75th Anniversary Awards
2025 Special Awards
Over the past 25 years ARA has progressively introduced Special Awards to focus attention on important aspects of annual reporting, and to emerging changes in reporting and the reporting process. For example, a Special Award for Integrated Reporting was introduced to support this new international approach to annual reporting, and the Online Reporting Award was introduced to encourage the development and effective use of digital technology to increase the ease of navigation and comprehension of annual reports published online.
The Special Awards are assessed by panels of adjudicators who have expertise and experience relevant to the Award category.
Congratulations to all 2025 Special Award recipients
Best First Time Entry
Finalists
Worley
PLS
Major sponsor of ARA and sponsor of this award.
Winner: Worley
The Judges’ Comments
“The clear statement of purpose ‘Delivering a more sustainable world’ and the intriguing well-balanced image of workers in protective clothing superimposed on a large engineering drawing grabs attention. Strong connection with Worley and its purpose is achieved by rendering the image in the Worley brand colours, and the drawing which reflects the importance of technology to the future of the world. “
Governance Reporting Award - Private Sector
Winner: PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad
The Judges’ Comments
“The transparency in reporting was superior to the others in this sector again this year. Key features included: integrated reporting of strategies; actions and results to address short and long term challenge; and transparency in current and emerging strategic risk and opportunity management reporting, risk control systems and risk mitigation. “
Finalists
PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad
PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad
Governance Reporting Award - Public + NFP Sectors
Winner: Audit Office of New South Wales
The Judges’ Comments
“The Audit Office has successfully adopted relevant private sector governance principles while meeting public sector requirements. This year’s report shows notable improvements in transparency and was outstanding its sector. Improvements included: external and internal stakeholder engagement and reporting; measuring the impact and the value of audits; and workforce strategy and employee well-being.“
Finalists
Audit Office of New South Wales
Main Roads Western Australia
Online Reporting Award
Major sponsor of ARA and sponsor of this award.
Online Reporting Award - Private Sector
Winner: CLP Holdings Limited
The Judges’ Comments
“This is a strong all-round online report with exemplary readability. Well-presented navigation aids on the opening page make information easy to find and access. The well-designed, open and uncluttered layout, and the attractive colour scheme and graphics make it a pleasure to read. Only a summary of financials is provided but there is a link to the very detailed financial information in the full report.“
Finalists
CLP Holdings Limited
Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)
Online Reporting – Public Sector
Winner: Main Roads Western Australia
The Judges’ Comments
“This excellent online presentation makes effective use of high level design and a variety of digital resources to capture and retain the reader’s attention. Overall, contains comprehensive information, well-presented in text, data and images to fully describe the important role of the activities and performance of Main Roads Western Australia.“
Finalists
Destination NSW
Essential Energy
Main Roads Western Australia
Online Reporting Award - NFP Sector
Winner: Breast Cancer Trials
The Judges’ Comments
“This report comprehensively describes the operations and accomplishments of Breast Cancer Trials in a clear, easy to read format. It engages the reader with personal stories of those involved in the clinical trials, their families and the results achieved. Overall, it tells a great story about effective collaboration and progress in long-term medical research.“
Finalists
Argyle Housing
Breast Cancer Trials
Hong Kong Housing Society
Communication Award
Major sponsor of ARA and sponsor of this award.
Communication Award - Private Sector
Winner: Port Marlborough
The Judges’ Comments
“The strong cover image of Marlborough Sound and the following highlight pages on purpose and performance lead you to expect this report is going to be engaging and informative – and it is. A strategy scorecard provides an informative overview. Content is well set out in mini chapters with engaging people pics. Smart navigation and great use of headings make it reader friendly.“
Finalists
CLP Holdings Limited
Port Marlborough
Vital Healthcare Property Trust
Communication Award – Public Sector
Winner: City of Whittlesea
The Judges’ Comments
“This excellent report is thoughtfully presented, easy to read and understand. It uses an effective ‘story telling’ approach about real people and how they contribute to their community. High quality photography gives the report a warm and authentic feel and emphasises that the City has a diverse community. Use of handwritten script in topic headings adds charm.“
Finalists
City of Whittlesea
Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
Main Roads Western Australia
Communication Award - NFP Sector
Winner: Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support
The Judges’ Comments
“The excellent cover image and strong statements of purpose in the opening pages give the reader an instant understanding of the organisation’s activities. The presentation of content is clear, direct and informative throughout. A table detailing the nature and number of victim experiences and related case studies clearly explain what this organisation has achieved.“
Finalists
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support
Melba Support Services
Best Cover Design
Winner: Worley
The Judges’ Comments
“The clear statement of purpose ‘Delivering a more sustainable world’ and the intriguing well-balanced image of workers in protective clothing superimposed on a large engineering drawing grabs attention. Strong connection with Worley and its purpose is achieved by rendering the image in the Worley brand colours, and the drawing which reflects the importance of technology to the future of the world.“
Finalists
CPA Australia
HK Competition Commission
Melba Support Services
Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria
Worley
Major sponsor of ARA and sponsor of this award.
Integrated Reporting Award
Winner: CPA Australia
The Judges’ Comments
“An excellent report, clearly and concisely written in accordance with the concepts and guiding principles of the IR Framework. Its disclosures deliver connectivity across material issues, the six capitals and CPA’s four strategic goals, weaving a strong value creation narrative reflecting value created or eroded, and acknowledging trade-offs. Case studies and quotes help bring the report to life.“
Finalists
AuDA
CPA Australia
Malayan Bank Berhad
Petronas Nasional Berhad
Major sponsor of ARA and sponsor of this award.