DEI Week: Shaping More Inclusive Workplace Cultures

Overview

Session One

Session Two

Session Three

Empowering HR professionals to lead inclusive, fair and high-performing workplaces

DEI Week 2026 is designed to help HR professionals navigate today’s evolving workplace challenges while embedding inclusion into the systems, decisions and leadership practices that drive meaningful organisational outcomes.

Through three expert-led sessions, you’ll explore practical approaches to strengthening accountability, building trust and psychological safety, and translating DEI commitments into action.

DEI Week 2026 offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights to help create more inclusive, fair and high-performing workplaces. Be part of the conversation.

Why Attend?

Harness inclusion for impact

Discover how inclusive practices drive meaningful change at every level.

Stay ahead of the curve

Stay informed on the latest DEI developments and trends shaping the future of work.

Learn from the best

Gain insights from leading experts across diverse industries.

Sessions

Session 1

Tuesday 17 November,
12.00-1.00pm AEDT

From Commitment to Impact: Embedding DEI into the Systems that Shape Work

Discover practical strategies to embed DEI into leadership and workplace systems that drive meaningful outcomes for people and performance

Session 2

Wednesday 18 November,
12.00-1.00pm AEDT

AI, Algorithms and Equity: What HR Needs to Know About Bias and Governance

Learn how practical strategies to navigate AI-driven workplace decisions by strengthening fairness, transparency and accountability actoss your organisation.

Session 3

Thursday 19 November,
12.00-1.00pm AEDT

DEI in a Polarised World: Building Respect, Trust and Psychological Safety

Explore practical strategies to navigate polarisation and workplace tensions by building trust, psychological safety and inclusive cultures where people can thrive.

Become an AHRI Member to Participate

DEI Week Speaker Panel

Rhonda Brighton-Hall FCPHR

AHRI DEI Advisory Panel Member | Founder and CEO mwah. Making Work Absolutely Human

Dr Bree Gorman MAHRI (They/Them)

Managing Director and DEI strategist | Consultant , Bree Gorman Consulting

Barbara Sheehy MAHRI (She/Her)

AHRI DEI Advisory Panel Member | Indigenous Portfolio Executive

Aron Mercer (He/Him)

Chief Growth Officer, Xceptional

Alison Woolsey

Non Executive Director, Alliance Française de Sydney

Michelle Lim

Organisational Culture & Change Lead, Reserve Bank of Australia

Roman Ružbacký MAHRI (He/Him)

AHRI DEI Advisory Panel Member | Principal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant, Roman Ruzbacky & Associates

Dr Michelle Phipps FCPHR

AHRI Non-Executive Director
AHRI DEI Advisory Panel Chair

Liz Griffin FCPHR (She/Her)

AHRI DEI Advisory Panel Member | Principal, Complexity Consulting

Mathew Paine CPHR (He/Him)

AHRI DEI Advisory Panel Member | Chief People Officer, Australian Financial Complaints Authority

Sarah Abbott (She/Her)

Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Lion

Krithika Hansen MAHRI (She/Her)

Chief People Officer, TelstraSuper

Marnie King (She/Her)

Senior Lead (Inclusion & Development), Griffith University

Rocio Perri (She/Her)

Director, Multicultural Training and Capability, Services Australia

State Network Events

Insights and Actions from AHRI’s National DEI Week

28 November | NSW

QLD Coffee and Connect