What inclusion means to CFA members

Darryn Paspa, Manager Procurement

 

In recent years CFA has been doing a lot of work to strengthen our organisational culture.

 

CFA is passionately committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected and fully supported, truly embodying a culture of inclusion. We asked a range of CFA members to tell us in their own words what inclusion means to them. 

LISA PETERS, SOUTH-EAST REGION

“Diversity and inclusion is about providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Where people know and feel they belong, that they are appreciated, valued, supported, celebrated and understood. Encouraging a culture where everybody has the same opportunities to flourish.”    

SALLY BOND, PROJECT TEAM

“Diversity and inclusion is not only about bringing together different groups; it’s about embracing those perspectives and ensuring all contributions are valued in a respectful, supportive and non-judgemental setting. Furthermore, this mindset needs to be embedded within the fabric of an organisation. I relate it to the well-crafted quote: ‘Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance'."

JODIE CLARK, TALENT ACQUISITION TEAM

“Diversity and Inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating spaces where every door is open, every voice is heard and no one gets left behind. It’s where we recognise everyone’s potential to build a truly inclusive foundation, but it has to be something we consciously commit to daily, not just in our words but through action.”  

DARRYN PASPA, MANAGER PROCUREMENT

“As a gay man, I find diversity and inclusion incredibly important in providing an environment where people can live authentically, without fear or judgment. Growing up, I certainly understood how it can feel isolating when you’re seen as different to others, and I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and valued for who they truly are. Embracing diversity means recognising the beauty in our differences, while inclusion ensures that everyone has a seat at the table – not just in theory but in practice. For me, it’s not just about representation but also about respect, dignity and the freedom for everyone to thrive.”   

ROSS SIMPSON, DUNKELD FIRE BRIGADE

“Diversity to me is about a wide range of people. Everybody has different qualities and ideas and ways of looking at issues. One person might look at solving a problem one way, and someone else might look at the same problem a different way. For example, with LGBTQIA+ conversations, some people might look at the minority angle and others look at it from the majority angle. Programs in the city might be well supported, whereas the resources are different in rural areas.”   

HAMISH FLETCHER, NORTH-EAST REGION 

“A diverse and inclusive CFA is a safe and welcoming CFA for everyone. A place where people can serve their community under a common agreement of how we will work together to achieve our mission. Individually, we are from all walks of life and collectively we are CFA.”   

 

Submitted by	News and Media