We're proud of our diverse workforce and passionate about providing opportunities for people with an array of backgrounds, and in building an inclusive and mentally healthy workplace. 

We have a focus on improving Indigenous and female participation across our business, and we're proud of the work we've done in increasing participation for people with disability, and ensuring an inclusive culture that has access to support for both physical and mental health.

We were very proud to be included in two categories for the 2021 Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards, in the Graeme Innes Disability Employment Award and the Allan Fels Mental Healthy Award category.

Building a strong disability employment program

One of our largest contracts in Australia was selected as finalist in the Graeme Innes Disability Employment Award category for their achievements in building a strong disability employment program.

The team on the NSW Whole of Government Facilities Management Services contract manages over 1,000 sites and recognise that the challenges of finding the right people to fill roles isn't helped by ignoring a largely untapped pool of capable and committed people.

This contract employs 136 people with disability, with the numbers having grown by almost 400% in 12 months thanks to a focused effort by the
contract team in building diversity in their workforce.

Group Executive Defence and Social Infrastructure Derek Osborn said that the team have done amazing things with the employment of people with a disability. 

I am so very proud of the work they do and how they go about it.

 "They've achieved this by recognising that if you go about things the same old way, you'll get the same old results' says Derek. 

^{Pictured above: Rebecca Teale and Amrita Ramjas, Greeter and Adminstration employees at Ventia.}

Supporting employees through our Healthy Minds program

Additionally, our mental health program, Healthy Minds, was a finalist in the Allan Fels Mental Healthy Award category. 

With mental health a significant issue within every workplace, our program is helping us deliver on our commitment to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support those with mental health conditions across our business. 

Through our program, we have built a network of over 120 volunteers who are passionate about helping others who are struggling with their mental health. Our Healthy Minds Champions will listen without judgement and if required help employees seek further assistance.

Group Executive Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Christian Frost said he was delighted and extremely proud of the award. 

Given the calibre of the organisations that were finalists in this category, it's a great achievement for Ventia.

"The results of this program have exceeded our expectations so far. But what I am most proud of is the 120 Healthy Minds Champions that were specially selected and trained that we have in place. These caring and empathetic people are providing the support that our people need' Christian says.

^{Pictured: Some of Ventia's Healthy Minds Champions} 

Ventia extends congratulations to Gold Coast Health who won in the Graeme Innes Disability Employment Award category and Transgrid in the Allan Fels Mental Health Award category.