b'Inclusion and equity for all It is core to our foundation to create an inclusive, connected and just world. Welcoming everyone, without judgement.Initiating action for people In our Strategy we acknowledge thereare some groups who experienceliving with a disabilityparticularly entrenched causes of inequality,We now have an active Disability Equity Steering and we will pay particular attention to theirand Action Group and a Disability Equity Action needs and aspirations. This includes peoplePlan. There is deep and broad work underway, living with disability, Aboriginal and Torresincluding making key consumer information Strait Islanders, people who identify asavailable in easy read formats for people with LGBTIQA+, refugees and asylum seekers,cognitive disabilities, learning difficulties, and and people from culturally and linguisticallythose for whom English is a second language.diverse communities.The shared/lived experience and knowledgeLGBTIQA+ inclusion of the Uniting workforce and consumers is a critical enabler as we work toward this goal. Our commitment to learning and acting on the needs of LGBTIQA+ consumers, workforce and broader communities was again recognised with Culturally and linguisticallyGold Provider status in the Pride in Health + diverse inclusion Wellbeing Awards.Leading with pride Additionally, Rainbow Working Group member We now have a Culturally and LinguisticallyGeorgina Poort was also recognised at the Awards Diverse (CALD) Equity Lead who, together withas winner of the LGBTQ Out Role Model Award.our CALD Working Group, drives efforts to fosterWe are now midway through our third LGBTIQA+Our Rainbow Working Group member Georgina Poort was inclusion and belonging within our workforce, while supporting the organisation in ensuringEquity & Inclusion Plan. recognised at this years HWEI Awards as winner of the LGBTQequitable service access and experiences forAdditional Rainbow Working Groups haveOut Role Model Award. CALD consumers. been established in the Southern Victoria In 2024 we recognised nine days of significanceand Gippsland regions to pursue a more localThis award celebrates an out LGBTIQA+In receiving her award, Georgina said she aims to our CALD community, through events thatfocus. Working Group members have deliveredindividual who has actively advocated for to be herself as authentically as she can in her foster visibility, understanding, and belonging.learning sessions across Uniting to reinforce ourand promoted inclusion.work and personal life.We also co-hosted a Welcoming Ramadan andcommitment to equity and inclusion.Easter Dinner with the Synod, Uniting AgeWellGeorgina received this award for the pivotal roleI am proud to have been recognised for living and the Australian Intercultural Society inThis is a national benchmarkingshe played in navigating the impact of targetednot only the values of Uniting, but for also Melbourne in March 2024. instrument used to assessaction from extremist groups directed at theleading positive change through adversity atLGBTIQA+ inclusion withinNorth East Victoria Rainbow Ball. Scheduled fora local level for regional and rural queer folk. Find out more the Australian health andJune 2023, the Ball had to be postponed due toBeing out in regional spaces can carry a lot wellbeing sector.safety concerns for both event organisers andof weight, and I am grateful to stand on the LGBTIQA+ young people. The compassion andshoulders of others who have paved the way skill with which Georgie proactively navigatedfor me to flourish and lead in my own way asthe threat limited the risk to LGBTIQA+ younga queer leader.people and enhanced community recovery.26 Uniting Vic.Tas and Uniting Housing Annual Report'