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About the awards

Recognising the defence and national security workforce

The Defence & National Security Workforce Awards program gives businesses in this sector 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.

The awards program recognises up-and-comers and initiatives from across the industry, from the best technical, operations, and communications specialists under 35 to the nation’s leading reserve support and training development programs.

The awards are open to all businesses operating in Australia’s defence and national security supply chain, so don’t miss your chance to win one of these coveted awards and reap the benefits of a prestigious accolade.

Take the first step to national recognition and submit your nomination for the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards 2026.

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Event Date:Thursday, 23 April 2026
Venue:Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Welcome reception:6:30pm AEST
Official start:7:00pm
Civilians:Black tie
Military:Mess dress

Why enter the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards 2026?

Gain national recognition and elevate yourself or your business in front of leading names in the Australian defence and national security sector.

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STAND OUT IN A COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE

The awards program will recognise the top-performing up-and-comers in the defence and national security sector, including technical specialists, project managers, and communications specialists under 35. Submit your application today to be recognised in front of industry leaders.
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HIGHLIGHT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN DELIVERING HIGH-LEVEL NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS

Shine a spotlight on your organisation’s workforce initiatives that are transforming the way security professionals operate. With a judging panel including former senior ADF leaders, academics, business executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators, the awards are a peer reviewed opportunity to showcase your organisation’s solutions for Australia’s technological transformation.
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GAIN RECOGNITION FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO STRENGTHENING AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY

Highlight your organisation’s solutions to upskilling and strengthening Australia’s defence and national security workforce. With security solutions essential to Australia’s safety and security, the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards provide an opportunity for your business to showcase how it is energising its workforce and why it is an employer of choice.

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!

Key dates

13 November

Nominations and submissions open

Nominations and submissions closed.

30 January

Submissions close

Please contact Adrian on +61 448 021 996 or email if you have any questions or need help lodging your submission.

3 March

Finalists announced

Make sure you are signed up as a free member to Defence Connect to receive updates.

Become a free member

23 April

Awards ceremony

Don't miss out on the industry's networking event of the year.

Event highlights

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST YEAR'S EVENT