Medibank retains Gold Status at AWEI Awards, celebrating progress in LGBTQIA+ inclusion

Medibank has proudly maintained Gold Tier Employer Status at the 2026 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards, marking another year of meaningful progress in supporting and uplifting LGBTQIA+ employees, customers, and communities.

Medibank Group Lead – Policy, Advocacy & Reputation and Chair of Medibank’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, Meaghan Telford, said the recognition reflects Medibank’s sustained commitment to inclusion and focus on deepening connections.

“For us, it’s more than just meeting benchmarks. We’ve focused on strengthening our internal community and building capability and lasting change across our organisation.”

Over the past year, Medibank has continued to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ voices are heard, celebrated and supported.

Key moments included celebrations of IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia), and Trans Awareness Week, which featured a session with Commissioner Joe Ball.

Strengthening our internal community Ms Telford said that while earlier efforts centred on achieving AWEI criteria, Medibank has shifted focus toward deeper connections through its Rainbow Collective Builders.

“We’ve increased the frequency of Rainbow Collective catchups to create more space for informal connection and storytelling, alongside delivering professional development opportunities tailored to LGBTQIA+ employees,” she said.

Ms Telford also acknowledged those driving this work.

“Juan Campos and Reah Saunders – our Rainbow Collective co-leads, along with Dan George and the Rainbow Collective Builders, have been instrumental in strengthening our community and embedding inclusion into everyday experiences across the organisation.”

A moment of pride – and momentum for the future

This year, Medibank was also named a finalist for Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion in the Workplace, recognising the company’s growing impact in this important area.

“We’re proud to have been recognised as a finalist and will continue to champion safety and equality for the trans and gender diverse communities,” Ms Telford said.

Medibank has also maintained its external partnerships, including sponsoring the Trans Gender Victoria Gender Revel Gala for the second consecutive year, supporting broader community visibility and advocacy.

Ms Telford emphasised that the work is ongoing and embedded.

“Maintaining Gold Status is not a one-off. The initiatives and improvements we’ve made are designed to be permanent, delivering real, measurable change for LGBTQIA+ employees and customers,” she said.