Culture connects us all - Cultural Diversity Week 2026

Sanjeev joined CFA in November 2025.

 

We invited Sanjeev Choudhary, CFA's General Manager Health Safety and Wellbeing, to introduce himself and explain why this year’s theme is so important.

 

My own journey is one shaped by culture, community, and the transformative experience of building a life in Australia. I grew up in a small town in Punjab, India, a place where community, resilience and connection were woven into daily life.

When I arrived in Australia in 2006, I brought those values with me, along with the hopes and uncertainties familiar to many who start anew in a different country. Assimilating into Australian society wasn’t just about adapting, it was about finding ways to contribute, to belong, and to honour both where I came from and the community I was becoming part of.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to serve as a community leader, including as the President of a local cultural association, where I worked to strengthen cross‑cultural understanding and support newly-arrived families. My role as an AFL Multicultural Ambassador allowed me to help bridge cultural gaps through sport one - of the most powerful connectors in Australian life.

I’ve also been privileged to volunteer with local sporting clubs, contributing to programs that bring people together across backgrounds, ages, and experiences. These moments of connection remind me how diversity enriches not only our communities, but also our sense of purpose and belonging.

In my professional career across health, wellbeing, mental health, and emergency service environments, I have seen firsthand how diverse voices and lived experiences lead to better decisions, better support, and safer outcomes. When people feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work, they elevate the culture around them.

Diversity isn’t simply about representation, it is about creating environments where people can grow, thrive and be authentically who they are.

Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate the many heritages, languages, identities, and stories that define who we are as humans. It is also a moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to inclusion, something CFA has demonstrated through statewide celebrations, storytelling, and community-led engagement that champion equality across the organisation.

Thank you to everyone who continues to embrace diversity, challenge bias, and create safe spaces for others. Our differences enrich us, but it is our willingness to understand and support one another that truly strengthens us. Let’s use this week to reflect, connect, and continue building a culture where everyone belongs and where our diverse stories continue to drive our shared success.

 

Submitted by	News & Media