The Hunter Safety Awards marks its 10th year in 2026, celebrating a decade of recognising individuals, businesses and leaders shaping safer workplaces across the Hunter region. Finalists were announced in late March, and winners will be revealed tonight at a gala dinner at Newcastle Exhibition Centre (NEX).
Celebrating a Decade of Safety Excellence
Since launching in 2016, the Hunter Safety Awards has become a respected platform for showcasing innovation, leadership and commitment driving workplace health and safety (WHS) excellence across one of Australia's most significant industrial regions. What began as a vision to spotlight incredible work happening behind the scenes in safety has grown into a powerful regional movement, recognising businesses not only for compliance but for leadership, innovation, wellbeing and long-term impact.
Director Alanna Ball said the 10-year milestone reflects the strength of the Hunter region and the organisations that continue to raise the bar. "The Hunter is home to world-class businesses doing world-class things, and these awards exist to ensure that safety excellence is recognised and celebrated," Ms Ball said. "Too often, safety is only acknowledged when something goes wrong. The Hunter Safety Awards were created to shift that narrative and shine a light on the people and organisations leading positive change."
2026 Awards Category Structure
The 2026 awards feature a refreshed category structure reflecting the evolving landscape of workplace safety, including categories across WHS Management Systems, Innovation and Improvement, Health and Wellbeing Programs, Training, and individual leadership awards such as WHS Rising Star, Young WHS Leader of the Year and WHS Champion of the Year. The prestigious WHS Business of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by AGL, will once again recognise the organisation setting the benchmark for safety excellence across the region.
Sponsors and Support
This year's program is supported by a strong network of sponsors including AGL, Ampcontrol, PLUS ES, Red Insight, Port of Newcastle, University of Newcastle and the Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Institute. Beyond the awards themselves, the event continues to create opportunities for connection, collaboration and sharing of world-class safety initiatives across industries including construction, mining, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and beyond.
As the Hunter evolves, so too does its approach to workplace health and safety, and the Hunter Safety Awards remains committed to recognising those leading that evolution. For more information visit huntersafetyawards.com.au.
