Teams link will be sent out the morning of the event.

About the Australian Workplace Equality Index:

The AWEI now stands as the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and comprises the largest and only national employee survey designed to gauge the overall impact of inclusion initiatives on organisational culture.

To learn more about the AWEI Submissions, head to our website.

Your organisation can also register for participation in:

·       The 2026 - 2027 AWEI Submissions.

·       The AWEI Employee Survey

To learn more about nominating a colleague or campaign for outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ inclusion within your organisation, check out our Award Nomination categories.