Building inclusive workplaces together at SMRC’s Business Networking Event

SMRC recently welcomed community leaders, employers and professionals to our Inclusive by Design Business Networking Event, bringing together diverse organisations committed to creating culturally inclusive and safe workplaces.

The event created a valuable space for connection, learning and honest conversation. Attendees heard firsthand how inclusion looks different for different people, and why listening to lived experience is essential for meaningful change.

A highlight of the event was the powerful client story shared by Dr Najia, who spoke openly about her journey as a migrant navigating pathways into the Australian workforce. Her reflections reinforced the importance of workplaces that recognise skills, potential and resilience, while also addressing the structural and cultural barriers many migrants face.

The panel discussion featured Dr Mario Peucker, Najma Ahmadi, Sean Teer and Dr Marjan Hajjari, who generously shared both professional expertise and personal experiences. Together, they explored what workplace safety and inclusion mean across different cultural, social and professional contexts, and why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.

Key takeaways from the event

Several strong themes emerged from the discussion:

• Many organisations genuinely want to be more inclusive, but are not always sure what practical steps to take.
• People from diverse backgrounds know their voices matter, and that real change happens when workplaces work together.
• Inclusion is not a one-off activity. It is an ongoing conversation that must continue if we are serious about long-term change.

Participants left the event with practical insights they can take back to their organisations, along with a deeper understanding of how to embed culturally inclusive practices into everyday workplace culture.

The conversations throughout the session reinforced just how important this dialogue is within our community, and highlighted the growing commitment from workplaces to promote inclusive and safe environments for all employees.

SMRC thanks everyone who attended and contributed to such thoughtful and constructive discussions. We look forward to continuing this conversation and welcoming the community to future events that support inclusion, collaboration and positive change.

If you have any questions or would like to share your feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us at communications@smrc.org.au.

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