2026 WA Energy Awards Gala Dinner
Join us for a memorable evening as we wine, dine and celebrate the people behind Western Australia’s energy sector. Brought to you by the Australian Institute of Energy Perth and the City of Perth, this is our tenth year of celebrating excellence.
Venue Details:
Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park
Address: 60 Fraser Ave, West Perth, WA 6005
Date: Thursday 10 September 2026
Pre-drinks and canapés: 6pm and Dinner: 8pm
This year's categories are:
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Energy Professional of the Year
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Energy Innovation of the Year
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Young Energy Leader of the Year
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Emerging Star of the Year
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Energy
- Energy Stewardship & Legacy Award - Inaugural Award
Nominations for the 2026 WA Energy Awards close on Monday 27 July 2026 at 11:59pm (AWST). For enquiries, please contact Cleta Blakiston at registrationswa@aie.org.au.
Proudly sponsored by

The City of Perth is very proud to sponsor this year’s WA Energy Awards Dinner highlighting outstanding performance across the state and reinforcing Perth as global leader across the energy sector.
🏆 2025 Awards Winners Announced
Check them out below!
🎉 Huge congratulations to all our 2025 finalists and award recipients!
Winners
Brought to you by the Perth Branch of the Australian Institute of Energy and the City of Perth, supported by Women in Energy and Young Energy Professionals.
Energy Professional 2025
Ben Vanderwaal
Energy Innovation 2025
Horizon Power:
Life Support and Outage Management
Young Energy Leader 2025
Thomas Friberg
Emerging Star 2025
Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 2025
Ana Farla
Keep your eyes peeled for when 2026 nomination open — Submit your 2026 nomination here!
Energy Innovation of the Year (Organisation 👥)
Eligibility
An organisation must:
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Self-nominate or be nominated by peers with permission from the nominee.
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Be an organisation in the Western Australian energy sector.
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Must not be a previous winner, however companies with a new innovation can reapply – previous nominees are welcome to reapply if their project is still current and relevant.
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Meet one or more of the selection criteria outlined below.
Selection criteria
The organisation demonstrates that:
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It is developing innovative technologies or business models to address a need or problem in the energy sector.
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That the innovation has advantages over the status quo.
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That the innovation is (or has the potential to be) commercially viable.
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It is investigating the potential for a new market or industry.
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The products or services provide long-term environmental or social benefits.
- The organisation's actions inspire future innovation and innovators.
Energy Professional of the Year (Individual 👤)
Eligibility
A candidate must:
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Self-nominate or be nominated by peers with permission from the nominee.
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Work in the Western Australian energy sector.
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Must have significant experience and meaningful contribution in the WA energy sector.
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Must not be a previous winner – previous nominees are welcome to reapply.
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Meet one or more of the selection criteria outlined below.
Selection criteria
The candidate demonstrates leadership in the energy sector by:
- Exhibiting enthusiasm for the sector and a willingness to inspire and influence others.
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Promoting awareness of energy issues or developments relevant to the sector.
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Actively questioning assumptions or beliefs and encouraging innovation.
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Assisting in advancing the WA energy sector through achievement(s) in projects or research.
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Demonstrating originality, innovation, or entrepreneurship.
Energy Stewardship & Legacy Award - Inaugural Award
Eligibility
A candidate must:
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Self-nominate or be nominated by peers with permission from the nominee.
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Be an organisation in the Western Australian energy sector.
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Meet one or more of the selection criteria outlined below.
Selection criteria
The organisation demonstrates that it or its project meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Strong and sustained SLO through meaningful, transparent and ongoing community engagement that reflects community input and supports trusted, enduring stakeholder relationships
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Effective partnerships with local communities and landowners, including where relevant with government or other organisations, to co-design outcomes and create shared value.
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Measurable social, cultural, environmental or economic benefits for host communities.
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Environmental stewardship practices that restore or enhance local environments beyond baseline levels.
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Community engagement, responsibility and legacy outcomes are embedded into core planning, delivery and operational decision-making.
- Long-term thinking that ensures positive outcomes extends beyond operations and life of the asset.
Young Energy Leader of the Year
(35 and under) (Individual 👤)
Eligibility
A candidate must:
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Self-nominate or be nominated by peers with permission from the nominee.
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Work in the Western Australian energy sector.
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Must be 35 years old or younger.
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Must not be a previous winner – previous nominees are welcome to reapply.
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Meet one or more of the selection criteria outlined below.
Selection criteria
The candidate demonstrates leadership in the energy sector by:
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Exhibiting enthusiasm for the sector, with the ability to inspire and positively influence others.
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Promoting awareness of key energy issues and developments and/or contributing to an informed conversation within or external to the energy sector.
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Engaging in the advocacy and promotion of young energy professionals and supporting the next generation of leaders.
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Contributing to the advancement of the WA energy sector through impactful achievements in projects, research or innovation.
Guidance for your nomination
Please note these important details which will help strengthen your nomination:
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When addressing the selection criteria, focus on accomplishments from the past year, supported by strong examples from the last five years.
- To recognise authentic impact, we ask all nominees to list two referees who can speak to their contributions. Referees will only be contacted if needed, but they will help ensure a fair and credible selection process.
Emerging Star of the Year
(Organisation 👥)
Eligibility
An organisation must:
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Self-nominate or be nominated by peers with permission from the nominee.
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Be an operating small business or a service provider in the energy industry based in Western Australia.
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Be a small business or a service provider with less than 50 employees (including contractors).
- Must not be a previous winner, however companies with a new innovation can reapply – previous nominees are welcome to reapply if their project is still current and relevant.
- Meet one or more of the selection criteria outlined below.
Selection criteria
The organisation must demonstrate that the activity or idea meets one or more of the following:
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Has advantages over current technology or business practices.
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Has the potential to be commercially viable.
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Provides meaningful community benefits.
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Will inspire further innovations or concept development.
Nominees may provide any additional details in support of their submission.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Energy
(Individual 👤)
Eligibility
A candidate must:
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Self-nominate or be nominated by peers with permission from the nominee.
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Work in the Western Australian energy sector.
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Must not be a previous winner – previous nominees are welcome to reapply.
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Meet one or more of the selection criteria outlined below.
Selection criteria
The candidate demonstrates leadership in the energy sector by:
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Making a measurable and meaningful impact in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the WA energy industry.
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Initiating, advocating for, mentoring or inspiring DEI efforts.
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Implementing inclusive practices that support diverse backgrounds and communities, resulting in sustainable, lasting change.
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Committing to continuous learning and actively sharing DEI knowledge with others.
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