NSW Humanitarian Awards 2026 – Nominations Now Open
Do you know someone making a real difference in the lives of refugees? Are you leading impactful humanitarian work yourself? Nominations for 2026 are officially open!
The NSW Humanitarian Awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals, organisations, and projects across New South Wales that support refugees, promote human rights, and strengthen social inclusion.
These awards are proudly presented by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) in partnership with the Refugee Council of Australia. The ceremony will take place on Friday, 26 June 2026 at NSW Parliament House, marking the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Why the Awards Matter
The Humanitarian Awards shine a light on those going above and beyond to welcome, empower, and uplift refugees – from grassroots community initiatives to innovative advocacy. These awards amplify voices, celebrate achievements, and inspire others to help build a more inclusive, just society.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Anyone making an outstanding contribution to the lives of refugees in NSW is eligible. Nominees can be:
- Individuals
- Community groups or organisations
- Projects or initiatives
Work can be paid or voluntary, provided it demonstrates meaningful impact and a commitment to humanitarian values. Self-nominations are welcome.
Award Categories for 2026
The 2026 awards recognise achievements and contributions across a diverse range of fields. You may nominate a candidate for up to three categories:
🔹 Best Project: An outstanding project working with or assisting refugees. The project can be run by an individual, group, or organisation and can be ongoing or completed within the last year.
🔹 Business: Small or large businesses employing, assisting, or supported by refugees.
🔹 Government & Legal: Individuals or organisations from the government or legal sectors working to advise, assist, or support asylum seekers or refugees.
🔹 Media: Media outlets, journalists, or media officers prioritising and raising awareness of refugee issues.
🔹 Refugee Community Worker: A former refugee working on refugee issues with their own or other refugee communities (paid or unpaid).
🔹 Refugee Supporter: A member of the broader Australian community supporting and assisting refugees in any capacity (paid or unpaid).
🔹 Sport: An organisation or individual promoting sporting endeavours among people from refugee backgrounds.
🔹 Youth: A young person (aged 12-25) of refugee background making an outstanding contribution to Australian society.
🔹 Education: Schools, universities, and educational institutions (or staff) assisting former refugees by breaking down barriers to education.
🔹 Rural & Regional: Organisations or individuals working in regional areas of NSW to assist refugees.
🔹 Digital Advocate: Individuals or initiatives using digital platforms to create meaningful impact for refugees through storytelling, journalism, campaigns, or online engagement.
Nomination Criteria
To nominate someone for an award:
🔹 Impact: Their work must impact refugees in NSW through direct service, advocacy, awareness, community building, or innovation.
🔹 Excellence: The contribution should be exceptional, meaningful, and worthy of wider recognition.
🔹 Flexibility: Judges reserve the right to reallocate a nomination to a different category if they believe the nominee is better suited to it.
STARTTS and the Refugee Council of Australia carefully review all nominations to select recipients who best exemplify the spirit and purpose of these awards.
How to Nominate
🔹 Step 1: Read the category descriptions and choose the most suitable one.
🔹 Step 2: Complete the nomination form
🔹 Step 3: Submit before 13 May 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Celebrate Past Winners
Curious about past awardees? Get inspired by the stories of those recognised in 2025 for their incredible contributions.
Spread the Word!
Help us reach more people who deserve recognition! Share this page and encourage others to nominate someone who is making a difference.
Share this opportunity with your network and encourage others to nominate today.