Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has joined the ranks of Australia's leading inclusive workplaces, proudly receiving Gold Tier recognition at the 2025 Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards. This marks the first time TWE has achieved the coveted gold status, following its Silver Tier recognition in 2024.
Run by Pride in Diversity, the AWEI is the definitive national benchmark for LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion in Australia. The rigorous assessment framework measures policy, visibility, leadership, culture, and employee experience, offering a clear roadmap for organisations striving to build truly inclusive environments. Achieving gold signifies not just strong internal systems, but a deeply embedded commitment to inclusion across all levels of the business.
For TWE, the journey to gold has been a collective effort. From inclusive leadership and employee training to community engagement and visible allyship, TWE has steadily built on its foundation to create a workplace where LGBTQIA+ team members feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
This year’s recognition places TWE alongside fellow drinks industry leader, Lion, in the Gold Tier; a proud moment for the sector and a powerful signal that the Australian drinks industry is raising the bar on equality and belonging.
“Being recognised with Gold Tier status in the AWEI means a lot to us as both a Pride committee and a company,” said Nafez Hayek, TWE Pride Deputy Lead and Lead Functional Consultant at TWE. “It’s a powerful reflection of the care, effort, and passion we’ve put into making our workplace genuinely inclusive for LGBTQIA+ colleagues. It shows that we are not just talking about equality, we are living it, and setting the standard for what inclusion should look like.”
“We’re proud to have achieved Gold status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index this year, a step up from Silver last year, and a powerful reflection of the progress we’re making,” added Stuart Boxer, TWE’s Pride Committee Executive Sponsor and Chief Financial Officer. “This achievement is testament to the passion of our people and the commitment across TWE to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.
“Over the past year, we’ve deepened our efforts through education, training, and events that mark days of significance because real inclusion is built in the moments that connect us.” On looking to the future, Stuart commented “This achievement is not the destination, it’s a marker of the culture we’re building. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited for the journey ahead.”
With a growing number of drinks companies participating in the AWEI each year, the spotlight is well and truly on what meaningful progress can look like, and TWE’s golden moment is one worth celebrating.
Learn more about the AWEI and this year’s award recipients.