NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar has been named CEO of the Year at the 2025 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards.

Mr Dizdar was recognised among other award recipients for meeting the highest standards of commitment to being inclusive of LGBTQ+ people and communities.

The awards are based on the results of the Australian Workplace Equality Index submissions.

The submissions allow Australian organisations to benchmark their LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practice on an annual basis.

Director of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, Dawn Emsen-Hough, said the department was recognised as a Silver Employer in the Index for the second year in a row.

“We’ve seen outstanding results in this year’s submissions, which clearly reflect how deeply many organisations value this work,” she said.

“It’s clear that LGBTQ+ inclusion is not a niche initiative - it’s a core part of creating equitable, high-performing, and supportive workplaces.

“Our data shows that when inclusion is embedded in workplace culture, it leads to stronger engagement, improved wellbeing, and better performance outcomes - not only for LGBTQ+ employees but for all staff.”

Mr Dizdar said it was a huge honour to receive the award.

He said the department was committed to real change, through initiatives such as the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy 2023-26 and Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-35.

“To really, truly embrace, accept and celebrate our diversity, we’ve got to wrap around our people,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Equity is at the heart of all we do, and I truly believe diversity is among our unique strengths.”