VESPIIA Awards for Excellence
Awards for
Excellence
2026
Recognising best practice, strong outcomes, and outstanding contribution across the veterans, emergency services, and police support sector.
Nominations closed
Awards Evening — Thursday 3 September 2026
Winners announced live — watch the stream
VESPIIA Awards for Excellence 2026
2026 Nominees
01
Volunteer of the Year
Kelliegh Jackson
Advocates Online
Advocates Online
Sally Anne Ward
Resolute Ready
Resolute Ready
Di Ryder OAM
Indigenous veteran and elder
Indigenous veteran and elder
Peter Heeney
Korean Armistice Service
Korean Armistice Service
Kim Doherty RFD
Invictus Australia / Legacy WA
Invictus Australia / Legacy WA
02
Staffer of the Year
Wesley Woulleman
APOD
APOD
Susan Hannigan
Resolute Ready
Resolute Ready
Ailsa Smidt
Advocates Online
Advocates Online
Brendan Crilly
RSL WA
RSL WA
03
Academic of the Year
A/Prof Miranda Van Hooff
Gallipoli Medical Research
Gallipoli Medical Research
A/Prof Myles Murphy
University of Notre Dame Australia
University of Notre Dame Australia
Peter Romanis
Detective Sergeant, Victoria Police / University of Tasmania
Detective Sergeant, Victoria Police / University of Tasmania
04
Service Chaplain of the Year
Steve Wickham
DFES
DFES
Kim Kuchel
RSL WA
RSL WA
05
Organisation of the Year
Advocates Online
APOD
Human Quotient Group
Defence Kidz
Buddy Up Australia
06
Supplier of the Year
Jones-Hope Legal and Advisory
Australian Warfighters Coffee
AVAC Services
07
Best Strategic Partnership
Keytech Intelligence × Macquarie Technology Group
Babcock × MESHA
MESHA × Veterans SA
Defence Kidz × SA Corrections / DVA / Courts Administration Authority
08
Transition Program of the Year
PTSD Resurrected
Reboot Trauma Recovery Course
Reboot Trauma Recovery Course
Human Quotient Group
Cowork Coplay Program
Cowork Coplay Program
Power Community Limited
Port Adelaide FC ADF Veterans Program
Port Adelaide FC ADF Veterans Program
09
Social Program of the Year
Resolute Ready
Virtual Hub & Digital Education Backpack
Virtual Hub & Digital Education Backpack
RAAFA
Sir Valston Hancock House
Sir Valston Hancock House
Veterans SA
SAVEN
SAVEN
Defence Kidz & SA Correctional Services
SA Veteran Court collaboration
SA Veteran Court collaboration
10
Impact on a Shoestring
Defence Innovators' Morning Muster
WA Indigenous Commemorative Service
11
Impact Through Events
Advocates Online & Eyes Front
Walk of the Unknown Veteran
Walk of the Unknown Veteran
Defence Innovators' Morning Muster
Defence Industry Networking
12
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program of the Year
Advocates Online
Different Gifts, Shared Purpose
Different Gifts, Shared Purpose
Defence Kidz & SA Correctional Services
SA Veterans Court pilot
SA Veterans Court pilot