2026 AREEA INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS
2026 Workforce Wellbeing Award:
2026 (1) | SANTOS
Santos is recognised for its Healthier Me model, a GP-led health service reaching around 3,000 Australian employees. Through free onsite GP clinics, nationwide telehealth, physiotherapy, field and site visits, preventative screening and dedicated women’s, men’s and family health networks, Santos has removed the barriers to total worker health. With more than 15,000 consultations since launch, over 85% of employees attending clinics, a 31% relative increase in employees believing the company genuinely cares for their health and wellbeing, and a reduction in absenteeism of more than 20% - the results speak for themselves.
2026 (2) | SENEX ENEGY
Senex Energy impressed with its approach to streamline safeguards that dramatically reduced cognitive load across its workforce. Faced with more than 300 procedures and supporting documents driving high job demands, role ambiguity, stress and diluted accountability, Senex introduced a mobile app providing a concise single source of truth and verification checklist. The result was improved role clarity and accountability, completion rates up 260%, participation expanded from three departments to every department, and reported effectiveness of 98%. The judges felt this was a compelling example of how high job demands can be tackled through smart work design.
2026 Workforce & Workplace Relations Innovation Award:
2026 | SODEXO AUSTRALIA
Sodexo is recognised for its regional bus driver pathway, a direct response to a critical labour shortage and the licensing cost barriers that keep people out of the industry. By fully funding HR licensing, coach operation training, competency assessment, safety qualifications and defensive driver development, Sodexo has, since 2022, delivered around ten cohorts and 55 qualified drivers, with 100% completion and 100% internal mobility. Women made up 35% of participants and Indigenous participation reached 5.8%; nine graduates have progressed further, and retention has climbed from 26% to 65.3%.
2026 (Highly Commended) | STANMORE RESOURCES
Highly Commended in this category is Stanmore Resources, for its Stanmore Compass framework. This traffic-light model delivers proportionate responses across minor, moderate and major matters, strengthening workforce consistency, leader capability and case efficiency across operations. IT has reduced the time taken to resolve matters through clearer processes, defined escalation pathways and improved visibility.
2026 Diversity & Inclusion Award | Proudly sponsored by SODEXO AUSTRALIA:
2026 | SVITZER
Svitzer tackled the challenge of building a diverse workforce that reflects the community it supports and boosting regional exposure to maritime careers. Svitzer has lifted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation to 9% in Darwin, with its trainee cohort now 75% First Nations and 50% women. Women hold 43% of leadership roles and make up 46% of the onshore workforce. Judges felt it is a powerful example of the impact that a targeted strategy and action plan can have on lifting workforce representation of under-represented groups.
2026 Industry Future Leader Award:
2026 | LARLEE CRABTREE (Sodexo Australia)
This year’s winner is Larlee Crabtree, Human Resources Administrator with Sodexo. Stepping into a newly created leadership role in a growing transport function, Larlee has driven enhanced governance, stronger contractor management and marked improvements in accountability, visibility and operational discipline. A significant monthly cost reduction with no loss of service capability, and seatbelt non-compliance down 92%, from 617 incidents a month to fewer than 50, alongside delivery support for Sodexo’s Indigenous Bus Driver Upskill Program.
The Annual AREEA Industry Awards ensure star performers across Australia’s resources and energy industry get the credit they deserve.
Has your company led the way and stepped up with innovative new workplace practices or initiatives? Have you recognised an opportunity to excel and achieve?
Across four categories covering key workforce-related areas of the industry, the awards celebrate leadership, innovation, diversity and excellence in the sector.
The calibre of award nominees each year highlight the incredible work of individuals and organisations across Australia’s resources and energy industry. The initiatives and programs recognised are setting the benchmark, not only in our sector, but Australia-wide.
Put the spotlight on the high achievers of our great industry as it continues to lead the Australian economy through challenging times. View the categories and their nomination criteria below.
Presentation of the Industry Awards are celebrated at the AREEA Gala Dinners.
For all enquiries contact AREEA Events Manager Gail Gifford
Click the categories below for the criteria and nomination form for each award
The 2026 Diversity & Inclusion Award is proudly sponsored by Sodexo
SPONSOR AN AREEA INDUSTRY AWARD
Showcase your leadership by sponsoring an AREEA Industry Award industry award and aligning your organisation with excellence across the resource and energy sector. Gain national visibility among senior industry, government and workforce leaders and position your company at the forefront of innovation, workplace leadership and operational success.
