Nominations are now open for the 2027 ESF Diversity and Inclusion Awards

 

We are excited to announce the upcoming 2027 ESF Diversity and Inclusion Awards and we need your help to recognise the outstanding programs, initiatives and individuals that embody the spirit of diversity and inclusion in CFA.

 

CFA continues to lead the way in diversity and inclusion. Last year, our own Angela Cook was recognised as a D&I Champion, marking the third consecutive year that a CFA team member has received this prestigious award.

This consistent achievement highlights CFA’s strong commitment to embedding diversity and inclusion principles into our culture, practices and service to the community.

The Diversity and Inclusion Awards will be presented at the 2027 Emergency Service Foundation International Women's Day (IWD) event on 4 March 2027 at Melbourne Arts Centre. 

This event  brings the Victorian emergency management sector together to show support and advocate for women and gender diverse people. These awards serve to recognise and celebrate outstanding programs or initiatives and individuals across ESF's 12 member agencies. We would love to see some of our amazing programs, volunteers and staff nominated.

 The award categories are as follows:

• Diversity and Inclusion Initiative – This award celebrates an initiative or program that recognises and embraces differences and brings people together. This could recognise cultural diversity, different perspectives, intersectionality, accessibility, generational diversity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, disability inclusion, or other forms of diversity.  For some practical examples for this category,  please refer to last year’s winners. 
• Inclusion in Progress – Team Award Initiative – This award recognises a team (brigade, club, unit) that is actively working to create a more inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment, demonstrating meaningful progress through its actions. Teams may not have solved an issue yet, but are demonstrating commitment, learning and visible movement in the right direction.

Examples include Introducing new inclusive practices, improving            accessibility, listening and responding to diverse voices, building team capability, changing behaviours or processes, or making steady progress toward greater diversity and belonging.

• Equity in Action – Champion Award – They actively create a culture where women, people from different backgrounds, identities and experiences feel welcomed, respected and included.

Examples include changing a process or policy, removing barriers, mentoring others, creating opportunities for underrepresented people, delivering a visible community/workplace impact, or advocating for underrepresented groups, challenging exclusion, creating belonging or making teams and spaces more accessible.

We encourage everyone to consider nominating a program or initiative, team/s, brigade or individual that have demonstrated a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.  

Let’s shine a spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond to make our community a more welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.

To nominate, click on the link below:

Nomination Form

This is an internal nomination process and will close at the end of business on Monday, 8 December 2026.

A representative from the Diversity and Inclusion team will be in contact to discuss your nomination with you.

 

Submitted by	Nicky Kambanaros