The Age and Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guides have opened nominations for their Cultural Change Champion award, seeking to spotlight businesses and individuals transforming workplace culture in Australia’s hospitality sector.
The accolade, which will be presented at the October 2025 Good Food Guide Awards ceremonies, aims to highlight exceptional Victorian, NSW and ACT business operators, organisations, not-for-profits, voluntary groups and networks that are making the industry a better place to work.
Award born from industry crisis
The Cultural Change Champion award was introduced following investigations by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald that revealed disturbing workplace cultures across numerous Australian hospitality businesses, with allegations of sexual assault, harassment, drug use and misogyny putting women at risk. Additional investigations this year have uncovered further claims.
“The award came about after investigations by this masthead revealed the workplace culture of a number of Australia’s hospitality businesses were putting women at risk,” according to the Good Food team.
Previous winners set high bar
Last year’s inaugural Victorian winner was former hospitality worker Jamie Bucirde, creator of the Instagram account Not So Hospitable, which “sparked a nationwide reckoning and brought the systemic, largely sidelined issue to the surface.” Bucirde consolidated her findings into an academic report with the University of Melbourne to drive meaningful industry change.
In NSW, hospitality charity Women and Revolution (WAR) claimed the first Sydney Morning Herald award. The organisation impressed judges with its comprehensive approach to breaking down gender barriers through coaching and mentoring sessions, as well as courses on public speaking and negotiation skills.
Open call for industry transformation
The award welcomes applications from businesses, individuals and organisations that have established initiatives fostering positive, safe and empowering work environments. Importantly, qualifying programs don’t need to focus solely on gender issues—any initiative that has made a workplace more inclusive is eligible for consideration.
Both self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted, though only Australian businesses or organisations will be considered for the award.
How to apply for this award
Restaurant operators, hospitality businesses, and industry advocates have until 29 August 2025 to submit applications through the online portal. Winners will be announced at the October Age and SMH Good Food Guide 2025 Awards ceremonies.
The judging panel comprises Good Food Guide editors and recognised experts in hospitality workplace culture.
The initiative represents a significant step toward addressing systemic workplace issues that have long plagued the restaurant and hospitality industry, offering recognition for those leading positive change.
For questions about the Cultural Change Champion award, contact goodfoodguide@nine.com.au
