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Professionals across Australia’s defence and national security sector are encouraged to act fast, with nominations for the 2026 Defence & National Security Workforce Awards closing on 30 January 2026.
The black-tie event will be held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Thursday, 23 April, kicking off with a welcome reception at 6:30pm and the official proceedings from 7:00pm AEST, bringing together industry leaders, emerging talent, and senior defence figures from across the nation.
Steve Kuper, defence and aerospace lead at Momentum Markets, said: “Across defence and national security, our people are our most critical capability, and these awards exist to recognise the individuals and teams delivering real impact every day.
“With nominations closing on 30 January 2026, I’d strongly encourage organisations to put forward their rising stars and showcase the talent driving Australia’s security workforce.”
The awards offer businesses and organisations a unique opportunity to showcase their rising stars, celebrate innovative workforce initiatives, and demonstrate why they are employers of choice in Australia’s strategic defence and national security sector.
Categories cover a wide range of disciplines, including technical, operations and communications specialists under 35, as well as leading reserve support, training and workforce development programs.
Kuper said: “The Defence & National Security Workforce Awards is a powerful way for organisations to highlight their culture, innovation and commitment to developing people.”
With sovereignty increasingly shaped by control over critical systems, data, and specialised skills, the awards highlight the essential role people play in national security.
They recognise that workforce capability, from cyber, intelligence, and space to sustainment and advanced manufacturing, is as vital to Australia’s strategic resilience as any platform or hardware.
Open to all businesses operating within the Australian defence and national security supply chain, the awards provide not just recognition but a national platform to strengthen an organisation’s employer brand, showcase excellence, and gain visibility in one of the country’s most strategically significant industries.
With nominations closing soon, businesses and organisations are encouraged to submit their entries now to avoid missing out on this opportunity for national recognition.
Kuper said: “These awards celebrate the people building Australia’s future defence capability, and with nominations closing on 30 January 2026, now is the time to ensure their achievements don’t go unrecognised.”
The Defence & National Security Workforce Awards 2026 promises to spotlight the individuals and teams driving innovation and ensuring Australia has the talent and expertise to meet the challenges of a complex security environment.
Nominations close on 30 January 2026, and this is a rare opportunity to gain national recognition as an employer of choice in one of Australia’s most strategic sectors. For nominations and further details, visit: Defence & National Security Workforce Awards 2026.
