Patrons

A respected business leader, former CEO of David Jones and the Australian Retailers Association, Zahra is one of Australia’s most influential advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Zahra’s appointment marks a new chapter for Pride in Diversity, which has been instrumental in advancing equity and inclusion across Australian workplaces since its inception in 2010.

Zahra succeeds outgoing Patrons Professor Jennifer Westacott AO and Alan Joyce AC, who are stepping down after eight years of committed service. Both have played a vital role in championing LGBTQ+ inclusion through their leadership and advocacy. “It has been an honour to serve as Patron of Pride in Diversity,” said Westacott. “We have been patrons for eight years. It is important that this program continues to have fresh eyes and vision, and we feel it is now time to hand over the reins to the next group of Patrons.”

Paul Zahra said: “I was honoured to be asked by both Jennifer and Alan to take on the role of Patron. Pride in Diversity is a wonderful program that has had a profound impact on workplace culture and has been pivotal in embedding equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people into mainstream Diversity and Inclusion practice in Australia.”

Dawn Emsen-Hough, Director of Pride Inclusion Programmes and one of Pride in Diversity’s founding team members, welcomed Zahra’s appointment, emphasising the importance of strong leadership amid growing global challenges to DEI work.

“The work of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is facing significant global headwinds. Now more than ever, we need leaders who will champion the message that diversity matters, inclusion matters, and equity is for all employees. We are thrilled that Paul Zahra has taken on this important role as Patron and look forward to working with him as we move into a new chapter for Pride in Diversity,” Emsen-Hough said.

Georgie is a respected mental health leader with over 30 years’ experience across government, community and the not-for-profit sector. Since becoming CEO of Beyond Blue in 2014, she has led the organisation through a period of significant growth and innovation, strengthening its role as one of Australia’s most trusted mental health voices. Known for her inclusive leadership and deep commitment to social justice, Georgie is dedicated to building a mentally healthier society for all — including LGBTIQ+ people.

Under her leadership, Beyond Blue has expanded its support for LGBTIQ+ communities through targeted campaigns, tailored resources, research and advocacy focused on the unique mental health challenges these communities face, particularly around stigma and discrimination.

Harman joins recently appointed Patron Paul Zahra as she takes over from Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, who is stepping down after eight years in the role. Alongside former Patron Alan Joyce AC, Professor Westacott has played a pivotal role in elevating the national conversation on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and helping organisations turn their commitments into meaningful action.

“It’s been an incredible honour to serve as Patron of Pride in Diversity,” said Professor Westacott. “This programme continues to play a vital role in helping organisations create safer, more respectful and inclusive environments. It’s the right time for fresh leadership, and I’m delighted that Georgie Harman will be stepping into the role.”

“It’s a real privilege to follow in Professor Westacott’s footsteps,” said Georgie. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact Pride in Diversity has had on workplace culture in this country. Inclusion is not just a nice-to-have — it’s about safety, visibility and mental wellbeing. I’m proud to support this work and help keep inclusion firmly on the agenda.”

Dawn Emsen-Hough, Director of Pride Inclusion Programmes, welcomed Georgie’s appointment and highlighted the strong alignment between her leadership and the work of Pride in Diversity.

“Georgie Harman brings a deep understanding of how inclusion, mental health and workplace culture intersect,” she said. “At a time when DEI efforts are facing increasing challenges, her leadership, clarity and compassion will be invaluable. We’re thrilled to welcome her as our new Patron.”

Alex Blackwell is a former Australian cricket captain who led her country to World Cup and Ashes victories.

After 15 years representing Australia on the field, Alex is now transitioning into other roles within cricket. Alex is the first female elected director on the board of Cricket NSW, she completed her first head coaching role with the Lancashire Thunder in the 2018 KIA Women’s Super League, and she now features regularly as a commentator for Fox Sports, ABC Offsiders and Macquarie Sports Radio.

After putting aside a career as a medical doctor to pursue cricket, Alex went on to become a Genetic Counsellor. She commenced work at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick in June 2019 and has a special interest in caring for individuals born with a difference of sex development (DSD).

Alex is known as someone who stands up for equal opportunities for all people within sport and broader society, including equitable pay for female athletes and the inclusion of people living with a disability, LGBTQI people and regional Australians in all levels of sport.

Ian Roberts is an former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative forward, he played club football with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wigan Warriors, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys. In 1995 Roberts became the first high-profile Australian sports person and first rugby footballer in the world to come out to the public as gay.

He discussed his sexuality in magazines and on television over the following year. The NRL Footy Show principals Paul Vautin, Peter Sterling and Steve Roach appeared in a poster campaign against homophobia conducted by the Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project. He was praised for helping to question prevailing myths about gays and sport. Paul Freeman wrote a book on Roberts, Ian Roberts – Finding Out, which was published in 1997.

Early in 2005, Roberts appeared in the second series of the Australian television series Dancing with the Stars, dancing with Natalie Lowe. He was runner up in the competition.

Michael Ebeid joined Telstra in October, 2018 as Group Executive, Enterprise. In this role he was responsible for revenue in excess of $8bn and managed a growing business delivering connectivity, platforms, applications and tailored industry solutions to Telstra’s enterprise and government customers. He was also responsible for Enterprise’s international operations.

Prior to joining Telstra, Michael was the SBS CEO and Managing Director from 2011-2018. In this role he significantly evolved the public broadcaster’s portfolio. Michael is a strategically focused leader with a 30-year career across the Technology, Telecommunications and Media sectors. He has a successful track record in leading organisational change and transformations and is passionate about workplace culture, leadership and diversity. In 2017, Michael was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to Broadcast Media and Multicultural Affairs and named CEO of the Year at the CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards.

Michael has been an open spokesperson and role model for the LGBT and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and actively supports LGBT/CALD youth.

Prof. Kerryn Phelps AM is one of Australia’s best-known doctors, health communicators and public health and civil rights advocates. In 2011, she was awarded an Order of Australia for service to medicine, particularly through leadership roles with the Australian Medical Association, to education and community health, and as a general practitioner.

She has been a general practitioner for over thirty years and is the founder and principal clinician at her two Sydney clinics, in Double Bay and Surry Hills, and is a pioneer in the fields of health communication and integrative medicine in Australia.

In 2000 Prof Phelps was elected as the first female President of the Australian Medical Association, a post she held for the maximum term of three years. She guided political and practical solutions to the medical indemnity crisis and the medical workforce shortage. Under her presidency, the AMA developed its first position statements on complementary medicine, on sexuality and gender diversity, on the medical response to bioterrorism, and on the association between climate change and human health. She advocated strongly for the rights of refugee children in detention and for a solution to the problems of health disparity and disadvantage for indigenous Australians.

She has appeared in the media for over 30 years, bringing messages about healthy lifestyle to the attention of the public.  Prof. Phelps has also Authored several books including “The Cancer Recovery Guide” with a foreword by HRH Prince Charles, as well as “The Mystery Gut”, “General Practice: The Integrative Approach” and “Ultimate Wellness: The 3-Step Plan”. She has been the popular health columnist for the Australian Women’s Weekly for over twenty years.

In 2016 Prof Phelps was elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney and in 2018 Kerryn was elected as the Federal member for Wentworth until 2019.

She understands the pressures on families, having balanced career and parenthood throughout her working life as a mother of three. She is an advocate for child protection, having provided foster care for children at risk. She is an advocate for children in her role as an Ambassador for Barnardo’s Australia.