Nominations for the 2026 Hunter Safety Awards close on Friday, 27 February, marking the final opportunity for Hunter region businesses and professionals to enter this year’s program.
The awards were established to recognise companies and individuals demonstrating strong approaches to workplace health and safety (WHS), with a focus on how safety is embedded in everyday operations.
Organisers say the awards aim to capture both traditional safety practices and broader wellbeing initiatives, reflecting how WHS now extends beyond compliance to include workplace culture and employee health.
A broad view of workplace safety
The awards program acknowledges the full scope of WHS, from personal protective equipment and risk management to wellbeing initiatives that support workers both on and off the job.
“Work, health and safety are fundamental to our lives and are, more than ever, a central focus for organisations.”
The Hunter region’s long industrial history is cited as a factor in its strong focus on safety practices, with the awards designed to recognise organisations integrating WHS into their core business systems.
What recognition offers entrants
The program positions itself as both a recognition platform and a professional development opportunity for entrants.
“The Hunter Safety Awards are more than a celebration—they’re a platform to recognise individuals and organisations leading the way in workplace health, safety, and wellbeing across the Hunter region.”
Finalists and winners receive industry recognition, opportunities to connect across the WHS community, and internal benefits such as team morale and credibility. Eligible business entries are also considered for WHS Business of the Year, sponsored by AGL.
Categories for 2026
The 2026 awards cover individual leadership and organisational performance across multiple areas, including:
- WHS Rising Star Award
- WHS Champion of the Year
- Young WHS Leader of the Year (Under 35)
- Best WHS Innovation and Improvement (SME and Large)
- Best Health and Wellbeing Program (SME and Large)
- Best WHS Training Program
- Best WHS Management System (SME and Large)
How to prepare a nomination
The nomination guide encourages clear, concise responses that demonstrate understanding of WHS principles and measurable outcomes. Entrants are advised to provide specific examples, timeframes and evidence, supported by materials such as images, policies or testimonials.
Submissions are made through the AwardForce platform, where entrants create an account, select categories, complete the online form and upload supporting documentation before the deadline.
