Faces of ANU: Joel Radcliffe

Joel Radcliffe isn’t just a team leader or a staff member at ANU. He is a bridge-builder, a storyteller, and someone with a deep passion for creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. As Manager of the Inclusive and Respectful Communities team, Joel has carved out a career dedicated to fostering understanding, equity, and respect, all while weaving his creative touches into everything he does. 

Dedicated to creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and understood, Joel grew up with a strong sense of fairness and justice. He recalls moments as a child when he noticed things weren’t right. “I’d see something clearly unjust and couldn’t understand why no one else seemed to care. That’s something I’ve carried with me ever since,” he says. It’s this innate drive that’s shaped his journey into a role that champions inclusion.

Joel’s career has been shaped by diverse experiences in theatre, education, and community development. These fields may seem disconnected at first glance, but for Joel, they share a common thread - they’re all about understanding people and finding ways to connect. “Theatre taught me so much about relationships and storytelling,” Joel explains. “It’s a way of engaging people on a deeper level, tapping into their values, emotions, and motivations. Those skills are central to the work I do now.”

For Joel, inclusivity isn’t just a mindset; it’s a practice that requires intentional effort. “Inclusive practices involve specific skills, language, and knowledge,” he shares. “Sometimes, a lack of understanding stems from a lack of awareness. That’s where I see the value in supporting others to learn and grow.”

Joel’s approach to fostering inclusivity starts with the individual. “It’s about what you bring as a person, how you approach relationships and how you respect and understand differences,” he explains. He also sees inclusivity as something that must be learned and practised with intention. “It’s not just about good intentions. There’s specific knowledge, language, and skills involved.”

In his current role, Joel helps facilitate workshops, projects, and initiatives aimed at building stronger, more connected communities. They range from neurodiversity workshops that promote affirming practices to restorative justice programs. At the heart of Joel’s work is a deep belief in the power of community and a commitment to creating environments where everyone feels they belong. “For me, it’s about creating spaces where people can thrive, where they feel supported, respected and valued,” he says. “That’s what motivates me every day.”

Despite the scope of his work, Joel remains grounded by a personal commitment to balance. “This kind of work can take a lot out of you emotionally, so I try to prioritise ways to decompress,” he says. For Joel, that means swimming, running, cooking, and spending time with his dog. 

He also makes a point to focus on relationships outside of work. “I love catching up with friends, but I’ve learned that as we get older, you have to be a lot more intentional about making time for people. I try to plan ahead and make it happen, even when life feels busy.” Cooking is another creative outlet for Joel. “I find cooking helps me to unwind as well, and I’m a keen cook,” he shares. He is also making a conscious effort to prioritise social catch-ups, noting, “Unfortunately, in this day and age, you need to be super planned and prepared, otherwise, you never see people.”

At his core, Joel is someone who values connection above all else. Whether it’s building stronger communities on campus, engaging with students or baking a black forest cake for a friend, his work and life are guided by a desire to create spaces where people feel seen and valued.