The past year has been a significant one for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at BHN. Across our organisation, we have continued to strengthen our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace and delivering culturally safe and equitable services for the diverse communities we support. We are at the beginning of our journey and can't wait to see where this work on inclusion takes us.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
We are proud to share that our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) draft was sent to Reconciliation Australia during NAIDOC week 2026. This represents a significant milestone in our reconciliation journey and reflects our commitment to building stronger relationships with First Nations peoples and communities.
We extend our sincere thanks to Eddie Moore, Managing Director of Nyuka Wara Consulting, for his guidance and leadership throughout the process, and to Tammy Chatfield for creating the beautiful artwork that reflects the spirit and vision of our RAP. We would also like to thank two first nations employees, Shayde Findley and Jake Knight, for working with us on this project and so kindly sharing your wisdom, insights and teaching us along the way.
We also extend our gratitude to our RAP Working Group and everyone across BHN who has contributed to reaching this significant milestone. Together, we are taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation, relationship building, and culturally safe services for our First Nations Communities.
Workforce, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB)
We know that creating an inclusive healthcare service is an ongoing journey. To support this, we have created a Workforce Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Committee which held its first meeting in August 2026.
The DIB committee has been tasked with developing a 2 year workplan that will shape and strengthen the foundations of diversity, inclusion and belonging across BHN's workplaces. Its focus is to support the development of a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities while fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture for all.
To further strengthen our approach, BHN became a member of the Diversity Council Australia (DCA), Australia's leading independent authority on diversity and inclusion. Membership provides access to evidence-based research, case studies, tools, resources and professional development opportunities that will help guide our work and support best practice across the organisation.
Rainbow tick standards
In March 2026, BHN successfully renewed its Rainbow Tick Accreditation, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion and affirming that we continue to meet and uphold the standards we have set for our organisation.
A key achievement this year was the development of BHN's LGBTIQA+ 3-Year Inclusion Plan, which provides a roadmap for strengthening inclusion across all areas of the organisation.
The Rainbow Committee also provided valuable input into a range of strategic initiatives, including the New Starter Orientation Guide, the Strategic Voice Project and BHN's branding refresh.
The Committee worked closely with the RAP Working Group to ensure the inclusion of Rainbow Mob perspectives within BHN's first Reconciliation Action Plan.
In recognition of BHN's leadership in LGBTIQA+ inclusion, a number of our leaders, employees and consumer advisors were invited by Rainbow Health Australia to contribute to the review of the Rainbow Tick Standards in March 2026.
Workplace gender equality targets
Our annual reporting to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for 2025–26 saw positive progress, including maintaining gender balance on our Board of Directors and a reduction in BHN’s gender pay gap. We are encouraged by this progress, and we know there is more work to do.
Over the next three years, we'll focus on achieving three key gender equality targets:
- Consulting with employees on gender equality barriers through the DIB committee
- Conducting a gender pay gap analysis
- Consulting to reduce our gender pay gap
Lived and Living Experience Workforce (LLEW)
As our collaborative partnership with Yale University concluded at the end of 2025, we celebrated significant progress in strengthening BHN's Lived and Living Experience Workforce in 2026.
Key achievements included the development of a Lived and Living Experience Framework, a Manager's Guide, and a dedicated resource hub on the BHN employee intranet. These resources provide greater support for employees and managers while helping embed lived and living experience perspectives across our services.
We also secured funding to deliver specialist Orientation, Foundational Knowledge and Management training on LLEW to employees and our leadership team during 2026, further supporting the growth development, integration of this important workforce within BHN.
Initiatives within service delivery
BHN continues to embed diversity and inclusion across the services we deliver.
During 2026, we provided 243 interpreter-supported appointments, helping to improve access and equity for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Participants in our Adult Community Options (ACO) program made valuable contributions to the community through the collection and delivery of essential donations for women experiencing hardship, pantry supplies for individuals and families in need, and library materials for people unable to access library services in person.
In July, BHN's Mental Health & Wellbeing Connect Centre in Dandenong hosted a men's wellbeing group featuring special guest speaker Jaime Ramos. More than 20 participants attended the session, which explored caregiving, trauma, and the development of healthy and realistic expectations in relationships and family life.
Our Health Promotion team also partnered with the Centre for Multicultural Sport to deliver a workshop series for community sporting clubs. Representatives from eight sporting codes gained practical tools and strategies to strengthen inclusion, promote cultural safety, and increase participation for diverse communities. Australian Olympian Peter Bol shared his insights on the important role sport plays in creating connected, welcoming and inclusive communities.
