Through the 'Our People Their Stories' series, Downer people are bravely sharing the experiences that shaped them and the lessons they have learnt which has led them to think, act and live differently.

We recently met Adam Briggs, a Logistics Manager for the Ausnet Electrical contract in the Utilities business. We learnt a bit about Adam’s story and his thoughts on the importance of Wear It Purple Day.

In 2007, Adam started as a store person with Tenix, a leader in the electricity, gas and water sectors in Australia. In 2009, Adam commenced as a Logistics Manager and five years later, Downer bought Tenix Holdings which formed the basis of the Downer Utilities business.

Adam credits working with a supportive team that encourages growth and development as one of the reasons he has stayed at Downer.

He says: “Throughout my career, I’ve always felt supported and over the years I’ve seen the Diversity & Inclusion function become more of a priority globally and at Downer. I think it’s great we have a renewed focus on Inclusion & Belonging because this is something that I’m really passionate about.”

Adam welcomed the launch of Downer’s Inclusion & Belonging Strategy and Action Plan in May this year.

“The Own Different message that underpins the Strategy is important because it’s about being genuine as well as celebrating your differences at work and in the wider community,” he says.

On 26 August, Downer acknowledges Wear it Purple, an important day, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. Wear it Purple Day was founded in 2010, in response to global stories of teenagers who experienced bullying and harassment due to their sexuality and gender identity. When asked about the importance of Wear it Purple Day, Adam said, “It’s a great way to express yourself and show support for the equality of LGBTQIA+ people within Downer and the community.” He added, “Wear it Purple Day promotes the importance of creating a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace, free of bullying and harassment for the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically young people.

Reflecting on his own journey, Adam says he would have appreciated Wear it Purple Day as a teenager.

“I didn’t have any negative experiences growing up, however, promoting more awareness and acceptance would have made my formative years easier to navigate,” he says. “Wear it Purple Day enables young people to develop the confidence to be genuine and to be themselves. To know they can be accepted and deserve respect, irrespective of differences.”

As a young person, Adam remembers being interested in travelling and exploring other cultures, languages and history.

“I’ve been to 47 countries so far; my favourite regions are the Middle East and Asia,” he says. “From a young age, I’ve always wanted to explore places and cultures that are vastly different to my own and experiencing this diversity in my travels has shaped my personal values. I believe that everyone has the right to live and work with equal opportunity regardless of cultural background, gender, socio-economic background or sexual orientation and identity.”

In the Downer community, Adam is an avid supporter of Inclusion & Belonging initiatives, like the NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition and Auction. Adam was the proud winner of two original artworks.

“It was a great initiative to promote the talent of Indigenous artists and appreciate that Indigenous art tells a story - it’s more than just symbols and patterns,” he says.

Adam has also joined the Utilities Inclusion & Belonging Steer Committee to contribute his perspectives and connect with more people from the wider Utilities business.  

“I’m excited to join the committee because celebrating diversity is important to me,” he says. “The world would be a very boring place without difference, and I hope by joining we can all expand our perspectives and share a bit about our own journeys.”

To learn more about Wear it Purple Day, visit www.wearitpurple.org