We believe in equality and inclusion

Our people come together as part of ‘Inclusion at Bankwest’ – a network of colleagues who are passionate about creating an inclusive culture, where everyone feels comfortable and safe to bring their whole self to work.

We have a number of networks that come under this:​

• Unity – our LGBTQIA+ and allies network that advocates for a culture of inclusion and respect, regardless of sex, sexuality, gender or expression
• Mosaic – celebrating our cultural diversity, and fostering inclusion and respect​
• Koort Waangkiny (which means ‘our hearts are speaking’ in Noongar, the Aboriginal language spoken in the South West of WA) – giving a voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those passionate about supporting our reconciliation initiatives, in our business​
• Advantage – focused on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where our people feel valued, respected and able to do their best through every life stage​
• Enable – increasing accessibility awareness, inclusion and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.​

Our Inclusion yammer groups and events provide a forum for ongoing discussion and support.​

The Agricultural Bank of WA was founded in 1895 on Noongar Country, and we’re dedicated to advancing reconciliation in Australia, with Bankwest locations spanning 29 Aboriginal peoples’ lands and 11 nations:​

• We have put in place a Reconciliation Action Plan, through which our colleagues strive to ensure we achieve our purpose of improving the financial wellbeing of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers and communities every day
• We actively support Reconciliation WA programs and initiatives​
• Bankwest has installed acknowledgements of country to the associated traditional owner groups throughout our branch and head office locations​
• We commission economic and social research through our partnership with the Bankwest Curtin Economic Centre, which provides invaluable insight and helps inform public discussion and government policy​
• We have introduced Indigenous items to our official colleague uniform collection, available to all colleagues, designed by Yawuru (Broome area) woman Justine Kinney, with the design symbolising the 11 Aboriginal nations in which Bankwest is located​
• Our partnership with Jawun places colleagues with indigenous organisations across the state, enabling our colleagues to share their skills and experience to help those organisations, while gaining significant personal, professional, and cultural development themselves​
• We’ve partnered with Career Trackers, which place indigenous interns with organisations​
• Cultural awareness training and eLearning opportunities are provided for colleagues​
• We offer support for specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customer needs through our Indigenous Customer Assistance Line.​