Champions of Safety Awards celebrate Australia’s workplace safety leaders

Nominations for the 2025 Champions of Safety Awards, hosted by the Workplace Health & Safety Show, are now open. The awards aim to spotlight the exceptional safety professionals who are driving meaningful change and improving workplace safety across Australia.

The deadline for entries is 4 April 2025, with winners to be announced at the Workplace Health & Safety Show in Melbourne on 21 May 2025.

“We launched the Champions of Safety Awards in 2024 to honour safety leaders who are setting new standards and making workplaces safer and healthier,” says Stephen Blackie, Portfolio Manager of the Workplace Health & Safety Show. “The nominees and winners last year were truly inspiring, and we’re eager to see the nominations for this year.”

Award Categories

Professionals can nominate themselves or a colleague for free in one of the following categories:

1. Rising Star: A promising newcomer who demonstrates exceptional potential and a strong commitment to making a difference in their field.
2. Pioneer: A visionary who is pushing boundaries, introducing innovative practices, and driving progress in workplace safety.
3. Icon: A seasoned professional who has achieved iconic status due to their enduring influence, excellence, and significant contributions to the industry.

Full entry requirements for the 2025 Champions of Safety Awards can be found at Workplace Health & Safety Show.

“Nominees are evaluated on several criteria, including their career achievements, leadership in safety, impact, commitment to professional growth, and the innovative approaches they bring to their work,” adds Stephen.

Elite Judging Panel

The awards will be judged by an esteemed panel of experienced OHS specialists, bringing their expertise to assess the nominees. “We are grateful to have such accomplished industry leaders on board,” comments Stephen.

The 2025 judging panel includes:

• Carli Phillips, CEO, Corporate Wellbeing Hub
• Natalie Flatt, Chief Mental Health Officer, Super Friend & Co-founder, Connect Psych Services
• Amanda Anderson, Global Mental Health Project Lead, L’OCCITANE Group
• Stephen Hanman, Chair & Board Member, Safe Care Culture
• Mark Alston, Facilitator and Host, Investigations Differently.

With the submission deadline fast approaching, Stephen encourages Australian professionals to submit their nominations. “This is a chance to celebrate the individuals who are making a real difference in creating safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces across Australia,” he concludes.

Last year’s winners included:

• Rising Star: Tina Wieczorek, CEO of Scaffolding, Access, and Rigging NZ Inc
• Pioneer: Damien Hence, CICA Road Policy Advisor, The Crane Industry Council of Australia
• Icon: David Solomon, Executive Officer Safety, Housing and Risk, Master Builders Association of NSW

The Workplace Health & Safety Show will take place on 21-22 May 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information about the event, visit Workplace Health & Safety Show.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.