Meet Huss

As one of Australia’s largest employers, Commonwealth Bank is committed to further building an inclusive workplace for all our people, and it’s a great opportunity for us to lead by example – we encourage other organisations to get involved too.

"In 2017 we developed a case study summarising our journey over the last 8 years to achieving over 800 events and 30,000 employees participating in A Taste of Harmony events across the Commonwealth Bank Group. We shared this case study with a number of other leading organisations to encourage them to join.

At Commonwealth Bank, our employees are very diverse with about 40% of people having a cultural background other than Australian who provide excellent customer service to an equally diverse customer base. Cultural inclusion in our workforce provides for better problem solving, risk management and innovation. Cultural inclusion is an important part of our overall approach to diversity and inclusion.

I was born a Turkish Cypriot and migrated to Australia with my parents in 1968. As a 10 year old with no English, I was given an opportunity for a better life in Australia. I believe in Australia’s multiculturalism – where we celebrate our cultural differences and build upon our common ground – has become a role model for other nations. I am a proud Australian with a rich and diverse cultural heritage in a true multicultural society.

I am passionate about cultural diversity and for nearly a quarter of a century have been very active in supporting initiatives that promote the benefits of cultural diversity within the workplace and in the community.

A Taste of Harmony is a great initiative which I introduced to the Commonwealth Bank in 2010. It allows sharing unique stories, celebrating the rich tapestry of the cultures that define our workplace.

Commonwealth Bank has also recognised the benefits of cultural diversity and inclusion and the significant opportunity to enhance the financial wellbeing of multicultural communities through the establishment of a Multicultural Community Banking division. This has enabled us to focus on higher quality engagement with clients and external stakeholders from culturally diverse backgrounds, supporting initiatives to enhance social cohesion and continue to build the fabric of Australian society.

It’s exciting that this is the ninth year Commonwealth Bank has been involved with A Taste of Harmony and our people are already planning menus and team events to celebrate. I expect we will have lots of different food at our many sites across Australia, and I can’t wait to see the photos!