75th Anniversary Awards
Best of Industry Sector Awards
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.
Community & Welfare
Winner: The Smith Family
The Judges Comments:
“This report sets new standards for clarity and impact in the Community and Welfare sector. It combines clear, easy to understand data with powerful personal stories showing how The Smith Family’s programs are transforming lives. Impressive outcomes underscore the organisation’s unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of disadvantage through education. Transparent, easy to understand financial reporting will help to reinforce trust with donors and other stakeholders.“
Finalists
Distinctive Options
St George Community Housing
The Smith Family
Financial Services
Winner: Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
The Judges Comments:
“Over recent years, the Guardian’s annual report has become the benchmark against which all annual reports should be measured. Year after year, it consistently satisfies all of the ARA criteria at a very high level, including best practice environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting. This year, the coverage of people, culture, and the community is outstanding. Well-designed graphic elements make a major contribution to engaging and informing the reader.“
Finalists
Accident Compensation Corporation (NZ)
Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
Malayan Banking Berhad
Health, Research & Education
Winner: Hort Innovation
The Judges Comments:
“The attention to detail in this well-structured report shows Hort Innovation understands its diverse audiences and serves them well. Concise, well-written, easy to read text; excellent graphic design; and Informative charts, tables and striking well-captioned photos all contribute to telling the organisation’s story effectively. The innovative two-page Contents treatment provides an interesting snapshot of the organisation as well as being a useful navigational aid. “
Finalists
Duopharma Biotech Berhad
Hort Innovation
Merri Community Health Services Limited
Infrastructure, Retail & Services
Winner: Wesfarmers Limited
The Judges Comments:
“The report begins with informative highlights and goes on to provide comprehensive coverage of the activities and performance of Wesfarmers’ seven divisions giving stakeholders a clear overview of the organisation’s progress and its future. In particular, there is informative discussion about ethical sourcing, sustainability issues and climate change action. References to key performance indicators are made throughout the report.“
Finalists
Axiata Group Berhad
Transurban
Wesfarmers Limited
Resources & Production
Winner: Perenti
The Judges Comments:
“The Perenti report ticks all the boxes in terms of layout, information flow, and the variety of the interesting ways in which information is presented. It is comprehensive and full of information. The succinct, engaging way information is presented makes it very accessible to the reader. The remuneration section is a standout feature of the report: it is transparent, strongly linked to performance strategy, and goes well beyond compliance.“
Finalists
Evolution Mining
Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad
Perenti Limited
Public Administration - National
Winner: New Zealand Police
The Judges Comments:
“It is pleasing to see that despite previously winning Gold Awards, the NZ Police continue to work on improving their annual report. Their ongoing dedication to excellence ensures the report addresses the ARA criteria very well, from sectional overviews to the details. This year, governance has been significantly improved. The Inclusion of detailed information on the leadership team and their responsibilities gives the organisation a human face.“
Finalists
Bureau of Meteorology
New Zealand Police
Tourism Australia
Public Administration - State
Winner: Audit Office of New South Wales
The Judges Comments:
“This wonderful report demonstrates what best practice reporting in government should be, and sets a high benchmark for other government organisations to aspire to! The presentation of the report is at the highest standard. The bright, clear design make it engaging and easy to read. It has a strong strategic focus; provides effective and consistent service detail; and makes great use of data and case studies to tell the Audit Office story.“
Finalists
Audit Office of New South Wales
Main Roads Western Australia
Museums Board Victoria
Public Administration - Local
Winner: City of Stirling
The Judges Comments:
“This report is a model for meeting the ARA criteria at a high standard. It includes detailed commentaries on the achievement of corporate objectives; the challenges which shaped performance; and expectations for the future. The writing style is interesting and informative, and well-supported by easy-to-read charts and tables. Case studies reinforce the City’s accountability to the community and stakeholders.“
Finalists
City of Joondalup
City of Stirling
City of Wanneroo