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Victorian gender equity and diversity Prize

The Victorian Gender Equity and Diversity Prize celebrates outstanding leadership and contribution to advancing gender equity and diversity in architecture, education, and governance across Victoria. Open to both architects who are members of the Institute and non-architect individuals, practices, companies or organisations, this annual prize recognises those actively shaping a more inclusive and equitable profession. By promoting best practice and innovation in these areas, the prize highlights the vital role of equity in strengthening architectural culture and practice statewide. It also supports the advocacy and policy efforts of the Victorian Chapter and complements the national Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize. Nominations are encouraged from across the industry to ensure broad recognition of individuals and groups who are driving meaningful change. Help us celebrate those who are leading the way in creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable built environment in Victoria.

ANNOUNCEMENT, PROMOTION AND PUBLICATION

The Prize will be announced at the Victorian Chapter end-of-year event. The Victorian chapter will promote the prize, projects, and winners through various mediums—such as the Victorian Chapter Instagram, e-news, and Institute Website.

2026 ELIGIBILITY

The Victorian Gender Equity and Diversity Prize is an annual prize awarded to an individual, practice, company or organisation in Recipients may be either:

  • practising architects and firms who are current members of the Institute in Victoria, or
  • non-architect companies, organisations or individuals in Victoria

JUDGING PANEL

The jury will include the Victorian State President or a Chapter nominee, the Chair of the Victorian Gender Equity and Diversity Committee, and the previous year’s prize winner.

For questions related to Victorian Chapter prizes and scholarships, please email [email protected]. Please include “2026 Gender Equity and Diversity Prize” in your subject line.

2025 Gender Equity and Diversity Prize Winner: Marika Neustupny with Molly Hibberd, Edition Office | Photographer: Breeana Dunbar

IMPORTANT DATES

19 August 2026Nominations for 2026 open
20 Sept 2026Nominations close
16 November 2026Winner Announced at the Victorian Chapter Honours Event
2025 Marika Neustupny
2024 Simona Castricum
 

Nominate here...

2026 Victorian Gender Equity and Diversity Prize – Nomination Form

The Victorian Gender Equity and Diversity Prize is an annual prize awarded to an individual, practice, company or organisation in Victoria. Recipients may be either: i) practising architects and firms who are current members of the Institute, OR ii) non-architect companies, organisations or individuals. b) The purpose of the prize is to: i) recognise an individual, practice, company or organisation that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of gender equity and diversity in architectural practice, education and governance in Victoria; ii) promote and draw attention across the state to best practice, innovation and leadership in the areas of gender equity and diversity in architectural practice, education and governance in Victoria; and iii) advance the policy and advocacy agenda of the Chapter and Institute in the areas of gender equity and diversity. c) The prize is Victorian-specific and complements the national Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize.

Section 1: Nominee Information

Section 2: Nominator Information

Section 3 : Eligibility Confirmation

Please confirm which category the nominee falls under:(Required)
Is the nominee based in Victoria?(Required)

Section 4: Nomination Questions

Please describe why you are nominating this individual, firm or organisation. In your statement, consider addressing the following:

Section 5: Supporting Materials (Optional)

Please upload or link to any relevant: • Letters of support • Media coverage • Project reports or evaluations • Videos or websites • CV • Awards or recognition • Media coverage/Photos
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 50 MB.

    Section 6: Declaration

    I confirm that the information provided in this nomination is accurate to the best of my knowledge. • I understand that submitting this form does not guarantee selection. • I understand and respect that the jury deliberation process is confidential and that therefore I am not entitled to feedback on my nomination/submission • I have notified the nominee (if nominating an individual) and obtained their consent to be nominated.(Required)
    I confirm that the information provided in this nomination is accurate to the best of my knowledge. • I understand that submitting this form does not guarantee selection. • I understand and respect that the jury deliberation process is confidential and that therefore I am not entitled to feedback on my nomination/submission • I have notified the nominee (if nominating an individual) and obtained their consent to be nominated.

    This form is now closed.