Award Nominations Open
AUSactive National Awards Program 2026
Celebrating excellence across Australia’s active health & fitness industry
The AUSactive National Awards recognise the individuals, businesses and initiatives driving innovation, leadership and impact across Australia’s active health and fitness sector.
From inspiring professionals and inclusive community programs to outstanding facilities and forward-thinking organisations, the Awards celebrate those shaping a healthier, more active nation.
About the Awards
The AUSactive National Awards are the industry’s leading recognition program, celebrating excellence across education, business, community impact and professional practice.
Open to individuals and organisations nationwide, the Awards highlight best practice, elevate industry standards and showcase the people and programs making a meaningful difference.
Why Enter?
The Awards have a distribution network of over 20,000 individuals, businesses and community groups and attracts thousands of applications each year.
- National Prestige: Be recognised as a leader in excellence and innovation on the industry’s grandest stage.
- Celebrate Success: Share and showcase your achievements with your peers and the broader fitness community.
- Inspire the Industry: Serve as a role model, inspiring others to aim higher and create meaningful change.
2026 Awards Timeline
16
MARCH
Award Nominations Close (Extended)
01
MAY
People’s Choice Opens for Voting
01
MAY
Judging Begins
11
MAY
Judging Closes & People's Choice Voting Ends
08
JUNE
Award Finalists Announcement
Late
JUNE
AUSactive 2026 National Awards Gala
11
SEP
Awards APPLICAtION Process
Review the category descriptions and eligibility criteria. All nominees should meet the criteria of the category for which they are entering.
Share your story, achievements and impact. Supporting evidence is highly encouraged.
AUSactive has designed a user-friendly platform to ensure the entry process is seamless. Complete your entry via the AUSactive Awards Submission Portal.
AUSactive has developed robust judging processes and procedures.
How to Nominate
- Learn about the award categories and criteria to select the one that best aligns with your achievements.
- Create an account and begin your nomination here.
- Craft a compelling nomination and provide supporting evidence to showcase your excellence.
- Ensure your entry is submitted by 5:00 PM AEST on Monday, 01 May 2025.
Eligibility
- Winners in 2025 are not eligible to enter the same category this year but are welcome to reapply in subsequent years or in a different category.
Awards goals
Set the Standard for Excellence: Establish a benchmark for industry standards, quality, and innovation.
Recognise Leadership and Talent: Shine a spotlight on individuals and businesses demonstrating exceptional leadership, talent, and excellence in the fitness industry.
Elevate Exercise as a Career: Promote the fitness and exercise profession as a rewarding, impactful, and aspirational career path.
Foster Connections and Collaboration: Create opportunities for like-minded exercise professionals and businesses to network, share ideas, and collaborate.
Celebrate Industry Trailblasers: Honor extraordinary individuals who inspire and elevate the health and fitness industry.
Highlight Best Practices: Showcase businesses excelling in best practices, sustainability, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Judging process
The judging process for the AUSactive National Awards is designed to uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity while recognizing excellence in the health and fitness industry. With the inclusion of international expert judges, this year’s awards bring unparalleled prestige and global perspective.
Experienced judges:
AUSactive will do a call out for a panel of expert judges. They will be selected based on the following criteria.
- Level 3 professionals in the health and fitness industry.
- Exercise Educators holding a TAE Cert IV in training and assessment.
- Exercise or Active Health Industry Academics with significant contributions to research and education.
- Business Owners/Operators, Senior Management, or Directors with proven leadership and operational expertise.
Judges are tasked with providing impartial expertise, insightful critiques, and advocating for the active health and exercise industry as a rewarding career.
Apply to be a judge HERE.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are assessed against category-specific judging criteria, focusing on:
- Relevance: Alignment with the category’s purpose and goals.
- Impact: Demonstrated outcomes that benefit the industry, community, or clients.
- Innovation: Evidence of creativity and originality in approaches or solutions.
- Quality: Consistency, sustainability, and adherence to best practices.
- Supporting Evidence: Testimonials, case studies, or data validating the submission’s claims.
Judging Integrity
- Judges are required to sign a conflict of interest declaration to ensure impartiality.
- The judging process is conducted with strict confidentiality, safeguarding nominee information.
Recognition
The AUSactive National Awards provide an opportunity for individuals and businesses to be recognised for their significant contribution and dedication to their work and clients. As a finalist, State Winner or National Winner you can promote your recognition which can help to elevate your credibility, showcase your industry-leading service excellence and passionate contribution to your work.
Previous entrants
