For DuluxGroup, diversity and inclusion (D&I) is embedded into how the business develops its people, supports the communities it operates in, and drives performance.
Brooke Westphalen, Head of Organisational Development, plays a key role in shaping this approach, with a focus on talent, leadership development and inclusive culture across the organisation.
At the core of how Brooke works is a belief that diversity alone isn’t enough: it must be paired with inclusion to create meaningful impact.
“Being inclusive is what brings out the best in terms of diversity. There’s no point in being a really diverse organisation but not being inclusive and not giving people the ability to be able to express how they’re thinking.
The research shows that embracing diversity of thinking, really does lead to much better outcomes for the business and more high-performing teams”.
Fostering inclusion is driven from the top. Rather than being owned by a single team, D&I accountability sits firmly with leadership.
“The most important thing is that for diversity to be felt and inclusion embraced, it needs to be leader-led. It’s something our executive team owns.”
This leader-led model ensures that D&I is not treated as a side initiative, but as a core business priority embedded across DuluxGroup’s 18 businesses.
Turning strategy into action
For Brooke, progress in D&I is grounded in evidence and action. Initiatives are supported by data, research and structured governance, including quarterly talent and diversity discussions at the executive level.
But just as importantly, success depends on bringing people along on the journey, ensuring employees at all levels understand the “why” behind the work and feel equipped to contribute.
DuluxGroup’s long-standing membership with Diversity Council Australia (DCA) supports this effort, providing access to evidence-based resources that can be shared quickly and at scale across the business.
A genuine approach to reconciliation
One of the recent areas of focus for DuluxGroup has been its First Nations reconciliation strategy.
Launched within the Dulux business, the strategy centres on building authentic, long-term relationships with First Nations communities, particularly in regional areas where many of its 160 stores operate.
“At the heart of our strategy is working alongside First Nations communities in a way that is genuine, respectful and built on real commitment.”
This work spans multiple areas, including employment pathways, education, and community partnerships. In addition, initiatives such as the Dulux Community Donations program have supported Indigenous artists, schools and community spaces, helping bring projects like murals to life across Australia.
Why DCA membership matters
For Brooke, partnerships play an important role in enabling and accelerating D&I progress, and DCA membership is a key part of that ecosystem.
Access to practical, research-backed resources helps DuluxGroup move quickly, align leaders, and support employees with credible, up-to-date guidance across a wide range of diversity topics.
“If you're needing really great evidence-based resources, or you need something to support work that you’re doing in the D&I space, DCA is your first place that I would go to,” says Brooke.
By equipping teams with reliable insights and tools, DCA membership supports DuluxGroup to embed inclusion into everyday practices, ensuring their D&I work is not only meaningful, but sustainable over time.
Building an inclusive future
Across all areas of its D&I work, DuluxGroup’s approach is consistent: leadership accountability, evidence-based action, and a strong focus on inclusion and belonging.
By embedding these principles into everyday practices from talent development to community engagement, the organisation continues to build a culture where people can contribute fully and perform at their best.
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Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people have experienced significant exclusion from Australian society for many years. Ending that exclusion is foundational to workplace diversity and inclusion. Explore our resources and take action today.