Last week, thirteen Year 11 and Year 12 students identifying as LGBTQIA+ and allies heard from a panel of NAB employees from the NAB Pride group. All members of the panel identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and had invaluable advice for our students as a result of their lived experiences. The panel answered questions on a range of topics and actively engaged in a Question and Answer session.
| How NAB earned their gold employer diversity status.
How LGBTQIA+ employees are supported in the NAB Workplace. What support networks are available to LGBTQIA+ through their journey from school to university and employment. |
Panel: Kim Lee, Max Filshie, Scott Bradford, Tegan Acton
Hosted by Anthony Lo
Invaluable conversations and reflections on workplace issues included:
Experiences of improved success and confidence in the workplace, as a result of being confident to bring your whole self to work. Feeling comfortable with who you are, so you are able to enjoy strong and respectful relationships with colleagues. In the face of challenges, focusing on your own journey.
Educating our young people to know that at times, challenges in a workplace may arise, such as incorrect assumptions about the gender of your partner or spouse. Empowering the students to understand that making time for conversations, and feeling confident in addressing these issues, can result in better long-term outcomes.
Diversity in the workplace makes companies successful. Workplaces, like NAB, where employees feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work, offer clients better service. Employees from the LGBTQIA+ community are valued employees; our community has a particular understanding of the diverse backgrounds of clients and the challenging life experiences they may face.
Our student group was inspired by each of the members of the panel for their articulate presentations, good humour and compassion. The panel—great role models for our students—shared the message, that it is the uniqueness of each individual that is their strength.
We are grateful to the members of NAB Pride for sharing their personal experiences and messages of support for our students, who will soon be starting their own journeys entering the workforce and, we too, aspire to the same goal – “Celebrate all people for who they are.”
“It was amazing to see the perspective of those workers who spoke to us from NAB. It is comforting knowing that people from all places and walks of life are able to find community and be safe within their workplaces. As a student soon to be graduating and moving into university, then the workforce, it meant a lot to have this conversation and interaction to truly feel comfortable with my journey going forward.”
Achilles Zanapalis (Year 12)
“It is so wonderful to hear such a courageous journey from a transgender man working for such a supportive company like NAB. I would just like to say a huge thanks to everyone who spoke at the event and a special thanks to Kim for his incredible story.”
Michael Richmond (Year 12)
Mr David Parnell
Head of Learning Support
E: dparnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Tessa Prior
College Psychologist
E: tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
