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Launched in 2024, The AHEIA Australian Higher Education Awards aim recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of professional staff within Australia's higher education sector.
This initiative acknowledges the talent, innovation and dedication demonstrated by university professionals who play essential roles in advancing higher education outcomes.
The program aligns with AHEIA's mission to support excellence in higher education while creating meaningful opportunities to showcase both individual and team achievements.
The 2025 Aawards nominations will be judged on contributions and achievements from 2024 and will be presented at the AHEIA conference dinner on Wednesday 21 May 2025.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Awards and close on Friday 14 March 2025.
AHEIA would like to acknowledge and thank the Awards Committee for their important contribution in developing and overseeing the awards:
- Kim Franks, Vice President People and Culture, Southern Cross University
- Martin Sainsbury, Chief People and Culture Officer, University of Newcastle
- Deborah Walker, Director, People and Culture, University of the Sunshine Coast
Who is eligible?
Current staff and teams within Australian universities are eligible to receive an award and nominations are assessed on contributions and achievements from the previous year.
Who can nominate?
Nominators must currently work at an Australian university or higher education peak body. Whether you want to put forward your own achievements or recognise the excellent work of others, we encourage all nominations.
What are we looking for?
Outstanding contributions that demonstrate:
- Clear, measurable achievements
- Innovative approaches
- Positive impact on university or sector
- Strategic alignment with university goals
What do you need to provide?
- Evidence-based examples of contribution
- Supporting data showing results if available
- For team nominations - brief outline of each member's role
The AHEIA Australian Higher Education Awards include the following categories in 2025:
- AHEIA Leadership Excellence Award
- AHEIA Lifetime Achievement Award
- AHEIA Rising Star Award
- AHEIA Excellence in Workplace Relations Award
- AHEIA Excellence in Enterprise Bargaining Award
- AHEIA Excellence in Workplace Culture Award
- AHEIA Excellence in Innovation Award