The 2023 Most Improved Gender Equity Award was presented to Australian Vintage on Thursday night in front of over 380 attendees at the eleventh annual Australian Drinks Awards in Sydney.
This year, three finalists vied for the award, with Moët Hennessy, Accolade Wines, and Australian Vintage making significant strides in gender equity over the past year. Australian Vintage’s winning submission resulted in the company reclaiming the title it previously held in 2021 after Bacardi-Martini won the award last year.
The finalists for the Most Improved Gender Equity Award were shortlisted based on data extracted from the annual WGEA Report and submissions provided to the Drinks Association, which form an integral part of the Industry Scorecard.
Year-on-year movements were reviewed in relation to the finalists' female representation in leadership, female representation in the overall workforce and a summary of policy changes undertaken.
Contributing to its finalist status, was Australian Vintage’s 19% increase in female management representation over the past year as reported in the Embrace Difference Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Scorecard.
While evaluating the finalist submissions, the judging panel were highly impressed with AVL's comprehensive and generous approach to promoting gender equity, particularly through its policies on parental leave, annual leave, and flexibility. It was also validated by compelling examples, a strong emphasis on policy, and the remarkable momentum Australian Vintage has achieved in this area.
In its submission, Australian Vintage said: “Over the past 18 months, we have been laser-focused on continuing to drive an inclusive culture that welcomes females into senior roles and supports them in these roles. We truly believe that providing the right environment and culture backed by benefits drives these results.”
“Our engagement results show that our actions are filtering through and having a tangible impact on how our employees feel at work.”
The 2023 Most Improved Gender Equity Award was proudly sponsored by BevChain, and BevChain’s President, Misha Shliapnikoff, representing both the company and the judging panel, took to the stage to present the award to Australian Vintage.
Shliapnikoff said: “This year’s winner demonstrated a balanced and holistic approach to both policy and benefits to drive gender equity improvement.”
“It gives me great pleasure to present the Most Improved Gender Equity Award to Australian Vintage. The organisation’s initiatives and policy were validated year-on-year by strong improvement in gender statistics and engagement scores, demonstrating its focus on continuing to drive an overall inclusive culture that welcomes females into all roles.”
Australian Vintage People and Culture Director, Natasha Dale collected the award and said, “We are honoured to receive this award. Gender equity is something I am incredibly passionate about and I am proud of the work we have been doing to ensure we build a truly inclusive workplace culture. None of this would be possible without the support of our senior leadership team who have worked closely together to ensure that gender equity is fundamental to the business.”
Australian Vintage outlined the three key areas of focus for policy updates in its submission.
- Parental leave: Primary carers are provided 26 weeks leave and secondary 4 weeks leave. Both can be taken at half pay, and both are offered full super payments whilst on unpaid leave as well as paid leave.
- Annual leave: Annual leave may be purchased, and the option to take leave at half pay is also offered. Employees may also apply for sabbaticals.
- Flexibility: True flexibility with hybrid working and no set days in the office or start and finish times, as well as the option to work from anywhere.
Drinks Association CEO Georgia Lennon commended all three companies for their notable progress in achieving gender workplace equity.
"The submissions from the finalists for the Most Improved Gender Equity Award highlight the remarkable progress our industry is making. It's clear that implementing these policies and initiatives has led to tangible and positive changes within their businesses."
“Congratulations to Australian Vintage for employing multiple effective strategies that have led to noticeable improvements, as evidenced by the positive changes in numbers and statistics over the past 12 months,” she said.
Vince Sorrenti was MC at the eleventh annual Australian Drinks Awards, where 48 awards were distributed to recognise achievement and excellence in the drinks industry, including three Contribution to Industry Awards: Inclusive and Diverse Workplace, Corporate Social Responsibility and Most Improved Gender Equity.
The Drinks Association congratulates its Category One Australian Vintage on winning the 2023 Most Improved Gender Equity Award.
BevChain is a Corporate Partner of the Drinks Association.
The Drinks Association would like to extend its thanks to its generous sponsors for this year’s event.
All the winners from the 2023 Australian Drinks Awards are available here:
