Posted by on
28/03/2025
Rabobank’s Rainbowbank Network helps drive inclusion and diversity across the organisation.
Consciously fostering an inclusive workplace through targeted initiatives, Rabobank Australia is heartened to be acknowledged as an LGBTQ+ inclusive employer.
The Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) is the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, driving best practice for Australian employers, with Rabobank recently accredited as a Pride in Diversity AWEI Bronze Employer.
At the heart of this accreditation is Rabobank’s dedicated Rainbowbank LGBTQIA+ Network, which raises awareness and takes action for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people across the specialist agribusiness bank. The Network have been working towards the AWEI Bronze since 2022, a goal set as part of the Rabobank Australia + New Zealand 2022-2025 Inclusion, Equity & Belonging strategy.
Co-chair of the Rainbowbank Network, Talia Davis, said she was incredibly proud of the achievement, and that it was a testament to the ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where everyone can thrive.
“For me, this milestone is about more than just recognition—it’s a signal to our current and future employees that this is a safe and supportive place for them to be their authentic selves, especially for those who may not have that security elsewhere.”
“As co-chair of the Rainbowbank Network, I’m incredibly proud that we’ve achieved AWEI Bronze status.”
“I’m excited to see this progress drive even greater visibility and allyship across the breadth of our organisation, as we continue building a truly inclusive workplace.”
“The members of the Rainbowbank Network are looking forward to the next steps in our journey within the Rabobank community and beyond.”
She believed that, the AWEI accreditation was another significant milestone in Rabobank’s journey towards greater LGBTQIA+ inclusion, with Rabobank New Zealand having also achieved the New Zealand Rainbow Tick certification in November 2022, and then reaccreditation in November 2024.
The Rainbowbank network celebrates diversity and runs initiatives throughout the year, helping all employees to feel empowered to be their authentic self.
Engagement across Rabobank Australia includes providing ways for employees to show their support through Pride lanyards and branding, regular education and awareness sessions in partnership with Pride in Diversity, the launch of a Gender Affirmation Toolkit and celebration of significant dates such as Mardi Gras and Pride Month.
The Rainbowbank Network is supported by two Executive Sponsors, Group Executive of Country Banking, Marcel van Doremaele, and Lara Gray, Regional General Counsel and Company Secretary, who meet with the network to provide support and help promote the group within the bank.
Rabobank’s Lara Gray congratulates the Rainbowbank Network at a recent morning tea to announce the accreditation.
Marcel reflects, “This sort of support highlights that leaders within our business really do care about the wellbeing of every single person working in the bank.”
“We’ve come a long way in a short few years and we are proud to be continuing that legacy of inclusion now and into the future with the next generations.”