Media Release: Minister Keogh - Finalists announced for 2026 Prime Minister's National Veteran Employment Awards
Department of Veterans' Affairs
OFFICIAL
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
21 September 2026
finalists announced for 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards
The 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards will highlight how the skills and experience veterans glean in Defence service can lead to future success in civilian employment.
Now in their ninth year, the Awards embrace the theme ‘Success Beyond Service’, recognising veterans and partners who are thriving in civilian careers, as well as the employers championing the unique skills and experience they bring to Australian workplaces.
This year’s Awards will be delivered by the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, demonstrating how the Agency is already supporting veterans and families of veterans to thrive beyond service.
The Agency is working to make the veteran wellbeing system easier to navigate and is focused on early support for those transitioning from the Australian Defence Force.
The 2026 winners will be announced later this year at the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.
Congratulations to all finalists, for showing how success beyond service can create opportunity, strengthen workplaces and make a lasting contribution to communities across Australia.
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Best Regional Veteran Employment Initiative
|
Port Macquarie Hastings Council Thales Australia Wounded Heroes Association Inc |
|
Best Veteran Employment Commitment Initiative
|
Boeing Australia Optus Whizdom Pty Ltd |
|
Champion of Veteran Employment |
Australian War Memorial Mark Bransdon, RSL Lifecare Limited Solider On |
Winner – 2025 Champion of Veteran Employment – RSL Queensland - Quotes attributed to State President, Major General Stephen Day DSC AM:
“Firstly, I extend my best wishes to all nominees in this year’s Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards.
These awards are an important opportunity to recognise and amplify the significant contribution veterans make to workplaces across Australia, and the skills, leadership and perspective they bring after serving our nation.
Veterans are a diverse, capable and highly skilled cohort of Australians whose experience in Defence enables them to add real value to employers, communities and the country.”
For more information about the Awards, please visit the Veteran Employment Program website https://www.veteransemployment.gov.au/awards
MEDIA CONTACT:
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