APOC Awards 2026
Celebrating Courage, Leadership & Cultural Impact

APOC Awards 2026 Nominations

The APOC Awards honour individuals, leaders, and organisations who are shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and representative Australia.

From rising professionals to established trailblazers, from grassroots changemakers to corporate leaders, these awards celebrate those who are not just succeeding but creating impact that uplifts others.

This year, we present six powerful categories, each designed to spotlight a unique dimension of leadership, influence, and contribution.

APOC Awards Nomination Form

About You
About the Nominee
Select Award Category

Celebrating leadership impact and inclusion across Australia
Six powerful categories One unforgettable night Countless stories of courage growth and influence

Rising Star of the Year

The next generation shaping Australias future
Recognising emerging professionals who are already creating impact through leadership initiative and bold ambition

Trailblazer Award

Those who did not follow the path they created it
Honouring established leaders whose work has broken barriers and paved the way for others to rise

Inclusive Workplace of the Year

Where people do not just belong they thrive
Celebrating organisations and teams embedding inclusion into culture systems and everyday practice

Ally of the Year

Using influence to create space for others
Recognising individuals who actively advocate support and uplift multicultural voices in meaningful ways

Community Impact Award

Creating change where it matters most
Honouring individuals or initiatives driving real measurable impact within multicultural communities

APOC Impact Award

The one who defined impact this year
The highest honour recognising a standout individual or initiative whose impact has been truly exceptional

Core Questions

Describe the impact created by the nominee
Include specific examples outcomes or measurable results where possible
Word guide: 150 to 250 words

How has the nominee influenced others beyond their immediate role
Provide examples of leadership mentorship advocacy or broader contribution
Word guide: 100 to 200 words

What motivates the nominee and drives their work
How do they intentionally contribute to inclusion growth or long term impact
Word guide: 100 to 200 words

Supporting Information
Short Summary

This will be used for:
• Website
• Social media
• Event slides

Consent and Declaration

Save the Date 29th August

Awards category

Rising Star of the Year

The next generation shaping Australia’s future
Recognising emerging professionals who are already creating impact through leadership, initiative, and bold ambition.

Trailblazer Award

Those who didn’t follow the path they created it
Honouring established leaders whose work has broken barriers and paved the way for others to rise.

Inclusive Workplace of the Year

Where people don’t just belong they thrive
Celebrating organisations and teams embedding inclusion into culture, systems, and everyday practice.

Ally of the Year

Using influence to create space for others
Recognising individuals who actively advocate, support, and uplift multicultural voices in meaningful ways.

Community Impact Award

Creating change where it matters most
Honouring individuals or initiatives driving real, measurable impact within multicultural communities.

APOC Impact Award

The one who defined impact this year
The highest honour, recognising a standout individual or initiative whose impact has been truly exceptional.