2026 ARA Awards
Recognising Clarity in Reporting in Uncertain Times
In 2021, ARA introduced eight Best of Industry Sector Awards to recognise the most outstanding reports in each industry. The winners of these Awards have achieved a standard above and beyond the requirements for receiving a Gold Award. The winner of the ARA Report of the Year Award is selected from the winners of the Industry Sector Awards.
2026 ARA Awards
Best of Industry Sector Awards
Community & Welfare
Evolve Housing Group
The Judges Comments:
“This report stood out for its clear articulation of social impact, strong strategic narrative, and authentic stakeholder engagement. It successfully balanced operational performance with compelling human-centred storytelling. Its integrated presentation demonstrated how purpose, strategy, and community impact are aligned across the organisation. Strengths included: strong linkage between strategy, governance, and long-term sustainability; clear evidence of measurable community outcomes and tenant impact; and effective use of case studies and accessible design to engage diverse stakeholders.“
Financial Services
Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
The Judges Comments:
“This well-presented report shows that the Guardians’ reporting team take their responsibilities very seriously. They have delivered a comprehensive, high standard report that tells the organisation’s story right from the first interaction with stakeholders. An outstanding feature is an impactful landing page containing an array of resources and multimedia which lead the reader into the body of the report and enhance understanding.“
Health, Research & Education
Deakin University
The Judges Comments:
“The report provides a well-structured account of Deakin University's intentions and its achievements during its 50th year, and its history. ‘Deakin at a Glance’ provides a concise and beautifully designed snapshot of the University's year overall. Attention to detail throughout is exemplary. Back and front covers impart an impressive sense of purpose and place which is enhanced by upfront Chancellor’s and Vice-Chancellor’s comments on Deakin’s growth from simple beginnings to multiple campuses in Victoria, elsewhere in Australia and overseas.“
Infrastructure, Retail & Services
Wesfarmers Limited
The Judges Comments:
“The report provides comprehensive information for each of Wesfarmers’ major divisions including strategy and financial highlights, along with year in review summaries. Key financial performance indicators are considered throughout the report along with concerns about risk, environmental impacts and climate change action. Risk is important: there is a separate risk overview section. Staff are also important: there are discussions about staff health and safety, and diversity and inclusion.“
Resources & Production
Perenti Limited
The Judges Comments:
“From front to back this report presents a comprehensive and informative overview of the organisation, its operations, and performance. The reporting on financial performance is an exemplar for others to follow. The Chair and CEO’s messages recognise the challenging external operating environment. This is offset by excellent summaries of financial and non-financial performance, and references to positive outcomes in case studies. The Sustainability section addresses who they serve in an engaging and informative way.“
Public Administration National
Organ and Tissue Authority
The Judges Comments:
“This is a truly excellent report. It is visually engaging, well-structured and easy to read with a fabulous mix of genuine performance information, interesting case study stories, images and charts. The performance section provides an excellent analysis. Right from the start the report clearly communicates that OTA coordinates a program that saves lives and it needs continued public support. It also conveys the feeling that its partners, generous donors, potential organ donors, and specialist staff, are never out of mind.“
Public Administration State
Audit Office of New South Wales
The Judges Comments:
“This report is a benchmark for performance reporting for others to learn from. It delivers a thorough assessment of performance against strategic objectives with key data, analyses of outcomes and achievements, and consideration of future issues and challenges. The writing is clear and concise, and innovative ideas add interest to the design. Outstanding features include discussions about the work of the Audit Office, how it engages with each key stakeholder group, and impacts on social outcomes.“
Public Administration Local
Georges River Council
The Judges Comments:
“This well-presented, easy-to-read report comprehensively addresses all of the ARA criteria. Informative summaries in the early pages report honestly on the Council’s performance against its corporate plan. These summaries are well-supported by detailed information presented in easy- to-understand text and tables throughout. The challenges facing the Council are identified clearly, and readers are given insights into what to expect in the year ahead. Interesting case studies strongly reflect the theme of the report: Our Place Our community.“
ARA gratefully acknowledges the support of
SPONSOR PARTNERS
SUPPORTER PARTNER
INDUSTRY PARTNER
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