Professor Sophia Nimphius.
Professor Sophia Nimphius, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sport) and Pride at ECU Committee Chair, has received the Sapphire Inspire Award at the 2026 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards for her leadership in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion across sport, higher education and the workplace.
The Sapphire Inspire Award recognises the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ women, often described as a "double glass ceiling", with AWEI data showing this cohort is less likely to be out in the workplace and under‑represented in senior leadership roles.
While highlighting these systemic barriers, it also celebrates individuals who break through them and create pathways for others.
ECU Vice‑Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock said Professor Nimphius' recognition highlights the importance of visible leadership in driving cultural change.
"Professor Nimphius' work demonstrates how powerful it is when leaders actively champion inclusion," Professor Pollock said.
"Her advocacy has strengthened our community and created space for others to feel valued and supported."
Her advocacy has strengthened our community and created space for others to feel valued and supported.
ECU was also named a finalist for the ‘LGBTQ+ Employee Network of the Year' award, the only Silver‑tier employer recognised in this category.
This achievement acknowledges the collective work of the Pride at ECU Committee, the LGBTIQA+ Ally Network, and the LGBTIQA+ Staff Network, each playing a vital role in strengthening visibility, building community, and shaping inclusive practice across the University.
ECU improved its score in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), maintaining its Silver Tier Employer status for the third consecutive year.
The AWEI is Australia's national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, assessing organisations on their policies, systems, leadership, and culture.
Professor Pollock said ECU's achievements this year reflect the depth of commitment across the institution.
"To be recognised alongside Gold‑tier organisations shows the impact of our submission and the dedication of our networks and committees," she said.
"These results demonstrate that meaningful inclusion is being embedded across ECU, and we will continue building on this momentum."
The sold‑out 2026 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards were held on Friday 29 May at the ICC Grand Ballroom in Sydney, hosted by SBS presenters Ricardo Gonçalves and Richelle Harrison Plesse, with special performances by Kari Singers and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
The Welcome to Country was delivered by Binowee Bayles, a proud Aboriginal woman born on Gadigal land in Redfern, Sydney.
Note: Pride in Diversity uses the acronym 'LGBTQ+' to reflect their expertise in diverse gender and sexuality. ECU uses the acronym 'LGBTIQA+' and looks to the expertise of intersex organisations in addition to our work with Pride in Diversity.
