2024 Awards for Excellence
The 2024 Awards marked the inaugural VESPIIA Awards for Excellence — a first-of-its-kind celebration recognising the people, programs, and partnerships driving better outcomes for veterans, emergency services, police, and their families.
It was a powerful day of recognition, connection, and sector pride. Congratulations to all our winners, finalists, and nominees. Your work is shaping the future of service support across Australia.
See the full list of 2024 award recipients and a photo gallery from the event below.
2024 WINNERS
Staffer of the Year – Sherry Baxter
Volunteer of the Year – Ian Lingren
Student of the Year – Natalie Merryman
Academic of the Year – Ben Wadham
Strategic Partnership – Buddy Up & Acacia Prison, Incarcerated Veterans Program
Organisation of the Year – WA Centre for Trauma Treatment and Research Pty Ltd
Supplier Team – Hoplite
DEI – Bullroarers RIVERS
Impact through Events – Invictus Australia, Community Sports Day
Transition Program – Fortem Australia, Pathways Planning
Volunteer Program – DRA, Operation Jensen
Social Program – Veterans Gaming Australia, Veterans Social Connection Program
Impact through Creativity – Brothers and Books, Community Libraries