Winners revealed for HR Innovation Awards 2026

HR Leader and principal partner DLPA are delighted to unveil the winners of the inaugural HR Innovation Awards.

The first-ever HR Innovation Awards – a national celebration of the leaders, teams and organisations transforming the world of work – took place tonight in Sydney. This inaugural program recognised the bold ideas, strategic vision, and measurable impact driving the evolution of the HR function in businesses right across the country.

From influential HR directors and people and culture leaders, to forward-thinking talent acquisition specialists, L&D innovators, progressive HR teams, consultancies and breakthrough HR technology providers, the awards honoured those setting new standards for performance, inclusion and innovation.

Winners were revealed tonight (Thursday, 26 June 2026) at a black-tie gala at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

See the full list of winners here.

Showcasing excellence across a diverse range of industries, the HR Innovation Awards recognised those leading innovation in workplace strategy, people management, employee experience, technology, and organisational culture.

Winning one of HR Leader’s inaugural Innovation Awards represents a significant achievement within the HR profession. It reflects the vision, leadership, and dedication of professionals and businesses committed to advancing the future of work and elevating the impact of human resources across the nation.

As the first awards program of its kind for HR innovation in Australia, the initiative provides national recognition to trailblazers shaping the profession through forward-thinking solutions and impactful strategies. The awards honour those redefining how organisations attract, engage, develop, and support talent, while helping drive stronger workplaces, industries, and the broader economy forward.

The ceremony also allowed members of the human resources sector to celebrate the achievements of colleagues and network with leaders and peers across a diverse range of sectors within the Australian economy.

The winners were selected using robust judging criteria that are both quantitative and qualitative. The judging criteria acknowledge growth, business development, diversity, leadership, innovation, business excellence, and contribution to the human resources, people and culture, and learning and development business functions.

Professionals and organisations that took home trophies tonight will gain national recognition for catapulting the profession forward, bolstering winners’ opportunities for career advancement.

Speaking following the ceremony, HR Leader managing editor Jerome Doraisamy said: “There’s no doubt that the volume of professional, technological, economic, geopolitical, and sociocultural change positions HR at an inflection point. Professionals are left with a stark choice: innovate, or be left behind.

“It is clear that the individuals and teams in this room have chosen to innovate, and are doing so with aplomb. We are living in exceptionally trying times for HR, and the tenacity and dedication shown by tonight’s finalists and winners is truly uplifting.

“I congratulate all of our winners tonight for their innovation and drive. You represent the best and brightest of the HR function across the country, and I raise a toast to your indefatigable efforts in advancing Australia’s workforce.”

Click here to view the full list of finalists.

Click here to learn more about the HR Innovation Awards.

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