At November’s Good Food Guide awards in Melbourne and Sydney we will introduce a new award to shine a light on those making the hospitality industry a better place to work.

The workplace culture of Australia’s hospitality industry has been thrown into sharp focus in recent months with news that one of Sydney’s top bar and restaurant groups, Swillhouse, pushed female staff out of the company after they reported sexual assaults, encouraged staff to have sex with customers and take drugs while on shift, and discriminated against women.

But the Swillhouse case isn’t isolated – the hospitality industry has a systemic sexual harassment and gender-based violence problem.

The Cultural Change Champion award, awarded by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guides, allows Good Food to highlight the exceptional Victorian, NSW and ACT business operators, organisations, not-for-for-profits, voluntary groups and networks transforming the industry.

For every problematic venue, there are great ones that show leadership and respect. Outside of venues, there are many groups and initiatives championing better workplaces, and we want to celebrate all of this.

People shouldn’t feel unsafe at work, and for this to be true for the Australian hospitality industry, it requires people willing to raise industry standards.

Application process

The Cultural Change Champion award is open to businesses, individuals and organisations that have set up initiatives or programs that foster positive, safe and empowering work environments and workplace culture in Australia’s hospitality industry.

Anyone may enter candidates for consideration. Businesses or organisations can also self-nominate, but only Australian businesses or organisations will be considered.

To apply, complete this online application before September 30. Winners will be announced at November’s Age and SMH Good Food Guide awards ceremonies. The judging panel includes Good Food Guide editors and experts in the hospitality workplace culture space.

Questions? Email goodfoodguide@nine.com.au