On Tuesday 18 June, NIDA received the 2024 Business in Sydney Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion. This prestigious award affirms NIDA’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for a diverse community, including people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, seniors, and people with disabilities. The event, hosted by CBD Sydney Chamber and Business NSW, celebrated business excellence with 17 prestigious categories. Andrea Daniels, NIDA’s First Nations Project and Administration Coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of NIDA at a gala ceremony held at Sydney Town Hall.
Andrea expressed heartfelt gratitude during her acceptance speech, emphasising the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a thriving creative environment for staff, students and guests. ‘As a proud Yuin Monaro woman, it’s been amazing to see the hard work NIDA has been doing and continues to do. This includes establishing the First Nations Team, implementing First Nations teaching into the curriculum, publishing the RAP, our Yarning circle meetings with Aunty Mary Goslett and holding our Monthly POC student meetings. We also work with a local disability theatre group called Midnight Feast. Our initiatives are guided by the wisdom and guidance of Uncle Matt, Aunty Rhoda, and NIDA’s Head of First Nations, Travis Cardona. We’d like to thank the NIDA Staff and Students, the Board, and our CEO, Liz Hughes for their unwavering support and commitment in fostering an environment that celebrates the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and abilities that each of us brings.’ Andrea said.
NIDA’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion have led to further recognition, progressing as a State Finalist for the NSW State Business Awards, set to take place on 30 October at the International Convention Centre Sydney. NIDA thanks the CBD Sydney Chamber and Business NSW for recognising our work and hosting such a wonderful event. We also congratulate all the winners celebrated for their outstanding contributions to business excellence.
*Header image: From left to right: Christina Alvarez , Head of Special Projects, and Andrea Daniels, First Nations Project and Administration Coordinator, accepted the award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion on behalf of NIDA at the Business Awards 2024. Photo by Gregg Porteous and Business NSW.
