NQBP wins Inclusion and Diversity Award

The award was presented to the NQBP team at RIN’s annual gala on Friday 22 August, recognising our commitment to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace and community.

Leading with diversity in our workforce

At NQBP, inclusion and diversity are central to the way we operate.

As at 30 June 2025:

• 44% of our workforce are women, across a wide range of roles.
• Two of five Executive Leadership Team members are women.
• Our Board is led by a female Chair with three of five Directors being women.

We also continue to strengthen Indigenous participation, with 3.5% of our workforce identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Through annual Equity and Diversity Audits, we track progress, identify opportunities and implement targeted action plans to ensure fairness and inclusivity are embedded across our organisation.

Supporting Indigenous businesses and partnerships

Inclusion at NQBP extends beyond our people, it’s about creating a stronger regional economy.

Through our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, we prioritise supplier diversity and partnerships with First Nations businesses.

Highlights include:

• Expanding our partnership with Juru Enterprises Limited to deliver environmental monitoring services at Abbot Point, creating meaningful employment for Traditional Owners.
• Supporting the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation with business grants and access to facilities at the Port of Mackay.

These partnerships reflect our commitment to long-term, respectful collaboration and a thriving regional economy.

Embedding cultural learning

True inclusion starts with understanding.

In 2024/25, our Board and senior leaders participated in cultural learning workshops and on-Country visits at Hay Point and Abbot Point, led by Elders and cultural educators.

These experiences deepened awareness, strengthened trust and ensured that respect for culture and Country continues to shape our decisions.

Creating opportunities for the next generation

NQBP is also investing in future leaders.

• Indigenous Education Program – $75,000 in scholarships and bursaries over three years, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across our port communities.
• Women in Leadership Program – $60,000 sponsorship to support 30 women from across the Mackay and Whitsunday region, including five NQBP employees, with leadership training, mentoring and networking opportunities.

These initiatives are designed to empower young people and women with the skills and opportunities to thrive.

Community investment

Through our Community Fund, NQBP provided $100,000 in 2024/25 to support 14 community initiatives, which was the most diverse group of recipients since the Fund began.

These included:

• An inclusive arts event for International Day for People with Disability.
• Food support for people experiencing homelessness.
• All-abilities gardening and dementia care projects.
• Youth indigenous entrepreneurship programs in regional Queensland.

Over the past decade, NQBP has proudly invested more than $1 million in community sponsorships and donations, reflecting our values of Care, Connection, Courage and Curiosity.

Looking ahead

Winning the RIN Inclusion and Diversity Award 2025 is recognition of the hard work and dedication of our people, partners and communities.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made and even more determined to continue building a workplace and community where diversity is valued, equity is prioritised and inclusion is lived every day.