2026 Internal Talent Awards finalists announced

The finalists for the 2026 Internal Talent Awards (ITAs) have officially been announced, recognising the individuals, teams and organisations setting the benchmark for excellence in talent acquisition across Australia and New Zealand.

This year's finalists showcase the very best of our profession – from innovative recruitment strategies and outstanding candidate experiences to exceptional leadership, employer branding and the smart use of recruitment technology. With organisations ranging from global enterprises to purpose-driven not-for-profits, the 2026 shortlist reflects the depth of talent and innovation shaping our industry.

Congratulations to everyone who has been named a finalist. We look forward to celebrating with the TA community at the 2026 ITAs Gala on Thursday 3 September at Melbourne's iconic Plaza Ballroom, where this year's winners will be revealed.

See the full list of finalists below.

Meet the #ITAs2026 Finalists

Enterprise Talent Team of the Year (Sponsored by Smart Recruiters)

Consolidated Power Projects
Ampol
Deloitte
VetPartners
Culture Amp
Marsh

Corporate Talent Team of the Year (Sponsored by SDP Solutions)

Movember
Melba Support Services
Centorrino Technologies
MACSEYE
InstantScripts
Each

Enterprise Talent Leader of the Year (Sponsored by TQ Solutions)

Kylie Jurukov – Optus
Emma Cassidy – Ampol
Patrick Viknyansky – Culture Amp
Andy Cross – WSP
Jamie Holder – MUFG Pension & Market Services
Benjamin Whitfield – Marsh

Corporate Talent Leader of the Year (Sponsored by Oncore)

Natasha Brent – JJ's Waste & Recycling
Stacey Fletcher – Metso Australia
Kristy Glew – Each
Edan Haddock – Movember

Enterprise Talent Professional of the Year (Sponsored by Avature)

Stefan Welack – Xplor Technologies
Brooke Baker – Sportsbet
Annalise Neal – Culture Amp
Ben Livingstone – Australia Post
Danielle Ravese – Swinburne Institute of Technology

Corporate Talent Professional of the Year

Sean Perera – Movember
Holly Rees – Bureau Veritas
Natalie Badaway – Andromeda Robotics
Kiyo Ichijo – Movember
Paul Jenkins – Everest Engineering
Fiona Davidson – Metso Australia

Excellence in Innovation (Sponsored by WorkPro)

Probe CX
Culture Amp
Lendlease
Delaware North
Movember
ASB Bank New Zealand

Excellence in Candidate Experience (Sponsored by Havas People)

Culture Amp
Movember
Each
Transgrid
Deloitte
Bunnings

Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Sponsored by Workday)

AGL
Australia Post
hipages Group
Trade Me NZ
V/Line
Infosys

Excellence in Employer Branding (Sponsored by VideoMy)

V/Line
Bupa
Coles Group
VetPartners
AnglicareSA
Story House Early Learning

Excellence in Onboarding (Sponsored by Enboarder)

Infinite Aged Care
V/Line
Babcock Australasia
Story House Early Learning

Social Consciousness Award (Sponsored by Indeed)

Brisbane Recruitment Meet Up
Melbourne Talent Meet Up
Tas Talent Day

Best Tech Stack (Sponsored by Talent Tech Solutions)

InstantScripts
Each
Delaware North
BOQ Group
Bunnings Group
Boustead Geospatial

Best Contingent Workforce Program (Sponsored by The Human Collaborative)

Optus
Calvary Healthcare
Ampol

Best Careers Website (Sponsored by PageUp People)

Ampol
Calvary Healthcare
Infinite Aged Care
Endeavour Group
Coles Group
Qantas Group

Best Vendor Solution (Sponsored by TaPod)

CheckWorkRights & Delaware North
Cappfinity & Deloitte
Checkmate & Infinite Aged Care
Hirevue & MUFG Retirement Solutions
Amberjack GradEngage & NTT DATA
Noble Agency & Probe CX

Congratulations to All Finalists

Congratulations to every individual, team and organisation recognised as a finalist in the 2026 Internal Talent Awards. Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and reflects the commitment, innovation and professionalism that continue to drive our industry forward.

The Internal Talent Awards not only celebrate outstanding achievements but also highlight the evolving role of talent acquisition in shaping organisational success. From candidate experience and employer branding to recruitment technology, diversity and leadership, this year's finalists showcase the breadth of expertise across our profession.

At Hill Consulting HRS, we're proud to support organisations in building outstanding recruitment capability through strategy, training and recruitment transformation.

See You at the Gala

We look forward to celebrating with the talent acquisition community at the 2026 ITAs Gala in Melbourne and wish all finalists the very best of luck when the winners are announced. Whatever the outcome, every finalist has already made an outstanding contribution to advancing the talent acquisition profession.

We look forward to celebrating with the talent acquisition community in Melbourne this September.

Join us for this unforgettable evening celebrating the best in talent acquisition - Tickets are on sale now.