About the awards

About the awards

Introducing the inaugural HR Innovation Awards

A new benchmark for excellence in Australia’s HR industry has arrived.

The HR Innovation Awards debut in 2026 as a national celebration of the leaders, teams and organisations transforming the world of work. This inaugural program recognises the bold ideas, strategic vision and measurable impact driving the evolution of HR across the country.

From influential HR directors and people culture leaders to forward-thinking talent acquisition specialists, LD innovators, progressive HR teams, consultancies and breakthrough HR technology providers – these awards honour those setting new standards for performance, inclusion and innovation.

More than recognition, this is your opportunity to position yourself at the forefront of the profession – to be acknowledged among the industry’s first wave of trailblazers defining the future of HR.

Entries are now open. Submit your application and be part of the inaugural cohort shaping HR in 2026.

Event date: Friday, 26 June 2026
Venue: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Welcome reception: 6:30pm AEST
Official event start: 7:00pm
Dress: Black tie

Why enter the HR Innovation Awards 2026?

Gain national recognition and elevate yourself above your competitors in the HR industry and across Australia.

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STAND OUT IN A COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE

Securing one of these awards will set you apart from your peers and strengthen your position in the profession by elevating your personal brand. Be recognised as one of Australia’s leading HR professionals and gain the credibility to unlock new career opportunities.
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HIGHLIGHT YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Judged by a highly regarded panel, these accolades provide peer-reviewed recognition of your expertise, leadership and commitment to driving positive workplace outcomes and advancing the HR profession.
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STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR PEERS, INDUSTRY LEADERS, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS

Our refreshed awards format will keep you connected and bring the excitement back to the program, creating meaningful opportunities to network, collaborate and celebrate excellence across the HR community.

How to enter the awards:

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Decide which categories you are eligible to go into. Review the categories here.

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Register your account through our secure awards platform. Register and log in here.

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Fill in the details of your submission/s. Review the judging process here.

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When you’re happy with your submission, press save and lodge it!

Keydates to remember

5 March

Nominations and submissions open

Submit an entry for yourself or nominate a deserving colleague.

Submit an entry

Make a nomination

3 April

Submissions close

Please contact Adrian Connell on 0448 021 996 or via email if you have any questions or need help lodging your entry.

7 May

Finalists announced

Be sure to become a free member of HR Leader to keep up to date with the latest announcements.

Become a free member

26 June

Awards ceremony

Don’t miss out on the industry’s networking evening of the year.

Buy tickets

Event produced by

Captivate