Nominations have today opened for the 2026 HESTA Excellence Awards. The awards shine a national spotlight on the health professionals and teams making a difference in a range of settings across the aged care, allied health, community services, and disability services sectors.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the HESTA Awards provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary impact health and community services professionals make and encouraged people to nominate a team or individual making a difference.
"Health and community services professionals consistently go above and beyond to improve lives and drive positive change," Ms Blakey said.
"The commitment and resilience they demonstrate is truly extraordinary and has a lasting impact, uplifting individuals and helping to build more inclusive, supportive communities for all.
"I encourage everyone to nominate outstanding individuals and teams for a HESTA award, so we can recognise their outstanding work and inspire others by sharing their stories and achievements."
Nominations are open until midnight (AEST) Sunday April 12, 2026.
Employers, colleagues, and individuals are invited to nominate for the Individual Leadership or Team Excellence categories. Each category will honour four winners - one from each sector - highlighting the breadth of talent and teamwork across Australia.
Winners will each receive a prize to further their personal or professional development, or to enhance processes and services within their workplaces.
Finalists will be revealed on Tuesday July 7, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony on Thursday August 6, 2026.
The HESTA Excellence Awards are one of three award ceremonies held across the year, including the HESTA Nursing & Midwifery Awards and the HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards. With just under one week remaining to submit nominations for the HESTA Nursing & Midwifery Awards, excitement is building. Nominations for the 20th HESTA Nursing & Midwifery Awards close on Sunday 18 January 2026.
