NYPN Excellence Awards 2026
Join the young professional community as they celebrate people achieving excellence in their chosen professions across Northern Tasmania. The Awards are an opportunity to recognise the contributions that individuals make to enhancing the core purpose of the Northern Young Professional Network to lead and develop Northern Tasmania to be an environment in which the careers and ideas of young professionals thrive.
Award Categories by Nomination
The NYPN Awards encourage nominations for the following four categories.
Young Corporate of the Year
The Young Corporate of the Year demonstrates growth and achievement within their company or industry. The nominee champions a culture of excellence and adaptability, delivering outstanding results and contributing to organisational success. They may have led significant projects, demonstrated significant achievement, improved business outcomes, or shown remarkable career progression while upholding the high ethical standards.
Young Creative of the Year
The Young Creative of the Year is a visionary creative talent who innovates and has redefined what’s possible in their field. They’ve delivered outstanding contributions, perhaps through arts, design, media, writing, technology or strategy. They’ve showcased originality, artistic, strategic or technical skills, sparking conversations and inspiring change. Their work leaves a lasting impact within their industry, company, or community. They demonstrate a commitment to advancement and innovation, whatever their field.
Young Service Talent of the Year
The Young Service Talent of the Year is a dedicated professional who excels in a service-oriented role, elevating the customer experience by exceeding expectations, and delivering outstanding care. They are empathetic and responsive, building strong relationships that foster loyalty and satisfaction. They demonstrate commitment, resilience and dedication, driving their success and reputation within their industry.
Young Community Leader of the Year
The Young Community Leader of the Year is a dynamic leader, who creates meaningful change and fosters belonging. They demonstrate outstanding leadership and impact, by building strong connections and enabling others within the community. With a focus on collaboration and empowerment, they inspire others to engage and contribute, making a lasting impact to individuals, industries and communities.
2025 AWARD FINALISTS
Young Corporate of the Year
Tori Claessens (LIBERTY Bell Bay)
Lucy Pullen (Up loans)
Zoe Vandervelde (Cancer Council Tasmania)
Ruby Hardman (Peppers Silo Hotel)
Young Creative of the Year
Briony Scotton (B-Line Media)
Sean Buchanan (Haven Homes Tasmania)
Young Service Talent of the Year
Faith Chapman (Clifford Craig Foundation)
Jemma Walters (Eskleigh Foundation Inc)
Lucy Pullen (Up loans)
Young Leader of the Year
Sarah Beattie-Stevens (Aon)
Jemma Walters (Eskleigh Foundation Inc)
Distinguished Awards by Selection
The NYPN Awards include three distinguished categories of awards that are not open for application, but are selected by specific processes.
Young Professional of the Year
The Young Professional of the Year recognises any individual who was nominated for any of the Award Categories by Nomination and has made a significant contribution to their chosen field with overall achievement in building a place where young professionals can grow, innovate, and thrive. The full selection panel convene on this award to crown one individual with the most distinguished annual award the NYPN offers.
NYPN Member of the Year
The NYPN Member of the Year is an engaged and passionate member who has significantly contributed to the organisation throughout the current year. Their active involvement and dedication exemplify the values of the NYPN community. This award, chosen by the President, honours their outstanding commitment and impact.
Life Member
In accordance with the NYPN Constitution, the Board of Directors have the power to bestow up to one Life Member per year. Section 2.2.3c defines life members as are individuals who have been determined by the Board to have made a substantial contribution to the purposes of the Association, and hold voting rights and membership in perpetuity. Only one Life Member may be granted in a calendar year.
Current life members include:
Rick Marton GAICD (2015)
Christopher Bryg (2016)
Derek La Marchant (2017)
Dr Joseph Crawford (2023)
David Kewley FCA (2025)
Award Judges
Each Award by Nomination is judged by two Award Judges, with the Young Professional of the Year selected by the full panel drawing on the winners of each category.
How to Apply
For each Award Category by Nomination, applicants must outline why the nominee:
Exemplifies the award description for the category nominated, and
Demonstrates the NYPN values of networking, personal and professional growth, and enabling young people to be their best in Northern Tasmania.
Applications must be submitted via the NYPN nomination form, accessible above. For any questions on how to nominate or the process, please email nypntas@gmail.com.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Award Categories by Nomination, nominees must be:
Any individual aged between 18 and 40 years of age working in Northern Tasmania
Applicants do not need to be a member of NYPN to apply
Award sponsors and their employees may nominate, except in the category they are sponsoring
Life members and current board directors of the NYPN and award judges are not eligible for nomination
Awards Subcommittee of the NYPN Board
The Awards are organised by the Awards Subcommittee including Stephanie Lodder (Subcommittee Chairperson and NYPN President), Jack McCarthy (NYPN Public Officer), and Joshua Garwood-Besanvalle (NYPN Secretary).
Key Dates
Applications open 4 September 2026
Applications close 30 September 2026
Finalists announced 5 October 2026
Winners announced Live at the Awards Dinner, 16 October 2026