Meet the 2025 Difference Maker Diversity Award Winners!

Shining a spotlight on local leaders who champion diversity, embrace different perspectives, drive inclusion and innovate with governance is something we once again celebrate at our annual Difference Maker Diversity Awards.  This year, we are thrilled to honour two truly exceptional recipients: 

Mark Gummer – Individual Difference Maker Diversity Award Winner 

Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) – Organisational Difference Maker Diversity Award Winner 

Let’s dive into what makes these two winners so extraordinary. 

Mark Gummer: A Guiding Light for Inclusive Governance 

If you have been a part of ELGP, chances are you have crossed paths with Mark, and walked away feeling more supported, more empowered, and more inspired.  

Mark has been a long-standing and passionate champion of inclusive leadership across the community sector. As the CEO of Astley Care and a long-time Community Partner, Mark brings both heart and strategy to everything he does. From mentoring ELGP participants to serving on the EYLACCB advisory group, his influence is woven through our program and our cohorts. He is the kind of leader who doesn’t just show up, he lifts others up. Whether it’s a warm smile at a networking night, or sharing decades of governance insight over coffee, Mark is always willing to go the extra mile to support our emerging leaders.  

As our Alumni participants tell us: 

“Mark’s commitment to increasing diversity on boards is evident in his manner and commitment to the cause. Always available for a chat, and always with a warm smile and helpful guidance, he has been a much appreciated mentor to me as I commence my board leadership journey. Mark is a worthy recipient of this award indeed.” 

“Mark is a truly honest and authentic character. He is genuinely committed to bringing diversity onto boards as he understands the value and immense impact it brings to each organisation. Beyond this, his generosity, kindness and enthusiasm is influential in any space he is a part of. Beyond the program I have continued to seek his advice which he has not only encouraged but has taken an active interest in. His advice and knowledge sharing has been a key part of my learning through the ELGP program and am continually thankful for his involvement.” 

We are proud to honour Mark for his unwavering dedication, deep integrity, and real-world impact. Congratulations Mark, you are a true difference maker! 

Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ): Turning Commitment into Action 

When it comes to embedding inclusion into every level of an organisation, SHQ leads by example. As a not-for-profit providing essential sexual and reproductive health services, SHQ has built a powerful legacy of education, advocacy and collaboration. But their work doesn’t stop at service delivery; they are driving inclusive governance across the entire community sector. 

As a dedicated Community Partner for the past three years, SHQ has been a cornerstone of the ELGP’s success. From hosting this year’s Site Visits Day, to shaping our program strategy through their role on the EYLACCB advisory group, SHQ continually steps up to support emerging leaders and model what values-driven leadership looks like. Their commitment also extends beyond the program itself, SHQ has actively supported individual alumni by welcoming several into their organisation, including David Isaacs (2024 Alumni) and Stacie Mei Laccohee-Duffield (2022 Alumni).

What sets SHQ apart? They don’t just talk about diversity, they have built it into their DNA. Through ongoing inclusion training, meaningful representation, and bold leadership, SHQ proves that governance can (and should) reflect the communities it serves. 

Congratulations to SHQ for your leadership, your partnership and your incredible impact. You are creating ripples of change far beyond your organisation. 

Why These Awards Matter 

Established in 2017, the Difference Maker Diversity Awards aren’t just accolades, they are a celebration of what’s possible when people lead with courage, authenticity, and a commitment to inclusion. Mark and SHQ remind us that governance is not just about policies or procedures, it’s about creating space for more voices, better ideas, and stronger decisions. Let’s celebrate these changemakers and let their example inspire us all to keep pushing for progress, equity and opportunity. 

To Mark and SHQ, thank you for being bold, inclusive and difference makers.