Our Marketing Coordinator, Zoe Askitis, had the pleasure of speaking with Bwe Thay, our Director of Community and Partnerships to learn more about his journey and approach to building genuine community connections. With years of experience working alongside diverse and often 'hardly reached' communities, Bwe shared his insights on the power of inclusion, trust and partnerships, and why celebrating cultural diversity is pivotal for organisational success.
Here’s what he shared:
Q: What experiences shaped your career and inspired your work in community and partnerships?
Bwe: “I’ve always believed that community voices and meaningful representation truly matter. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with communities that are ‘hardly reached’, not ‘hard to reach.’ These communities want to be involved in the solutions, and have first-hand knowledge of the issues affecting their lives. Thus, having their voices heard is critical. This journey has reinforced my belief in genuine community partnership, which is why I’ve always worked across community, education, public service and now at The LOTE Agency.”
Q: What moments in your career have most informed your perspective on cultural diversity and inclusion?
Bwe: “Coming to Australia in 2009 through a humanitarian program, and being from a multicultural background, gave me a unique perspective on the layers of our communities. Even though we come from different parts of the world, we share far more in common than our differences. Victoria’s diversity is incredible, but often overlooked. By approaching communities with curiosity, empathy and respect, I’ve realised that collaborating together is the key to addressing complex societal challenges.”
Q: What values consistently guide your leadership decisions?
Bwe: “A great leader doesn’t just lead from the front, they empower their team, guide them and invest in their capability. Furthermore, humility, compassion, openness, active listening and a willingness to invest in community voices have always guided how I lead.”
Q: What do you look for when building meaningful external partnerships?
Bwe: “Trust is essential. I look for partners who are committed to tackling together, celebrating successes as a team, and creating stories that inspire meaningful, positive change. For me, collaboration is about building relationships where everyone feels empowered, learning from each other’s strengths, and making a lasting impact that benefits all communities.”
Q: How do you align community engagement efforts with business objectives?
Bwe: “At LOTE, impact drives everything we do. Our work ensures that communities are heard and seen. Every solution we design is fit for purpose, has a positive impact, and reflects the voice of our communities. Trust and genuine collaboration are central to our approach. We believe that by fostering inclusive communication, valuing each other’s perspectives, we can create solutions that are truly impactful.”
Q: What challenges do organisations often overlook when building inclusive partnerships?
Bwe: “Building community trust takes time, and many organisations often underestimate this. Over the years, LOTE has built strong relationships with more than 10,000 community members over the years, helping partners bridge that gap.”
Q: What advice would you give emerging leaders who want to make an impact in this space?
Bwe: “Start small, focus on building your network, and nurture those connections over time. Your relationships are your most valuable asset. Take initiative, assemble a strong and diverse team, and channel your efforts towards the common good.”
Q: As Cultural Diversity Week approaches, what does it mean to you?
Bwe: “It’s a very special week as it gives all Victorians a chance to pause, reflect and appreciate the rich diversity we have in our country. It’s about learning from each other, sharing experiences, building relationships and working together to tackle challenges.”
Q: Why is it important for organisations to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week?
Bwe: “As our workforce evolves, it brings incredible richness of cultures and experiences. Celebrating cultural diversity week gives colleagues the opportunity to learn from one another, build stronger connections, and feel confident to perform at their highest potential. Leaders have an important role in taking the initiative and embedding cultural diversity on a daily basis.”
Q: What does success look like for Cultural Diversity Week?
Bwe: “Success is when communities not only learn from each other, but build trust across various community groups. When everyone feels included, valued and heard, it increases belonging, participation, and creates opportunities for shared growth.”
Q: What excites you the most about the future of community and partnerships?
Bwe: “I’m pleased to see that more organisations are recognising the importance of partnerships in achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes. Together with our partners, we can create fit-for-purpose solutions, amplify community knowledge, and achieve positive impact. Building partnerships and working together isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the smartest strategy for success.”
