Award Programs

Please note that while we update our lists of available awards reguarly, this is not a comprensive list and closing dates and details should be varified using the links provided as they are subject to change by the providers without notice.

The Australian Business Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applicaitons Opened: November 2019

2020 Applications Close: 5th of March 2020

Run By: Awardbase

Further Information: https://2020.australianbusinessawards.com/

The Australian Business Awards are an annual all-encompassing awards program which recognises organisations that demonstrate the core values of business innovation, employee engagement, customer satisfaction, experience management, business sustainability, product and technology innovation via a set of comprehensive award categories.

Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

Runs: Annually
2020 Awards Opened: February 2020
2020 Awards Close: 12th of March 2020
Value: Up to $250,000
Run By: Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
Further Information: www.industry.gov.au/funding-and-incentives/prime-ministers-prizes-for-science

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious awards for outstanding achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation, and excellence in science teaching. The prizes recognise achievements across diverse disciplines and career stages. Recipients share $750 000 in prize money, and have the opportunity to showcase important work undertaken in their field.

Prizes for research:

• Prime Minister’s Prize for Science ($250 000)
• Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50 000)
• Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year ($50 000)

Prizes for innovation:

• Prime Minister's Prize for Innovation ($250 000)
• Prize for New Innovators ($50 000)

Prizes for science, mathematics or technology teaching:

• Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools ($50 000)
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools ($50 000)

NSW Training Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applicaitons Opened: January 2020

2020 Applications Close: 13th of March 2020

Run By: NSW Department of Education

Further Information: https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/training_awards/how_to_enter.html

The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, trainers/teachers, training organisations, large and medium employers.

As the premier awards for vocational education and training (VET) in NSW, the Awards are a great way to receive recognition for the effort that individuals, employer and training organisations put into VET.

For organisations the Awards are the perfect platform to showcase the organisations commitment to VET. Entering the Awards raises the profile of the organisation and the awareness of the industry to the organisations dedication to skills for the workforce.

For individuals the Awards provide the unique opportunity to celebrate the achievement with the employer and training provider. Nominating an individual for an award can open many doors for both the student and the employer and training provider. Networking opportunities, raising your profile in your community and showcasing your commitment to vocational education are just a few.

National NAIDOC Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applicaitons Opened: February 2020

2020 Applications Close: 23rd March 2020

Run By: National NAIDOC Secretariat

Further Information: https://www.naidoc.org.au/awards/nominations

The National NAIDOC Committee invites nominations of outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for the 2020 NAIDOC Awards. These prestigious Awards are an opportunity to recognise individuals who are the cornerstone of our communities, who have contributed their talents, skills, ideas and lives to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Award winners will be honoured at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Canberra.

There are ten National Award categories to nominate for:

• Apprentice of the Year
• Artist of the Year
• Caring for Country Award
• Elder of the Year (Male)
• Elder of the Year (Female)
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Person of the Year
• Scholar of the Year
• Sportsperson of the Year
• Youth of the Year

Resilient Australia Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applicaitons Opened: 24th of March 2020

2020 Applications Close: 18th of May 2020

Run By: Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience

Further Information: https://www.aidr.org.au/programs/resilient-australia-awards/

The Resilient Australia Awards celebrate initiatives that build whole of community resilience to disasters and emergencies around Australia, as well as images capturing resilience in action. The awards recognise collaboration and innovative thinking across all sectors.

Since 2000, the awards have recognised outstanding contributions in each state and territory in five categories: community, business, local government, government, school and photography. The program recognises a wide range of initiatives; with past projects centred on risk assessment and mitigation; education, training and research; and community engagement, as well as response and recovery.

The Resilient Australia Awards is proudly sponsored by the Australian Government in partnership with the states and territories and managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience.

Australian Training Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applicaitons Open for Direct Entry: 1st of December 2019

2020 Applications Close for Direct Entry: 31st of May 2020

Run By: Australian Government Departement of Education and Training

Further Information: https://www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au/

Commencing in 1994, the Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for the vocational education and training (VET) sector, recognising individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia.

The majority of the Awards are the culmination of the state and territory training awards with winners from each state and territory eligible to compete at the national level in aligned categories. There are also seven award categories available by entering directly.

Australasian Reporting Awards

Runs: Annually

2019 Awards Opened: 1st of October 2019

2019 Awards Closed: 6th of December 2019. Entries for reports for the Financial Year ending 31 December 2019 close on 31 January 2020

Value: Awards Program with advice
Run By: The Australasian Reporting Awards
Further Information: www.arawards.com.au

The Australasian Reporting Awards provide all organisations that produce an annual report an opportunity to benchmark their annual reports against the ARA criteria which are based on world best practice. In the General Award, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards are presented to recognise the achievement of a high standard. Competitive Awards are presented in specific areas of reporting: Sustainability; Governance; Work Health and Safety; Online; Integrated; and Communication. There is also an Award for the Best First Time Entry. A unique aspect of the ARA Awards process is the opportunity to receive constructive advice from an ARA adjudicator. Feedback sessions are only available to Award entrants.

Each year in June Award recipients are acclaimed at an Awards Presentation Dinner that has become a highlight of the business social calendar. The Dinner is held in Sydney and Melbourne in alternate years.
Seminar on Reporting: An annual Seminar on Reporting is held on the day following the Awards Dinner. The Seminar includes presentations on topical issues in reporting and a workshop on practical aspects of preparing an annual report.

Australian Small Business Champion Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Awards Entries Opened: November 2019

2020 Entries Closed: 3rd of February 2020

Run By: Precedent Productions
Further Information: www.businesschampions.com.au

The Australian Small Business Champion Awards is a prestigious and comprehensive program that supports and recognises small businesses across Australia.

Offering a unique opportunity to highlight Australia's most outstanding small businesses, the awards seek to recognise the hard work that business owners contribute to the local community in generating employment for millions of Australians, as well as their contribution to the Australian economy.

Rural Women's Award

Runs: Annually

2019 Applicaitons Opened: 12th of September 2019

2019 Applications Closed: 31 October 2019 at 11pm AEDT

Run By: AgriFutures

Further Information: https://www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award/

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities. The Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

Clunies Ross Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applications Opened: August 2019

2020 Applications Closed: 25th of October 2019 9am

Run By: ATSE

Further Information: https://www.applied.org.au/programs-and-awards/clunies-ross-awards/

The Clunies Ross Awards have a proud 28-year tradition of recognising contributions by dedicated individuals who have shared their vision and knowledge with others to apply technology for the benefit of Australia. In recognition of the complex nature of such activities, the Clunies Ross Awards are awarded in three categories with a single winner in each category:

• Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• Knowledge Commercialisation Award
• Innovation Award

NSW Women of the Year Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applicaitons Opened: July 2018

2020 Applications Closed: 25th of October 2019 5pm

Run By: NSW Government Family and Community Services

Further Information: https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/women_of_the_year_awards

The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by women across NSW to industry, communities and society. The Awards profile women who have demonstrated excellence in their career and elsewhere, women who make significant contributions in their community and young women whose achievements make them leaders in changing the social and business landscape.

There are seven state-wide Award categories:

• NSW Premier's Woman of the Year recognises NSW women who have excelled in their chosen career, field or passion. These women are exceptional achievers who have made a significant contribution to NSW and whose accomplishments make them a strong role model for other women.
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year recognises Aboriginal women in NSW who have excelled in their chosen career, field or passion. These Aboriginal women are exceptional achievers who have promoted economic, cultural or social opportunities for Aboriginal people in NSW.
• Community Hero celebrates heroes and/or volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the community. These women are positive role models who inspire others to contribute to the community too.
• Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year celebrates women aged 18 to 30 years who have excelled in their career or made a significant contribution to their community.
• Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year celebrates women from regional NSW who have made significant achievements in areas that are important to regional or rural communities.
• NSW Business Woman of the Year recognises excellence in business in NSW. These women provide outstanding leadership and inspiration for other women to succeed.
• First State Super Lifetime Achievement recognises an outstanding woman who has dedicated her life towards the advancement of women in NSW.

Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Awards

Runs: Annually
2020 Applications Closed: 25th of October 2019
Run By: Australian Government
Further Information: https://www.veteransemployment.gov.au/veterans-employment-awards/awards

The Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Awards recognise the achievements of organisations and individuals in creating employment opportunities for veterans and supporting their transition into the civilian workforce. They celebrate businesses of all types and sizes that employ and support veterans and spouses of current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. They also want to celebrate and recognise the significant achievements being made by veterans in the workplace and veterans who’ve built on their ADF experience to start up or take on a successful business.

Telstra Business Women's Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applicaitons Opened: September 2019

2020 Applications Closed: 29th of October 2019

Run By: Telstra

Further Information: www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com

Celebrating it's 25th year in 2020, the Telstra Business Women’s Awards program is Australia’s longest running and one of the most esteemed women’s awards programs. Recognising and rewarding the courage, leadership and creativity of Australia’s and Asia’s most inspirational business women, the Awards empower women to take pride in their achievements and encourage them to set bold new goals for the future.

The benefits of participating in the Awards program include:

• Enjoy national exposure
• Gain insights for your career
• Be a role model for change
• Join a powerful network
• Great prizes

Science and Innovation Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applications Opened: 7th of August 2019

2020 Applications Closed: 4th of October 2019 5pm AEDT

Run By: Department of Agriculture

Further Information: www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/conferences-events/scienceawards

The Science Awards encourage young scientists, researchers, innovators and others active in the agriculture sector who have an original and innovative project that will contribute to the ongoing success and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.  The Science Awards have already helped 250 young Australians make their ideas a reality and showcase their talent to the world.

There are eleven industry Science Award categories open for applications: biosecurity and digital innovation; cotton; eggs and poultry (layers); fisheries and aquaculture; forest and wood products; grains; meat and livestock; pork; red meat processing; viticulture and oenology; and wool. Each category includes a $22,000 grant, and is generously supported by the research and development corporations and industry organisations as our Science Award partners.

Winners of the industry category Science Awards are then invited to apply for the Minister for Agriculture’s Award, which provides additional funding for an extended research project.

NSW Farmer of the Year Awards

Runs: Annually

2019 Applications Opened: 23rd of July 2019

2019 Applications Closed: 23rd of September 2019

Run By: NSW Department of Primary Industries

Further Information: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/events/nsw-foty

The NSW Farmer of the Year Award is a joint initiative between NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and NSW Farmers with the support of SafeWork NSW and The Land Newspaper, open to all farmers in NSW.

The Award is designed to showcase the NSW primary industries sector by recognising excellence in farming, acknowledging farmers who combine Work Health and Safety and environmental sustainable practices with profitable production and encouraging innovation, research and leadership in farming.

The successful ‘NSW Farmer of the Year’ will be awarded $10,000 and the other finalists will each receive $2,000. To further develop and improve their farming enterprise all finalists will also be invited to form part of the NSW Farmer professional network.

Hesta Community Service Awards

Runs: Annually

2019 Applications Closed: 1st of September 2019

Run By: Hesta

Further Information: https://www.hesta.com.au/awards/community-sector-awards.html

The HESTA Community Sector Awards recognise outstanding service provision, advocacy and leadership in improving the lives of people who rely on access to the services of this sector. Colleagues, community sector professionals, volunteers and community sector contributors can nominate a special individual or team who has made a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged Australians. Everyone involved in the delivery of community services can nominate, or be nominated in accordance with the terms and conditions.

The awards are presented in three categories:

• Unsung Hero - An individual working within the community sector who has made an exceptional contribution to social justice in Australia by enhancing the wellbeing of individuals or communities experiencing disadvantage.
• Outstanding Organisation - An organisation which has made an outstanding contribution to social justice in Australia through the development or provision of a high quality and innovative program, project or specific service.
• Social Impact - An individual, organisation or network that has made an outstanding contribution to social justice in Australia through policy development, advocacy, leadership or representation.

Australian of the Year Awards

Runs: Annually

2020 Applications Opened: June 2019

2020 Applications Closed: 31st of July 2019

Run By: National Australia Day Council

Further Information: https://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/the-awards/

Each year our nation celebrates the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards by profiling leading citizens who are role models for us all. They inspire us through their achievements and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better Australia.

The Awards honour an exceptional group of highly-respected Australians who ignite discussion and change on issues of national importance.

The Australian of the Year Awards provide all Australians with the opportunity to recognise someone who makes them proud in four categories:

• Australian of the Year
• Senior Australian of the Year (those aged 65 years or over)
• Young Australian of the Year (ages 16 to 30)
• Australia's Local Hero

The Awards operate at two levels - State/Territory and national.  State and Territory selection committees select four nominees for each Award category, with one of these nominees being announced as the State/Territory Award recipient.  The National Australia Day Council Board select the Australians of the Year from the group of 32 State and Territory recipients. Follow the links for more information on the selection criteria and how recipients are chosen.

Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities

Runs: Annually

2019 Applications Opened: 1st of July 2019 9am

2019 Applications Closed: 30th of August 2019 5pm

Run By: Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal

Further Information: http://aussiecottonfarmers.com.au

Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities is a grants program initiated by the Monsanto Fund in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). It aims to help support local communities in cotton growing regions.

The program allows farmers to nominate a community group or not-for-profit organisation to receive one of thirty $5,000 grants. This is a great opportunity for groups or projects that are important to the community to apply for a funding boost.

Regional Achievement and Community Awards

National Economic Development Awards for Excellence

Runs: Annually

2019 Applications Opened: May 2019

2019 Applications Closed: 1st of August 2019

Run By: Economic Development Australia

Further Information: https://www.edaustralia.com.au/ed-awards/

The National Awards for Economic Development Excellence are Australia’s only annual awards for economic development professionals. Awards are presented in nine categories:

• Economic Development Strategic Thinking
• Economic Development Marketing and Promotion
• Economic Development through Partnerships
• Community Collaboration in Economic Development
• Economic Development Initiatives – under 15,000 residents
• Economic Development Initiatives – over 15,000 residents.
• Economic Development Initiatives – rural and remote areas.
• Economic Development single event or activity
• Digital Entrepreneurs

Not-for-Profit Treasurers' Awards

Uralla Shire Business Chamber Excellence Awards

Runs: Annually
2019 Nominations Closed: 14th of July 2019
Run By: Uralla Shire Business Chamber
Further Information: https://urallabusinesschamber.org.au/
 

Celebrating its Uralla's Stars at it's second awards this year, these awards recognise excellence in service to the Uralla community by businesses and individuals

Green Globe Awards

Armidale Regional Business Awards

Runs: Annually
2019 Nominations Closed: 7th of July 2019
Run By: Armidale Business Chamber
Further Information: http://www.armidalechamber.com.au/2019-armidale-regional-business-awards/

These awards celebrate the businesses and employees that are acheiving outstanding outcomes through nineteen awards.

Australian Museum Eureka Prizes

Runs: Annually

2019 Awards Open: 1st of February 2019

2018 Awards Closed: 3rd of May 2019

Run By: The Australian Museum
Further Information: https://australianmuseum.net.au/get-involved/eureka-prizes/

The Eureka Prizes are presented annually by the Australian Museum in partnership with government organisations, institutions, companies and individuals who are committed to celebrating the vitality, originality and excellence of Australian Science. The Prizes reward excellence in the fields of research and innovation; science leadership; school science; and science journalism and communication.

2019 Australian Cotton Industry Awards

Runs: Annually

2019 Applicaitons Opened: February 2019

2019 Applications Closed: 5pm 31st of March 2019

Run By: Cotton Australia

Further Information: www.australiancottonawards.com

These awards celebrate the cotton industry’s achievements and acknowledge the tremendous work, commitment and innovation of people throughout the cotton supply chain, from growers and ginners to product suppliers, consultants, agronomists, researchers and others.

Anyone in the industry can nominate themselves or others through the online nomination form.

Cash prizes are on offer for the successful recipients of the 2018 Australian Cotton Industry Awards, which has five categories:

• Monsanto Grower of the Year
• AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year
• ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Cotton Achiever of the Year
• Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year
• Incitec Pivot Service to Industry Award

Awards recipients will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday August 9, to be held in conjunction with the 2018 Australian Cotton Conference at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (August 7th – August 9th).

Project Management Achievement Awards

Runs: Annually

2019 Applications Opened: January2019

2019 Applications Closed: 3rd of April 2019

Run By: Australian Institute of Project Management

Further Information: https://www.aipm.com.au/awards

Established by AIPM in 2000, the Project Management Achievement Awards (PMAA) exist to recognise, honour and promote outstanding achievements in program and project management. The PMAA is awarded first at the chapter level, where winners are selected in each Australian state and territory. Awards are then announced at a national level at the gala dinner as part of the AIPM Conference.

ICM Agrifood Award for Excellence in Agrifood

Runs: Annually

2019 Applications Closed: 12th of April 2019 12pm AEST

Run By: ATSE

Further Information: https://www.applied.org.au/programs-and-awards/icm-agrifood-awards/

The ICM Agrifood Award is an early career award for two scientists or technologists who have achieved substantial peer/industry recognition for his/her work in the past five years. The Award is sponsored by ICM Agribusiness, one of Australia’s major agribusiness groups, and administered by ATSE. The winners will be awarded at ATSE’s Innovation Dinner on 13 June 2018, alongside the Clunies Ross Awards

One female and one male winner will each receive a cash prize of $5000.

The winners will have achieved substantial recognition for their work in a field critical to continued improvement of the overall Australian food sector in the past five years, and be 40 years or under on 1 January 2019 (with allowance made for career breaks due to family or carer responsibilities); and:

1. Have demonstrated excellence, innovation and impact in a field related to food and agriculture in Australia;
2. Be acknowledged by peers for outstanding contributions to the food and agriculture sector in the past 5 years; and
3. Have advanced the standing of the broad profession of agriculture and food.

Gunnedah Business and Service Awards

Runs: Annually
2018 Nominations Closed: 20th of July 2018
Run By: Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce
Further Information: http://gunnedah.org.au/event/nominations-open-for-2018-gunnedah-business-and-services-awards/

These awards recognise the individual efforts of people who provide exceptional service to the community and to their employer and colleagues with eighteen categories

Indigenous Governance Awards

Runs: Bi-Annually

2018 Applicaitons Opened: April 2018

2018 Applications Closed: 30th of June 2018

Run By: Reconciliation Australia

Further Information: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/iga/

The Indigenous Governance Awards are about sharing success from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations around Australia.The national awards highlight success in Indigenous Australia—strong leadership, good management, effective partnerships and brave, creative thinking. The Awards have been running since 2005 and are now run every two years.

BHP Billiton has been supporting Reconciliation Australia’s Indigenous governance program since 2002. Since it began, the partnership has seen the implementation of significant nationwide initiatives including the Indigenous Governance Program and the Indigenous Governance Toolkit.

Narrabri Chamber Business Awards

Runs: Annually

2019 Nominations Closed: 26th of July 2019

Run By: Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce

Further Information: https://narrabrichamber.com.au/news/nominations-open-2019-whitehaven-coal-narrabri-business-awards/

Recoginising quality businesses in the Narrabri District each year, winners will be celebrated at a gala dinner on the 6th of September 2019 at the Crossing Theatre.