Bankwest renews support for WA Pride

Bankwest has reaffirmed its support for the LGBTIQ+ community by renewing for the second year a sponsorship deal with Pride WA, the state's largest LGBTIQ+ community group and the organiser of the annual Perth Pride Parade.

Bankwest Executive General Manager Sinead Taylor said the sponsorship is a reflection of the passion Bankwest colleagues and leaders feel for embracing diversity and inclusion.

"Bankwest is fostering an environment in which colleagues feel safe to bring their whole selves to work each day and we know a diverse and inclusive workforce is a critical foundation from which to deliver amazing experiences for our customers," Ms Taylor said.

"I'm delighted we're doing what we can to support Pride WA and I'm looking forward to seeing Bankwest involved in such an uplifting community occasion on WA's calendar."

After being launched with great success in 2018, the Bankwest "Less Divide" float is back for Perth Pride Parade 2019 on November 30, bringing people together in a physical symbol of unity.

Taking the form of a symbolic bridge of unity, which people can climb up and across, revelers are encouraged to come and grab a selfie on the bridge between 1800 and 2000 at the corner of James Street and William Street.

Bankwest's involvement in and support of LGBTIQ+ rights began in 2015 when the LGBTIQ+ champion and ally network 'Unity' was launched. Since then, hundreds of Bankwest colleagues have participated in Bankwest's LGBTIQ+ inclusion training.

In May 2019, Bankwest was named an employer of choice for the fourth year running in Pride in Diversity's Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards.

Bankwest Unity Chair Jody Ballard said he's delighted to see the renewal of the sponsorship deal.

"This sponsorship is a testament to the safe and inclusive environment we have created and our colleagues continue to be the driving force behind our diversity and inclusion initiatives at Bankwest," Mr Ballard said.