The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs has announced the finalists for the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards.
Now in their ninth year, the Awards recognise the achievements of veteran and partner employees and entrepreneurs. They also acknowledge the employers, organisations and initiatives helping veterans and partners build successful careers after service and demonstrating the value veteran talent brings to Australian workplaces.
For the first time, the Awards are being delivered by the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, reflecting the Agency’s focus on supporting veterans and families of veterans to thrive beyond service. This aligns strongly with this year's theme, Success beyond Service.
2026 finalists include veterans and partners who are excelling in new roles, businesses and industries. The achievements demonstrate how the skills developed through military service including leadership, resilience, teamwork and adaptability, can translate into success beyond ADF service and deliver lasting benefits to workplaces and communities across Australia. Employers and organisations that create inclusive workplaces by recognising valuing and supporting veteran talent are also on the list. View the full list of finalists below:
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2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards finalists |
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| Category | Finalists |
| Veteran Employee of the Year |
Michelle Hogan, Core Defence Australia Nick Marcovich, Conscia Retired Colonel Lindsay Morton AM, Ventia Michael Summers, Australian Trade And Investment Commission |
| Partner Employee of the Year |
Danniella Hastie, Thales Australia Kristy Lewis, Navantia Australia Jacinta Matthews, M2t Solutions |
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Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year |
Allan Dundas, Dewc Services Glenn Keys AO, Aspen Medical Debra Spence, Conrad Distillery |
| Partner Entrepreneur of the Year |
Kylie Bonnor, Major Breakthroughs Christine Gilchrist, Spouse Force Claire Harris, Human Quotient Group |
| Small Employer of the Year |
Buddy Up Australia Core Defence Australia Eolas Solutions |
| Medium Employer of the Year |
C4i Solutions Human Quotient Group M2T Solutions Pty Ltd |
| Large Employer of the Year |
Hancock Iron Ore Thales Australia Ventia |
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Best Regional Veteran Employment Initiative
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Port Macquarie Hastings Council Thales Australia Wounded Heroes Association Inc |
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Best Veteran Employment Commitment Initiative
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Boeing Australia Optus Whizdom Pty Ltd |
| Champion of Veteran Employment |
Solider On Australian War Memorial Mark Bransdon, RSL Lifecare Limited |
Congratulations to all of the finalists of the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards. The winners will be announced later this year at a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Learn more about each finalist at veteransemployment.gov.au/awards
