Workplace inclusivity and giving back to the community were the focus at a Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) event this week.
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Dubbo business leaders heard from Tabcorp Holdings CEO, David Attenborough, at a breakfast on Wednesday, April 1, as part of the DCCI CEO Speaker Series.
Tabcorp has already reached its 33 per cent target for gender diversity in senior management, Mr Attenborough said, and an inclusive workplace culture is proven to boost productivity.
"Having the right culture, engaged employees and an inclusive workplace is all about being a high performing organisation and an employee of choice," he said.
Mr Attenborough also called on governments to tackle off-shore corporate bookmakers who make money off Australian racing but give little to nothing back.
"Gambling operators should pay their way," he said.
Since privatisation in 1994, Tabcorp has contributed more than $18.5 billion in gambling and corporate taxes and $9 billion to the racing industry.
"It's fundamental to the sustainability of Australian racing and is in the best interests of all Australian taxpayers. This matters because gambling taxes are reinvested back into communities through infrastructure and services," Mr Attenborough said.
Tabcorp also gave back to country NSW, servicing "66 meetings held at the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound tracks" and broadcasting 13 Dubbo race meetings internationally last year.
DCCI President Matt Wright said getting prominent CEOs to visit Dubbo was a great opportunity for Dubbo's local business owners.
"All the CEOs bring some diverse experiences. It's rare to see someone of this calibre presenting to small businesses," he said.
Dubbo City mayor Mathew Dickerson, who was instrumental in inviting the CEOs to speak at Dubbo, said the series was putting Dubbo on the map.
"In three months, six months, 12 months time, they [the CEOs] will remember Dubbo," he said.
The next CEO Speaker Series event is on Wednesday, April 15, featuring Fairfax CEO Greg Hyland.