Celebrating over 40 years of impact
Celebrating over 40 years of impact
Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has led the way in advancing workplace diversity and inclusion (D&I) in Australia for over 40 years.
Established in September 1985 as the Council for Equal Opportunity in Employment Ltd, with a small group of leading Australian businesses focused solely on achieving equal opportunity for women in the workplace, DCA has since evolved significantly. Today our work spans over ten diversity dimensions.
DCA has particular expertise in intersectionality, which recognises that different aspects of a person’s identity can expose them to overlapping forms of discrimination that affect their experiences of inclusion or exclusion at work.
For the past two decades, DCA has made a significant impact specialising in four major D&I research streams:
- Cultural Diversity in Leadership
- Data Collection and Reporting
- Anti-racism
- Mainstreaming Flexibility
Through its work, DCA helps shape Australian workplaces into more inclusive environments where people are respected, connected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Historic timeline
The interactive timeline below showcases DCA’s history and some of the milestones that highlight where we have helped to shape more inclusive workplaces across our nation. It also highlights the impact over time of our research – delivered in partnership with our members and peers – as well as our events, education and training and advocacy.
We invite you to explore it.
The Council for Equal Opportunity in Employment is established
Diversity Council Australia (DCA) is established as the Council for Equal Opportunity in Employment following a successful government-led affirmative action pilot program aimed at advancing career opportunities for women. Eleven Founding Member organisations contribute to the formation of DCA as it is known today.
DCA becomes a registered charity
DCA becomes a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. In doing so, the organisation establishes a charitable purpose: To promote and advance inclusion and diversity through the creation of more diverse and inclusive workplaces for the benefit of individuals, organisations and the broader community – with a focus on individuals that have been historically disadvantaged or underrepresented in the labour market.
A new name signals DCA’s next chapter
With an expanded service remit and growing demand for its expertise, the Council for Equal Opportunity in Employment, now in its 20th year, changes its name to Diversity Council Australia and launches a new brand – marking a new chapter for the organisation.
A new era of data driven insights for DCA
Now with a strong focus on evidence-based change in workplaces, in 2007, leadership shifts at DCA set the stage for a more research-driven approach. By 2008, a dedicated research function is established to generate groundbreaking diversity insights in partnership with members – signalling a major step in DCA’s mission to advance workplace D&I through evidence-based insights and guidance.
DCA launches first landmark study mapping and fostering cultural diversity in leadership
DCA releases a groundbreaking study which is the first to map cultural diversity in workplace leadership in Australia. The organisation has since built on this foundation providing further influential research and practical, evidence-based guidance around inclusive leadership in the workplace.
New DCA Diversity Debate helps shape national D&I conversation
DCA hosts its inaugural Diversity Debate – which has become one of the most anticipated events on DCA’s calendar. Held biennially, the debate draws large and engaged audiences and tackles both sides of a topical diversity and inclusion issue – sparking lively discussion and encouraging open, thought-provoking dialogue.
New DCA research equips employers with tools to measure and report on workplace D&I
DCA releases its first report in its research stream focusing on D&I data collection and reporting. DCA continues to make significant impact in this area through its research and evidence-based resources, supporting its members to understand the diversity of their workforce and the unique needs of their workforce from a D&I perspective.
DCA releases first study with an intersectional lens
New research from DCA becomes the first of many from the organisation to recognise the complex and interconnected nature of people’s identities. With a sustained and strong commitment to intersectionality, DCA remains at the forefront of D&I research in Australia.
DCA increases advocacy efforts to shift the national conversation
DCA significantly expands its focus on government relations and public advocacy to help drive the national D&I conversation and perpetuate systematic change.
A new period of strong membership growth
DCA enters a new phase of strategic leadership, driving membership growth and stepping into a more prominent public advocacy role on key diversity and inclusion issues.
DCA elevates workplace D&I discussions to the highest level
DCA holds its first CEO Roundtable event – a concept underpinned by a business imperative to deepen its relationships with Member organisations, and inspire discussions of workplace diversity and inclusion, at the highest level. DCA has since hosted more than 40 CEO Roundtables and personally met with over 350 Member CEOs and Managing Directors.
DCA WordsAtWork achieves global reach
DCA launches its groundbreaking WordsAtWork campaign to promote inclusive language in workplaces. The campaign showed how everyday phrases in the workplace can be unintentionally exclusionary and encouraged people to consider the impact of their words. Then DCA Chair and retired Chief of Army David Morrison AO was the public face of the campaign, which went viral and had global interest. The campaign later evolved into a DCA Knowledge Program, which continues to be in high demand.
DCA creates platform for national D&I conversation with new Oration
DCA hosts its inaugural Oration, which has become a must-attend thought leadership event on Melbourne’s special events calendar. Every Oration features a prominent keynote speaker addressing critical issues in diversity and inclusion – and past speakers have included Stan Grant, Julia Gillard, and, in 2025, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. In 2018, DCA re-named the Oration to the Anna McPhee Memorial Oration in honour of former DCA Chair, Anna McPhee. The Oration serves as a lasting tribute to Anna’s legacy and commitment to inclusion.
DCA formalises education program with national reach
In response to growing demand from members and the Australian business community, DCA begins providing expert speakers to deliver tailored talks and knowledge sessions in Australian organisations, covering all key areas of D&I. Around 2020, this work was formalised into the DCA Speakers Bureau, which, alongside DCA’s popular Knowledge Programs, forms the foundation of its member education and training offering. Today, the DCA team delivers high-impact, practical, evidence-based training and resources to help organisations build inclusive workplace cultures.
DCA conducts first Inclusion@Work and Inclusive Employer Indexes
DCA releases a first in Australia study which maps the state of inclusion in the Australian workforce and, in the same year, a comprehensive tool to enable organisations to assess, monitor and track the state of diversity in their workforce.
DCA launches popular Inclusion at Work Week campaign
DCA holds its inaugural Inclusion at Work Week – an annual national celebration of diversity and inclusion in Australian workplaces. This week-long online campaign provides organisations the opportunity to get involved by sharing why D&I is important to them, showcasing their inspiring work and achievements, and sharing tips, advice and success stories with others.
DCA leads new research tackling racism at work in response to global race conversation
DCA leads the development of new evidence-based guidelines for Australian organisations to effectively address racism at work, and in doing so, support racial diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
DCA partners on RISE Project to empower CARM women leaders
DCA, in partnership with Settlement Services International and Chief Executive Women launches the Realise. Inspire. Support. Energise. (RISE) Project.
This initiative – funded by the Australian Government Office for Women – aims to address systemic barriers locking culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) women out of executive leadership roles. It highlights the need for an intersectional approach to D&I, recognising the compounded barriers of gender, race, and culture.
DCA turns 40 and launches a bold new brand
In its 40th year, DCA enters a new era with a CEO appointment and a refreshed brand. New research and practical guides help to advance workplace equity and inclusion, including a focus on social class as a core diversity dimension for DCA. The year was also highlighted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC speaking at the 2025 Anna McPhee Memorial Oration.