Champions of Safety 2026
Victoria Awards.
Inspiring the Next Generation.
Support a Champion.
Workplace Health & Safety Show, Champions of Safety Awards recognise outstanding individuals who are driving real impact across Australia’s safety landscape – from frontline innovators to strategic leaders.
These awards shine a spotlight on the people shaping safer, healthier workplaces across every industry. By sharing their stories and career journeys, we aim to inspire the next generation of WHS professionals and highlight the diverse and rewarding career paths in the field.
Join us at the Workplace Health & Safety Show Victoria to support this year’s nominees, celebrate the finalists, and witness the live announcement of the 2026 winners.
Winners to be awarded at:
Spotlight Stage| 3:30 PM | 20 MAY, 2026.
2026 Shortlists
Rising Star Award
Aaron Nauta
First Aid Trainer / AB First Aid Training
Andrew Richardson
HSEQ Manager / LBA Construction Group
Anthony Karpanos
Founding Director / Soteria 360
Bradley Drennan
Occupational Health and Safety Officer / Alpine Shire Council
Mary Vetere
Principal Consultant / Konekt
Sally Pardoe
HSW Coordinator / OHS co-ordinator / South Gippsland Water / SGW
Pioneer Award
Chanelle McEnallay
Group Chief Safety Officer / Ramsay Health
Daniel Nicholls
Head of Work Health & Safety / Quayclean Australia Pty Ltd.
Karyn Welsh
National Chair / Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Australia
Jade Mitchell
Founder - GM Operations / Bernie (Pharma Apothecary Pty Ltd)
Leigh Cole
General Manager / Crane Aid
Dr Natalie Flatt PH.D
Co-founder and CEO / Connect Psych Services
Icon Award
Judging Panel
Craig Bleakley
Safety & Risk Specialist / ecoPortal
Craig Salter
Founder / Safety Champion Software
WINNER! Kanae Dyas
Chief Safety and Compliance Officer / PowerSkills AI
Michelle Boundy
Multi Award Winner in Government | Speaker | Founder / She Inspires Me
Scott Reardon
Paralympic Gold Medallist & Founder / SISU Collective
Tarek Farhat
WHS Consultant / iHSEQ
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 Awards Gallery
