Organisational / Team Awards

• AWARD 5: Australian WHS Team of the Year
• AWARD 6: Best WHS Health & Wellbeing Program
• AWARD 7: Best WHS Learning & Professional Development Program
• AWARD 8A: Best WHS Technology Innovation
• AWARD 8B: Best Technology Deployment & Adoption

Mell Greenall, Before You Dig Australia

Mell is a passionate leader who puts people at the centre of all her decision making. She is committed to creating an environment for her team that allows for solutions that are developed from a place of creativity, open discussion and a genuine belief that we can all make a difference. Her time at BYDA has seen her lead the merger of 6 state based businesses into a single national organisation that has repositioned itself as the national safety partner for safe excavation near utility infrastructure.

John Mawson, E. B. Mawson and Sons Pty Ltd

John Mawson is the Managing Director of a family company that is 112 years old. John began his working life with Mawsons as a Trainee Quarry Manager at Lake Cooper Quarries in 1989,

In December 2007 Mawsons became a 50/50 joint venture between John’s family interests and Adelaide Brighton. John was appointed as Managing Director of Mawsons after the merger. Since then, he has been instrumental in growing the business and its’ people. John is dedicated to running a safe and profitable operation by remaining active in all aspects of the business.

Meredith Staib, Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland (RDFSQ)

Meredith Staib, CEO of Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland (RDFSQ), is a transformative leader elevating health, safety and aviation standards and fostering a safety culture across all organisational levels. Meredith has effectively led integration of WHS into the core operations with strategic planning of RDFSQ, prioritising employee and patient safety and wellbeing. Her leadership has also driven innovative initiatives, improving both physical and psychological health. Through these efforts, RDFSQ delivers exemplary care to over 370,000 patients annually, maintaining its reputation as one of Australia’s most reputable charities.

Prof. Russell Harrison, Western Health

Russell Harrison commenced with Western Health on 26 February 2013 from the UK, where he held a range of senior positions within the National Health Service as well as private Health. His experience spans acute hospitals, mental health, the community sector and commissioning health services.

Russell holds a range of qualifications, including an MBA from Durham University, and a Certificate in International Health Care Management from Yale Business School. Russell has a substantial track record in executive leadership; clinical reform and governance; service innovation and models of care; risk and change management; and, workforce development.

Jason McGarry, The Eureka Group

Two decades, Jason McGarry has cultivated a legacy at The Eureka Group, campaigning the integration of cutting-edge health and safety solutions. Beyond technological advancements, he has championed the empowerment of our people, nurturing a culture centered culture on informed decision-making.

Encouraging the Group to challenge the status quo, Jason has fostered an environment where psychological and physical safety take precedence. By providing boundless resources for the Group to empower our people, he continually elevates our collective well-being. Jason’s visionary leadership not only sculpts Eureka’s landscape but also nurtures a workforce thriving on innovation, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Ross Taylor, Fletcher Building Group Ltd

As CEO, Ross Taylor has led Fletcher Building from 2017, standing down in 2024. Previously, Ross was CEO of international engineering business UGL; CEO of engineering and construction services company Tenix and held senior leadership roles at Lendlease across a 23-year period.

Ross has proven experience leading business turnarounds and improving performance and has direct experience in housing, manufacturing, engineering and construction.
Ross holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Queensland.

Wade DeManiel, CouriersPlease

Wade DeManiel joined CouriersPlease as a compliance officer in 2020. He was quickly promoted to WHS & Quality Advisor and upon completion of a Diploma in Health and Safety in November, was promoted to WHS & Quality Manager. Last year, he was a finalist in the Australian WHS Leader of the Year Awards. Wade continues developing and delivering key safety initiatives, including a new safety management system and Franchise Partner Home Safe Board.

Paul Lyndon, Georgiou Group

Paul champions a philosophy of empathy and empowerment, fostering a culture of safety leadership. His exemplary approach is evident in facilitating trench rescue exercises for Ambulance NSW, mentoring programs like CCF Women in Civil, Georgiou Mentorship, and SafeWorks Mentor for Small Business. He extends his commitment to safety through initiatives like Safety Simple programs, educating rural school children on farm and quadbike safety, and contributing to educating others for the Institute of Civil Infrastructure.

Jamie Mallinder

Jamie Mallinder was Chief Risk Officer at Collar® and a distinguished WHS Leader, celebrated for his innovative, authentic and adaptive approach to workplace safety and mental health. His work has garnered him invitations to speak at national and international forums and webinars, and recognition through multiple awards including the 2024 LiFE Awards for excellence in suicide prevention (Best Practice in Workplace), 2023 Leadership in WHS Award and 2024 LiFE Awards. His articles and curated content reach thousands, influencing WHS practices across industries. Jamie is also an R U OK? ambassador and volunteer.

Matthew McBean, Machinemonitor Pty Ltd

Machinemonitor® is a small Australian Company celebrating 25 years and is lucky enough to service some of Australia’s blue chip Power Generation and Mining Companies, that expect the highest level of safety for people and plant. Group QHSE and Compliance Manager - Matthew McBean is tasked with this role. Matthew can be described as the quiet achiever who will only accept complete compliance and ensures his team members have all the tools to achieve positive outcomes. Trusted and respected to lead all employees in creating a safe work environment.

Denise Mercer, National Territory Education Union (NTEU)

Denise’s broad 25-year career includes being an Ambulance Officer, Prison Officer, AFP Officer, and a decade in the Union movement, more recently in Universities across Australia. Denise has been instrumental in identifying a plethora of workplace issues and using well-honed skills to support people dealing with a wide range of psychosocial and physical hazards. She has a strong sense of social justice, holds a Diploma in WHS and currently studying a Degree in WHS.

William Newell, Northern Territory Government

William has significantly raised safety standards within the Northern Territory Government, leading to substantial and measurable improvements. By implementing risk management and investigation frameworks in key departments like Attorney-General and Justice and the Department of Health, he has effectively reduced workplace hazards. These initiatives not only decreased injuries and near-misses—vital indicators of potential accidents—but also fostered a proactive safety approach. Additionally, these changes have improved employee well-being and reduced absenteeism, enhancing productivity and professionalism in security and safety operations, thus broadly improving workplace culture and efficiency

Stuart Rawlins, Autopact

Hired by Autopact at the end of 2022 as Executive Head of WHS to take company on a safety journey to the next level of being a company with a high-performing safety culture.

Ann Redfern, Fulton Hogan Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd

Ann is a two-decade HSQE professional in Fulton Hogan’s most senior H&S role. She drives safety culture and risk mitigation across a range of risk environments for a 4,500 strong workforce. Passionate about building H&S capability, Ann has spearheaded the introduction of three game-changing initiatives to save lives and prevent injuries at Fulton Hogan and these are now being amplified across the wider sector due to the proven success.

John Sharp-Collett, Skilltech (part of Downer Group)

John Sharp-Collett joined the Skilltech metering business in a period of turmoil following a dog-related fatality in late 2022. John’s passion for continuous improvement and ongoing commitment to changing the safety culture of the Skilltech metering business has led a group with a struggling safety record and unfocused safety culture into a business with an Operational drive toward Zero Harm in collaboration with clients and employees.

Preston Chambers, Fulton Hogan Australia Pty Ltd

Preston Chambers joined Fulton Hogan as Graduate Safety Coordinator in April 2022, and demonstrated his talent, collaborative nature, and enthusiasm from day one. His positive impact has seen him promoted to the role of Safety Coordinator in mid-2023 and then the integral role of Safety Advisor in January 2024 for the $850m Coomera Connector Stage 1 (Central) Project team. Here he overhauled the pre-start process and introduced successful digital tools for an initially sceptical workforce.

Kristine Cotter, Synergy Safety Solutions

Kristine Cotter is an experienced Occupational Health and Safety Professional with a background in the construction, mining, and government sectors. Her knowledge has driven change on every site she has worked on. She has conducted comprehensive risk assessments at all levels, conducted audits, and developed Safety, Health, and Management Systems (SHMS). Kristine is also passionate about staff training, coaching, and mentoring and believes in empowering individuals to take ownership of their safety and well-being.

David Latimore, BGIS

David is an imbedded Health, Safety, Sustainability and Environmental Manager on our BP Retail Australia Facilities Management account. David has been a key safety professional within BGIS P/L for over 12 years, with extensive experience in the Oil & Gas Industry. With David’s guidance, the BP account have shown continuous improvement in the Health, Safety and Environment space both in relation to our own imbedded trade workforce as well as our external vendors working on behalf of BGIS.

Ash Presser, Aquatic Risk Services Australia

Ashley Presser has been nominated to recognise his commitment in firstly establishing safety systems in the unregulated surf park industry to founding Aquatic Risk Services Australia. Ash provides specialised support to high-risk sectors. He’s drive extends to growth in participating in the AIHS Victorian Branch and Standards Australia as a Technical Committee Member for Amusement and Devices. Ash pursued further studies Masters (OHS) sharing his work and research internationally promoting safety in high risk industries.

Jayson Withers, Georgiou Group

Jayson’s dedication to achieving proactive safety outcomes both within and outside the construction industry is truly commendable as an emerging leader. As a WHS Advisor, he demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting safety awareness and best practices, not only within his immediate work environment but also in broader contexts.

Winning the CCF Safety Officer of the Year award in 2023 is a testament to Jayson’s exceptional contributions to safety leadership and management. This recognition highlights his effectiveness in driving positive safety outcomes and fostering a culture of safety excellence within the construction sector as a safety leader.

Kerry-Anne Jones, Banana Shire Council

Kerry-Anne Jones exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional Health and Safety Representative. Her outstanding contributions not only enhance the wellbeing of employees but also elevate the safety standards of Banana Shire Council. It is with great pleasure that we nominate her for the Health & Safety Representative of the Year Award.

Karina Marshall, NTG, AGD, NT Correctional Services

Ms. Karina Marshall has demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) at the Northern Territory Correctional Services. Her robust contributions in roles ranging from project involvement to union representation make her an outstanding candidate for The Australian HSR of the Year Award.

Robert Nankivell, BHP Newman Operations

A local resident in the Pilbara W.A. Living in Newman with his Family. Robert is a passionate HSR & mentor to upcoming HSR’s. Also enjoys sharing skills & knowledge with others. Attends Safety meetings ( even on days off) has a great understanding of the WHS regulations & act.

HSR Of the year finalist Worksafe WA workplace excellence awards 2022/23. Also in March 2024 was invited to be a guest speaker at the Western Australian law congress, with a case study implementing WHS Law standards in practice.

Tim Seiuli, Primary Connect, Melbourne Liquor Distribution Centre

Tim has been a HSR for Primary Connect on site at Melbourne Liquor Distribution Centre for approximately 10 years. Over the course of the past year Tim has successfully completed a Certificate IV in OHS outside of working hours. Tim has been involved with multiple Risk Assessments & Work instruction reviews, consultation with the regulator and ensuring at all times as a HSR that the work environment is safe for all employees through good safety practices.

Arup HSEQ Functional Transformation, Arup Pty Limited

Arup established a presence in Australasia over 50 years ago when entrusted with the structural design of the Sydney Opera House. Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of more than 18,000 designers, advisors and experts working across 140 countries. Founded to strive for humanity and excellence in everything that we do, we collaborate with our clients and partners, using imagination, technology and rigour to shape a better world.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Strategy and Systems Team, Brisbane Catholic Education

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is a learning community including Catholic schools and the staff of the Brisbane Catholic Education Office. With over 140 schools, BCE provides quality teaching and learning outcomes for Prep - Year 12 students.

BCE schools are shaping lives, nurturing individuals and encouraging each student to realise their full potential. Through its partnerships with parents, governments and the community, it is providing social responsibility, self-discipline and Christian values for all its students.

Enabling Work Program, Gamuda

Gamuda is a global leader in engineering, property, and infrastructure, renowned for delivering cutting-edge projects across nine countries with over 4,500 skilled professionals. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our innovative solutions, our unwavering dedication to safety, and our sustainable practices which are shaping the future of infrastructure worldwide.

World Class Facility, World Class Safety, National Arboretum Canberra and UC Stromlo Forest Park

The National Arboretum Canberra encompasses 240 hectares, housing 44,000 rare and Symbolic trees, 18 gardens, 100 forests, 22 kilometers of walking trails, and 240 friends of the Arboretum. Conversely, UC Stromlo Forest Park spans 340 hectares and boasts 47.6 kilometers of walking trails, 23 kilometers of mountain biking trails, a 2.6-kilometer cross-country running track, a 4.3-kilometer criterium track, and a world-class freestyle BMX track.

Fostering a psychologically healthy and safe workplace, The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network (BHFLHN)

Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network (BHFLHN) delivers health services to peri-urban, rural and remote communities. We deliver a range of in-hospital, aged care, community, disability, and mental health services through public hospitals and other health and aged care service.

We oversee country-wide mental health services through the Rural and Remote Mental Health Service. BHFLHN services 12% of South Australia’s total population, and 40% of the state’s rural population.

Early Injury Intervention Program, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE)

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is a learning community including Catholic schools and the staff of the Brisbane Catholic Education Office. With over 140 schools, BCE provides quality teaching and learning outcomes for Prep - Year 12 students.

BCE schools are shaping lives, nurturing individuals and encouraging each student to realise their full potential. Through its partnerships with parents, governments and the community, it is providing social responsibility, self-discipline and Christian values for all its students.

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program, supported through Viva Healthier and Happier, Bupa APAC

Bupa is a health and care company committed to helping our customers live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We offer a broad range of services, including aged care and retirement, dental, optical, medical visa and Australian Defence Force services, healthcare centres, health insurance, and community wellbeing initiatives, to improve the health of all Australians.

iCare Health and Wellbeing Program at Port Phillip Prison, Port Phillip Prison, operated by G4S

Port Phillip Prison (PPP) is Victoria’s largest maximum security prison. Operated by G4S under a contract with the State of Victoria since opening in 1997, the facility houses up to 1,000 male prisoners, and directly employs 650 staff, with an additional 200 partner staff providing medical care, education and maintenance services.

Risk Management Teams - Everyone Onboard for Worker Health and Wellbeing, Tasmanian Bakeries

Tasmanian Bakeries is the home of National Pies, an iconic brand, owned and managed by the Gough family in Tasmania since 1942.

Occupying the same site in central Hobart for over 80 years, we have 126 employees, a modernised bakery, product development facility, logistics, warehouse, and retail outlet. We are a vertically integrated business and rely heavily on our hands-on workforce to bring their many specialist skills to work every day.

Project WERC: Workplace Engagement Respect and Care, Woolworths Group in partnership with University of South Australia (UniSA) and University of Queensland (UQ)

Our partnership unites Australia’s largest retailer with two pioneering universities to deliver an evidence-based program to prevent bullying and build a healthy workplace culture. Woolworths Group is committed to providing a safe and engaging place to work for their 190,000+ staff. University of South Australia, who leads Australia in research impact and engagement, and University of Queensland, top-ranked in the inaugural Australian ‘Best Universities Ranking,’ strive to solve challenging and complex real-world problems through research.

True North Behavioural-Based Safety Program, BGC Australia

BGC Australia is a leading construction, building products & materials company headquartered in Perth, WA. We’re Building the future for more Australians, working better together with customers and communities to provide high-quality, innovative and sustainable solutions that ensure lasting value. BGC is focused on creating a safe and high performing organisation that is grounded by The BGC Way values of accountability, speaking up, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Safety Ambassador Program, BGIS

BGIS is a leading provider of facility management services, project delivery services, energy and sustainability solutions, real estate and trades services. In Australia we have approx 2000 team members. We manage over 50,000 client locations totalling more than 50 million square metres in a portfolio of corporate offices, retail, universities, schools, hospitals, venues & stadiums, institutions, bases, remote townships, warehouses, industrial assets and data centres.

Empowering Safe & Healthy Teams, BlueScope

BlueScope is a global leader in metal coating and painting products for building and construction industries, providing vital components for houses, buildings, structures, vehicles and more.

Headquartered in Australia, with our people and operations spread across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and throughout Asia.

SMART Manual Handling - Leadership Engagement, EMP Onsite

EMP Onsite specialise in the provision of bespoke injury prevention and injury management services that positively impact the productivity, risk and wellbeing pillars of our client organisations.

Improving Health & Safety Outcomes through Multi-faceted Training, North East Link Program (NELP)

Major Road Projects Victoria is part of Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Agency and charged with delivering the West Gate Tunnel Project and the North East Link Program, along with a host of freeway and arterial road upgrades across the State.

For the purpose of this submission, we will focus on the North East Link, which was a stand-alone project office prior to merging with MRPV in late 2023.

Shiplift Wire Rope Change Skid, Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd

Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd (ANI) is a nation-building commitment by the Government of Australia and sees the establishment of state-of-the-art infrastructure at the Osborne Naval Shipyard for the domestic manufacture of world-class naval vessels.

ANI’s Operations team maintain the vessel launch and recovery shiplift, vessel transfer systems and other shipyard Common User Infrastructure utilised for vessel construction activities.

BeamSafe Thermographic Monitoring System for Lithium-Ion Battery Charging Racks, Beam Mobility

Beam is the largest provider of micromobility services in Australia and New Zealand. Beam is the only provider to operate in every state and territory in Australia and across both islands of New Zealand. With more than 14,000 vehicles operating in more than 35 Australian and New Zealand cities and towns, Beam demonstrates a commitment to safety and compliance. Beam holds the best safety record of any provider with < 1 incident per 100,000 trips.

Critical Risk Lookahead – Digital Concierge for Leaders in Identifying and Attending Critical Risk Works, Downer Group

Downer designs, builds and sustains assets, infrastructure and facilities and is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. We are the Social Infrastructure and Citizen Services Business Unit, with 13,000 team members providing facilities management services across the health, education, private sector, defence and government sectors.

Australia Forklift and Pedestrian Segregation, Mars Confectionary Australia

For more than five generations, Mars has evolved to create products and services that people (and their pets) love. Mars is, and always has been, a principles-led business. While we are proud of our past, we have our sights on the future. Mars is, and always has been, a principles-led business and believe that the world we want tomorrow, starts with how we do business today.

Eliminating Live Work (ELW) using the SafeTest Tachometer & MultiTool Pro, SafeGauge

SafeGauge specialises in innovative safety solutions, particularly in the mining sector. Established in 2019, we have become a trusted provider of cutting-edge technology, ensuring precision and reliability when conducting routine heavy vehicle maintenance. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability, SafeGauge offers a range of products tailored to various heavy industries. Through continuous research and development, we strive to stay ahead of industry standards, delivering state-of-the-art solutions to enhance workplace safety and productivity.

Portable Local Extraction Ventilation (pLEVTM), Synergetics Consulting Engineers

Established in 2000, Synergetics has been providing engineering issues with answers. Our team develops and optimizes strategy, design, and process solutions using cutting-edge computer modelling techniques and decades of expertise. At Synergetics we combine technical skills with extensive industrial experience, enabling clients to achieve their environmental and occupational health obligations, and reduce energy consumption, waste, and emissions. Our expertise spans mining, industrial, civil, environmental, and wind engineering sectors, ensuring tailored solutions for diverse challenges.

Lookupandlive.com app - Powerline Safety Planning Applications, Energy Queensland

Energy Queensland is a group of electricity distribution, retail and energy services businesses. As a government owned corporation, delivers electricity across Queensland through our ’poles and wires’ businesses Energex and Ergon Energy Network.

Energy Queensland builds and maintains a powerline network of over 1.7 million power poles and over 220,000KM’s of overhead and underground powerlines across Queensland, with to 2.25 million customers connected across Queensland and sells electricity to 738,000 retail customers.

Extended Reality (XR) Training Aids - Electrical Installation Fault Finding and Compliance Testing (Domestic), Energy Queensland

Energy Queensland (EQL) is Australia’s largest, wholly government-owned electricity company. EQL services customers and communities through its distribution businesses Energex and Ergon Energy Network.

The Technical Training & Apprentice (TT&A) department of EQL, is responsible for the safe delivery of electrical training to7500 employees, 420 of which are electrical apprentices.

Adoption of Blindsight AI system in a Feedlot environment, Mort & Co

With over 25 years of lot feeding experience, Mort & Co has evolved from a humble grainfed beef producer to major agricultural supplier and leading Australian exporter. Innovative by nature, the business continues to grow, servicing global markets and proudly employing over 300 dedicated team members.

Violence and Aggression Virtual Reality Training, Woolworths Group

Woolworths Group is Australia’s largest retailer, employing 190,000+ team across our stores, distribution centres and support offices providing our customers with exceptional service, products and price. Our people are at the heart of our business and together, we are committed to ensuring Woolworths Group is a great place to work.