A time to come together: Amplify turns three
It has been three years since a small group of dedicated employees began Suncorp Group’s first Employee Resource Group for our LGBTIQ+ community and their allies: Amplify.
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Suncorp Executive Manager IFRS 17 Design and Delivery Samantha Rush co-founded the group following a coffee conversation with a colleague.
“I met a new employee who had just moved to Brisbane with her young family,” Ms Rush recalled.
“She asked me whether we had a formal community of LGBTIQ+ employees that she could join and support, and it sort of shocked me to realise that we didn’t.
“My principle has always been that if something isn’t there – you should build it. So I reached out to people I knew who I thought would be interested and within days we had our first meeting.
“Then it just grew and grew – it took on a life of its own, driven by founding members including Eddie Sahovic, Emma Molloy and Belinda Daw.
"Over time we gained executive sponsorship which was such a great support, but it’s always been driven by and for the people who needed it.
“It’s been so heart-warming to see the group’s achievements since then, and it just demonstrates the drive of the committee. I’m really proud to have been there at the beginning.”
"My principle has always been that if something isn’t there – you should build it." Samantha Rush
In the three years since Amplify formed, the group has worked tirelessly to ensure our people feel safe and supported to bring their whole selves to work.
Their achievements include:
Achieving Silver Employer Status at last year’s Australian LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Awards, held by the Australian Workplace Equality Index.
Representing Suncorp Group at this year’s Mardi Gras parade.
Joining forces with Brisbane City Pride to run an education forum on domestic violence in the LGBTIQ+ community.
Teaming up with Open Doors Youth Service to run a webinar on issues facing the trans and intersex communities.
Hosting many panel events and training sessions for our people.
Amplify committee member Olivia Sinden said although many people are currently physically isolated from their peers, they will continue to work towards the goals of Amplify.
“We want you to remember the Amplify team is here for you and always happy to help,” Ms Sinden said.
“Now, more than ever, is the time for us to come together and remember all the good we can achieve when we do.”
# About Amplify
Amplify’s purpose is to champion and celebrate an inclusive environment at Suncorp, where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer employees, and other employees with diverse orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (LGBTIQ+), feel safe and supported to bring their whole selves to work.
