Associate Resource Groups
Globally Mars is pleased to have five Associate Resource Groups. These ARGs are open to all and create spaces, support and communities for Associates of all backgrounds.
In Australia and New Zealand we have 6 local ARGs, each of which plays a vital role in creating a sense of belonging and community in the workplace and also in contributing the voice of lived experience (and allyship) to our I&D strategy. Our ARGs are always welcoming of new members who want to help make a difference.
Gender Equality
At Mars we strive to create an inclusive environment that fosters equal opportunities for Associates of all genders. We actively promote and support initiatives that empower women and underrepresented genders, ensuring their voices are heard and their talents are recognized at every level of our organization. Our ‘Wom+n of Mars’ Associate Resource Group (ARG) strives to ‘Inspire change that empowers Wom+n to show up personally and professionally as their best selves, to strive courageously towards their goals and to thrive in the absence of gender-based assumptions’.
LGBTQ+ Empowerment
At Mars we firmly believe that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression should not impact the right of every Associate to feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are. Our goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive workplace by ensuring that all Associates feel empowered to freely bring their authentic selves to work. Our Pride ARG has worked together with our Skittles brand, to partner with LGBTQ+ youth charity Minus18 to create an active allyship movement called ‘During Pride Only One Rainbow Matters’.
DiverseAbilities
At Mars we are dedicated to providing a barrier-free workplace for Associates with diverse abilities. By respecting the unique needs of Associates with diverse abilities, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our DiverseAbilities ARG is working to ensure that our office and factory locations are fully accessible to everyone and are also encouraging business leaders to complete ‘Disability Confidence in the Workplace’ training. Together the ARG is working to foster a culture that values the diverse abilities and perspectives of all.
Te Whakakotahitanga Māori
In New Zealand our vision is to acknowledge, celebrate and incorporate te ao and te reo into how we do business at Mars. In a vibrant display of unity and cultural diversity, the recent Mars New Zealand Conference kicked off with a captivating Mihi Whakatau ceremony for all Associates. This ceremonious welcome combined with ongoing language and cultural inclusion not only exemplifies our deep respect for the mana whenua but also showcases our unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation
Mars was proud to launch our second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in early 2025. Our vision is to develop long-term, beneficial and reciprocal partnerships with First Nations Peoples in ways that are respectful, inclusive and culturally appropriate. Our RAP details the actions we will take to authentically engage with and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whilst deepening Mars Associates’ understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, languages and beliefs.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
At Mars we embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that our employees bring from around the world. We believe that a diverse range of perspectives fuels innovation and creativity. By fostering a culture of cross-cultural collaboration, we aim to create an environment where all employees can learn from and appreciate each other's backgrounds and experiences. Our Cross Cultural ARG focuses on family connections and the sharing of stories through food.
Life Inclusion
At Mars creating a healthy workplace sits at the heart of everything we do. Our Associates can work from home, access flexible hours and explore part-time and other options. Flexibility and finding the right working balance is something we prioritise every day, because in doing so we know that we can create an environment where everyone can flourish. Becoming a new parent is a particularly special time and all Associates who welcome a new child (including those in same sex and gender diverse families) can access 16 weeks paid parental leave in the way that best supports their family
Hear2Help Ambassadors
Our team of over 40 ANZ Hear2Help Ambassadors are trained Mental Health First Aiders who act as confidential ‘safe place’ local confidants for Associates who need assistance for an I&D or mental health issue but are not comfortable seeking this through more formal channels. The team is equipped to have confidential and candid conversations with Associates and can help refer them to appropriate support services both internally and externally. Our vision is to ensure that Mars is a safe and inclusive environment for all Associates and that everyone has someone to turn to.
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Our Australian and New Zealand Cross Cultural Associate Resource Group (ARG) welcomed Neary Ty and Hilman Irawan to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week.
The Wom+n of Mars Associate Resource Group (ARG) celebrated the theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." This powerful message reminds us of the importance of inclusive representation in decision-making spaces. At Mars ANZ, this means addressing critical issues affecting millions of women and girls globally.
🌈🎪Melbourne Midsumma Festival Carnival Day 🎪🌈 Our Pride Associate Resource Group was excited to celebrate Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival Carnival Day on Sunday
The Australia & New Zealand DiverseAbilities Associate Resource Group (ARG) held a very special panel event for International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The ANZ Cross Cultural Associate Resource Group (ARG) asked the children of Mars Associates some very important questions.
This week the Wom+n of Mars Associate Resource Group in ANZ hosted a ‘Share the Dignity’ Packing Party alongside the amazing Rochelle Courtenay—a true force for change and the founder of this impactful charity.
Last week, Australian and New Zealand Associates celebrated our Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) in ANZ. ARGs are formed by Associate volunteers who are passionate about fostering an inclusive and diverse environment within Mars. They play a critical role in driving a culture of inclusion and promoting an environment where all backgrounds are valued and celebrated.
Last month Associates in Aoteroa celebrated Te wiki o Te Reo Māori – Māori language week. The official theme for Te Wiki 2024 was "Ake ake ake – A forever language," symbolising the resilience, adaptability, and endurance of te reo Māori
Last week the ANZ Wom+n of Mars Associate Resource Group held a special event on menopause (or more accurately perimenopause) featuring @Shelly Horton from @Don’t Sweat It
Mars Australia & New Zealand is super proud of our flagship Allyship program - ‘Creating a Sense of Belonging in Mars’ which has quickly become regarded as a key tool in helping People Leaders and Associates to foster an environment where everyone feels valued, included and as if they belong.
This week Mars Australia & New Zealand took time out to stop and connect with each other in support of R U OK Day – a day dedicated to supporting others an improving mental health by checking in to ask if someone is OK.
The Wom+n of Mars Associate Resource Group (ARG) was delighted to welcome Dr Sarah White, CEO of ‘Jean Hailes Organisation’, to speak to ANZ Associates for Women’s Health Week 2024.
Mars ANZ welcomed Sarah Trombetta, Board Member of ‘Wear it Purple’ to help celebrate ‘Wear it Purple Day’ 2024. Sarah spoke about the work ‘Wear it Purple’ does to create safe, empowering and inspiring spaces for young people.
Mars is pleased to announce our new membership with Supply Nation - Australia’s leader in supplier diversity, and the custodian of the largest database of verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
As part of our 2024 NAIDOC celebrations the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Associate Resource Group (ARG) held a photography competition for Associates to submit a photo of a place of significance for them or their family. This was to recognise the profound spiritual connection that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land as a place of belonging, a way of connecting to culture and an integral part of self-identity.
To celebrate NAIDOC week 2024, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Associate Resource Group (ARG) welcomed Sarai and Amy from Wanyara and Brandon from Wildlife Xposure to our Melbourne office.
Last week, Associates in Aotearoa gathered for a morning tea to celebrate Matariki 2024. This celestial event symbolises the closure of the old year and the dawn of the new.
Mars in Aotearoa NZ is delighted to be re-accredited by Rainbow Tick as a safe and inclusive rainbow employer for 2024 🌈
It was an absolute honour to welcome Judy Small (AM) to our Melbourne office as a part of our ongoing Pride Month celebrations at Mars ANZ. Judy is known as the Grande Dame of Australian Folk Music, is Member of the Order of Australia, was a family lawyer and a Judge with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. She is now the Chair of the Midsumma Festival, the largest LGBTQ+ arts festival in Asia Pacific
The Mars team in Auckland welcomed former All Black, Campbell Johnstone as part of our Pride Month celebrations. Campbell shared his story of making history when he became the first openly gay All Black. A move that truly set him apart as a leader and role model with a message of courage, resilience and inclusivity.
