Nominations are now open for the 2026 Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) National Awards to be presented at the HVIA Gala Dinner in December.
HVIA says a nomination in one of the categories below is an opportunity to acknowledge the people who make a difference, share the work your business is proud of, and help tell a stronger story about the capability, professionalism and future of the heavy vehicle industry.
Following a record number of nominations in 2025, including strong support for several new award categories, the awards have become an increasingly important opportunity to recognise excellence across every part of Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.
HVIA CEO Todd Hacking said the 2025 awards were a tremendous success, not only because of the record number of nominations, but because of the quality and diversity of the stories behind them.
“We saw member companies and individuals of all sizes and backgrounds recognised for their contribution to the industry, and the new categories helped shine a light on areas that are absolutely critical to our future – workforce development, mentoring, sustainability, innovation and community leadership,” Hacking said.
“The awards give us a way to recognise that work nationally, but it starts with members taking the time to nominate the people and projects that deserve to be seen.
“We know those stories are out there, and we are encouraging every member to look across their business and start their nominations.”
The awards are open to HVIA members and provide opportunities for both companies and individuals to be recognised, whether they are emerging in the first stages of their careers or already leading teams, programs and businesses.
Nominations can be made by visiting hvia.asn.au/hvia-national-awards and close on Friday, August 7.
Winners will be announced at the annual HVIA Gala Dinner on Thursday, December 3, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The categories are:
Apprentice Of The Year Awards
The apprentice awards recognise rising stars across three trade pathways:
• Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprentice of the Year: Recognising apprentices demonstrating outstanding technical skill, teamwork, initiative and leadership potential in servicing and repairing Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet.
• Heavy Vehicle Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year: Celebrating emerging tradespeople contributing to Australia’s world-class heavy vehicle and trailer manufacturing capability through fabrication, welding, assembly and related disciplines.
• Heavy Vehicle Specialist Trades Apprentice of the Year: Recognising outstanding apprentices in specialist fields such as auto-electrical, spray painting, panel beating, parts interpretation and other critical trades that support the performance of the industry.
The category winners will also be considered for the overall honour of Heavy Vehicle Apprentice of the Year.
Industry Workforce Champion
Behind every successful apprentice, trainee or emerging professional is often someone who has made the time to guide, encourage and support them.
The Industry Workforce Champion Award honours individuals within HVIA member companies who champion skills, careers and workforce development every day – whether as mentors, trainers, advocates, supervisors or leaders who help others thrive.
Industry Leadership In Workforce Development
The Industry Leadership in Workforce Development Award recognises HVIA member organisations that are building the skilled workforce our industry needs for the future.
This may include structured apprentice programs, school engagement, mentoring, partnerships, workplace inclusion initiatives or broader strategies that help attract, develop and retain people in the heavy vehicle industry.
Sustainability Initiative Award
The Sustainability Initiative Award recognises HVIA members taking meaningful steps toward a more sustainable, circular, energy-efficient or low-emissions future.
This category is designed to celebrate practical action at any scale, from new technologies and customer solutions to waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency, operational improvements and partnerships supporting industry transition.
Product Innovation Award
The Product Innovation Award recognises HVIA members bringing innovative products, features, systems or technologies to market to improve performance, safety, productivity, efficiency or sustainability.
Whether it is a component, system, vehicle, trailer, piece of equipment or enabling technology, this award celebrates the ingenuity helping Australia’s heavy vehicle industry meet the demands of the modern freight task.
Safety Innovation Award
The Safety Innovation Award recognises new products, systems, practices or workplace solutions that are improving safety outcomes across the heavy vehicle industry.
From workshop improvements and operational systems to on-road technologies and design innovation, this category celebrates the people and ideas helping to keep workers, customers and
communities safe.
Community Leadership Award
The Community Leadership Award celebrates HVIA members making a positive impact beyond their own business.
This may include support for local schools, charities, sporting clubs, road safety initiatives, industry promotion, diversity and inclusion programs or other efforts that strengthen the connection between the heavy vehicle industry and the broader
community.