Sydney, NSW, 12 November 2026, for immediate release.

Associations Forum recognised outstanding organisations and individuals for their contributions to Australia's association sector at the Association Awards™ Dinner on 11 November 2026.

The Association of the Year™ 2026 award was presented to the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand for raising professional standards and achieving significant organisational growth. Over two years, EIANZ increased revenue by 51% to $2.78 million, grew membership to 2,647 and increased certified practitioners to 1,412. Its Certified Environmental Practitioner scheme is now referenced in 19 regulatory instruments, helping ensure environmental work is carried out by independently assessed practitioners.

The Association of the Year™ Special Commendation 2026 was awarded to the Council of Australasian University Librarians for strengthening its financial sustainability and transforming access to publicly funded research. Its agreements with academic publishers have enabled 100,000 open access articles, representing more than $500 million in avoided publishing charges for researchers across Australia and New Zealand.

The Association Event of the Year™ 2026 award went to the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy for its Underground Operators Conference 2025. The largest technical conference in AusIMM's 132-year history, it attracted more than 1,800 delegates from 27 countries, featured 34 technical presentations and showcased 135 exhibitors. The event also generated an approximately $1.2 million surplus.

The Association External Campaign of the Year™ 2026 was awarded to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for its ‘RACI x Rebel Girls’ project. Partnering with global storytelling brand Rebel Girls, RACI addressed the lack of representation of women with disabilities in STEM through a free, accessible e-book celebrating their achievements. The project has reached audiences in more than 40 countries and generated over 108,000 website engagements.

LifeSciences Australia received Association Turnaround of the Year™ 2026 for its significant organisational and financial recovery. Following the loss of $1 million in multi-year grant funding and a $530,000 operating loss, the association undertook a major rebuild under new leadership, strengthening governance, restoring financial sustainability and revitalising membership. Active membership grew from around 700 to 1,825 by August 2026, a 169% increase in two years. In FY25, the association also achieved a $600,000 cash flow turnaround, moving from a $300,000 deficit to a $300,000 surplus.

Associations Forum also inducted six individuals into the Associations Hall of Fame™ in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions to the association sector: Andrew McKinnon, Jenine Bradburn, John Carpendale, Maurice Gleeson OAM, Tamara Stephensen and Tony Gleeson.

“The Association Awards celebrate the people and associations making a meaningful difference across the association sector. From strengthening their organisations and supporting members to raising professional standards, this year’s recipients demonstrate the value associations bring to their professions, industries and communities. We hope their achievements inspire others across the sector,” said Fatima Sunderji, General Manager of Associations Forum.

Established in 2017, the annual Association Awards™ recognise excellence and achievement across the sector, celebrating outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to members and industries. They also provide an opportunity to share successful initiatives and highlight good practice across the association community.

Associations Forum thanks its sponsors, Novotel Melbourne Airport, Nexia Australia, Lasercraft Australia, EventPix, Higher Logic, Federal Hospitality, Governology and Moreton Hire, for helping make the celebration possible.

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About Associations Forum 

Associations Forum is one of Australia’s largest network of associations with over 500 members. Its mission of “bringing associations together to boost performance” is achieved through delivering information, training and advice. 

Media Contact

For enquiries regarding this release, contact:  
Duyen Cao, Marketing & Communications Officer,
duyen@associations.net.au
T: +61 2 9904 8200.