2025 Melbourne Awards
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Workplace Health & Safety Show Champions of Safety Awards seek to recognise the industry’s role models and talented professionals and showcase its varied career opportunities. The awards aim to attract others into similar roles by sharing inspiring stories and career journeys, honouring the rising stars, pioneers, and icons who go above and beyond to create safer workplaces
Award Categories

Rising Star
A Rising Star is an emerging talent showing exceptional promise and dedication, poised to make significant contributions and shape the future of their field.


Pioneer
A Pioneer is a trailblazer who leads the way in exploring new frontiers, introducing innovative methodologies, and driving progress in their field, embodying courage, vision, and determination.


Icon
An Icon is an individual who has achieved iconic status through their lasting influence, excellence, and significant contributions in their industry, serving as an inspiration for generations.

2025 Shortlists
Rising Star Award

WINNER - Aaron Boyes
Head of Health / Safety & Wellbeing, Altius Group

Thomas Cupitt
Safety, Material Handling & Facilities Manager / ASICS

Jessica Gravenor
OH&S Consultant & Business Owner / Safety Success

Christina Licciardi
WHS & Allied Health Specialist / DHL Supply Chain

Matthew Norris
Health and Safety Manager / Hysata Pty Ltd

Prasanth Palani
Compliance Manager / Structural Challenge Pty Ltd
Pioneer Award

WINNER - Tarek Farhat
WHS Consultant / iHSEQ

Nathan Bright
Product Lead & Senior Consultant, People, Growth and Management / Miranda McMahon HR Consultants

Megan Cannings
Safety and Quality Coordinator / Burdekin Shire Council

Travis Heaven
Founder & CEO / Duress PTY LTD

Harrison McMahon
CEO / HMC Group Solutions

Emma Sutcliffe
Director / EV FireSafe
Icon Award

WINNER - Jamie Mallinder
Principal Consultant, Speaker and Suicide Prevention Ambassador / Sentis, R U OK? and MHFA Australia

Glen Cook
Principal Community Safety Specialist / Energy Queensland

Kylie Pearse
HSEQ Manager, John Holland- Rail & Transport / Rail Service NSW/ACT/QLD

Sam Reid
Head of HSEQ & Compliance / Paynter Dixon

James Wood
Safety Speaker / C & B Safe Pty Ltd

Don Zakroczymski
Head of HSE / Growthbuilt
Judging Panel

Natalie Flatt
Chief Mental Health Officer, Super Friend & Co-founder / Connect Psych Services

Stephen Hanman
Chair & Board Member / Safe Care Culture

Mark Alston
Facilitator and Host / Investigations Differently

Kurt Warren
Head of HSEQ & Sustainability /

Amanda Anderson
Global Mental Health Project Lead / L'OCCITANE Group

Carli Phillips
CEO / Corporate Wellbeing Hub