Momentum Media is proud to announce that submissions are now open for the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards 2026 – the premier program recognising excellence across Australia’s defence and national security sectors.
The Defence & National Security Workforce Awards program gives businesses an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of their rising stars, spotlight their innovative workforce programs, and showcase why they are the industry’s employer of choice.
Delivered by Momentum Media’s Defence Connect, and supported by Principal Partner, Atturra, the awards celebrate the individuals and organisations driving innovation, capability, and workforce excellence across Australia’s critical security landscape.
From rising technical specialists and project leaders to the nation’s most forward-thinking workforce initiatives, the program provides an unparalleled platform of recognition for those strengthening Australia’s defence and national security future.
Entries and nominations close at 5:30pm AEDT on Friday, 30 January 2026. Professionals and businesses are encouraged to submit an entry or nominate a deserving colleague or organisation to be in the running for this prestigious accolade.
With workforce solutions and innovation essential to Australia’s safety and resilience, the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards shine a spotlight on those leading the charge — from technical, operations, and communications specialists under 35 to major workforce programs across training, diversity, and support.
This year’s awards feature 20 categories — including nine individual and 11 group categories — designed to reflect the full breadth of achievement across the sector.
Individual categories
Group categories
The awards will culminate in a black-tie gala ceremony on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, bringing together leaders, innovators, and rising stars from across the defence and national security ecosystem.
The Defence & National Security Workforce Awards are judged via a peer-reviewed model, with an independent panel comprising former senior ADF leaders, academics, business executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators – ensuring all entries are assessed to the highest professional standard. Click here to review the methodology.
Finalists will be announced in March 2026, so stay tuned to see who made the list.
The program is open to all businesses operating within Australia’s defence and national security supply chain.
To learn more about the program and how to submit, click here.