Murdoch University is a proud recipient of a SAGE Cygnet Award for LGBTIQA+ inclusion, a major milestone in our ongoing journey towards a truly inclusive future.

The Award acknowledges the significant progress made by the University to improve inclusion and the sense of wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ staff, with Murdoch one of only five Australian universities recognised with an Award for their efforts in LGBTIQA+ inclusion as part of the Athena Swan framework.

Pro Vice Chancellor Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dr Rebecca Bennett said the entire Murdoch community should be proud to have played a part.

“Achieving our goals requires deep self-reflection by everyone and an openness to let go of preconceptions, unpack stereotypes, and address relative privilege and cultural biases,” Dr Bennett said.

“This isn’t always easy or comfortable, but it drives the compassion, collaboration and expansive thinking needed for us to create the fair, inclusive world we all want to see.

Together, we are making Murdoch University a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential, and this award is recognition of that.

The SAGE Cygnet Award is administered by Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) for progress made under the Athena Swan accreditation framework, the only internationally recognised accreditation for gender equity, diversity and inclusion.

“Murdoch’s work to improve LGBTQIA+ inclusion is a wonderful model of progress toward greater equity, diversity and inclusion on campus,” SAGE CEO Dr Janin Bredehoeft said.

“I congratulate the team on their thorough, consultative, and data-driven interventions and their willingness to acknowledge challenges alongside their successes.

“The impact this work has had on improving employee satisfaction is a wonderful reflection of that honest commitment to positive change.”

To achieve the award and improve the sense of belonging of staff and students of diverse sexes, sexualities and genders, the University has improved staff connection and understanding, removed physical and process barriers, and increased visibility of support for the LGBTIQA+ community.

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team have updated Ally training to be more inclusive and accessible and increased visibility of LGBTIQA+ support on campus through events and media.

“The course was thorough, providing deep insights into the challenges faced by marginalised groups. I now feel better equipped to support and advocate for my peers, thanks to the knowledge and strategies I've gained.” – Ally training participant (August 2023). 

The University has also introduced and re-labelled toilet signs to be gender inclusive, improved gender identity options in its human resources systems, and ensured policies are inclusive of LGBTIQA+ staff.  

The impact of these initiatives has been significant. LGBTIQA+ staff at Murdoch report feeling significantly more supported by their colleagues and leaders, and there has been a notable increase in job satisfaction among LGBTIQA+ staff compared to their non-LGBTIQA+ counterparts.

Image caption: LGBTIQA+ inclusion initiatives at Murdoch University in 2023. a) Installation of the Pride Progress crosswalk; b) Participation in Pride Parade; c) Pride in Storytelling Panel Discussion; and d) West Pride Archives Launch

Murdoch's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond the LGBTIQA+ community, with a community of staff that spans 87 countries and women making up almost two thirds of all roles at the University.

Further to this, all areas of the University are working together on executing the EDI and First Nations Sub-Strategies to ensure First Nations people, women, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, Neurodiverse people, people with Disability and the LGBTIQA+ community all experience equal opportunity and equitable experiences at Murdoch.

Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks noted the University's efforts in this area have been separately recognised with the award of an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Bronze Tier Status with a pass rate of 89%.

“These awards are evidence of our commitment and hard work to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff and students,” Professor Deeks said.

As the University continues to implement its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion sub-strategy, we are well-positioned to build on this success.

The sub-strategy outlines a clear roadmap to achieving the University's vision for a truly inclusive future, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“My team have been fantastic with me opening up about my identity. I feel safe and confident around them, as well as around almost all other teams.” – Professional staff member, LGBTIQA+

Murdoch has a long history of welcoming diverse communities and is proud to host the highest representation of students with disabilities, First Nations heritage, and lower socio-economic backgrounds in Western Australia. 

Learn more about Murdoch's journey to a truly inclusive future.