CQUniversity named finalist in national Business in Colour Awards

By Katelyn Dunn

CQUniversity Australia has been recognised on the national stage, named a finalist in the Inclusive Company category at the 2026 Business in Colour Awards.

Presented by the MindTribes Foundation, the awards recognise people, organisations and staff-led collectives advancing cultural diversity, First Nations inclusion and anti-racism in Australian workplaces.

CQUniversity was named a finalist in the Inclusive Company category alongside Victoria Legal Aid, the University of Melbourne, Corrs Chambers Westgarth and SBS, with SBS taking out the award.

The recognition acknowledges the University's ongoing commitment to reconciliation, cultural inclusion and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through initiatives including its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, First Nations Workforce Strategy, Indigenous student success programs and cultural capability development activities. The award submission also highlighted innovative programs such as CQUniversity's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Champions Program and purpose-built RAP Reporting Application, which support accountability, engagement and continuous improvement across the institution. 

Vice-President Indigenous Engagement Professor Adrian Miller said being recognised as a national finalist reflected the dedication of staff, students and communities working together to advance reconciliation.

"Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and recognition of CQUniversity's ongoing commitment to embedding reconciliation, cultural inclusion and anti-racism across every part of the University," Professor Miller said.

"Reconciliation is everyone's responsibility and this recognition belongs to the many staff, students, RAP Champions and community partners who continue to contribute to meaningful and lasting change.

"While we didn't take home the award, it is encouraging to see our work recognised alongside some of Australia's leading organisations."

Director, Office of Indigenous Engagement Emma Cerff said the acknowledgement highlighted the impact of the University's reconciliation journey.

"The awards showcased some inspiring examples of inclusion and leadership from organisations across the country," Ms Cerff said.

"To see CQUniversity recognised as a finalist reinforces that the work we are doing to strengthen cultural capability, support Indigenous success and build respectful relationships is making a difference."

The Business in Colour Awards are presented annually by the MindTribes Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of MindTribes, celebrating organisations and individuals creating more inclusive and culturally diverse workplaces across Australia.