WRIQ is pleased to announce that entries for the
2026 Industry Awards are now open
The WRIQ Industry Awards bring the industry together to recognise and celebrate those individuals and teams who have displayed a level of excellence throughout the year. Entries will be judged across ten categories.
The WRIQ Industry Awards will be presented at a Gala Dinner on 4 September 2026 in Brisbane. We are looking forward to another exciting year of Award entries that showcase excellence across Queensland’s waste and resource recovery industry.
Entries for the awards close Monday 20 July 2026
Awards Categories
Individual Employees
Driver of the Year
This award recognises the outstanding performance of a professional truck driver, including driving skill, attitude and contribution to industry improvement
Trainee or Apprentice
of the Year
This award is presented to an individual who is undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training
Plant/Equipment Operator
of the Year
This award recognises excellent performance, initiative and all-round attention to detail of a plant/equipment operator
Maintenance Employee
of the Year
This award celebrates the knowledge and expertise of the individuals who work behind the scenes in the industry’s plant, equipment and vehicle workshops
ReCYCLING Employee
of the Year
This award recognises excellent performance, initiative and all-round attention to detail of an employee within a recycling facility
Industry Professional of the Year
This award recognises those who support the waste and resource recovery industry. Nominees may work in safety, environmental, quality, sales, weighbridge operations or administration
Lithium Battery Fire Hero of the Year
This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated safe and effective intervention in controlling and/or preventing a lithium battery fire to safeguard a facility, vehicle, or workers
Industry Collaboration
of the Year
This award recognises councils, industry and partnership teams that have successfully implemented innovative initiatives, policies or programs advancing resource recovery (including organics processing) in Queensland. It celebrates collaboration between councils, industry, generators and end users to deliver shared outcomes. Examples include, but are not limited to, increased recycling participation, new collection systems, targeted awareness campaigns, and innovative use of resources or materials.
Safety Innovation
of the Year
This award recognises excellence in developing and implementing an innovative solution to an identified health and safety issue. Entries for this award may include a product solution, an engineering innovation, a training program, an awareness raising activity or other risk control measures that reduce the risk of work-related injury and illness
Environmental Innovation
of the Year
This award seeks to spotlight innovations that are driving positive change in waste management, recycling and circular economy practices
Best Recycled Product
This award aims to raise awareness and showcase the latest product innovations and designs for recycled products as well as progress in the application of recycled materials
Join us for a spectacular evening of celebration and recognition at the WRIQ Industry Awards Gala Dinner!
The WRIQ Industry Awards Gala Dinner is a prestigious occasion where we come together to acknowledge and honour outstanding individuals and companies who have displayed excellence throughout the year.
The 2026 awards will be presented at a Gala Dinner on Friday 4 September 2026. This special evening will feature industry recognition, entertainment, and networking opportunities for all attendees.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition and inspiration as we highlight and celebrate the achievements of those who have contributed to the success of Queensland’s waste and resource recovery industry.
BOOKINGS OPEN NOW
Get in Quick (book by 17 July 2026)
Individual Ticket: $240 • Table of 8 $1728 • Table of 10 $2160 inc GST
Standard (from 18 July 2026)
Individual Ticket: $260 • Table of 8 $1872 • Table of 10 $2340 inc GST
Includes sumptuous three-course meal, drinks and entertainment
Bookings close 12noon, Monday 24 August 2026
Thank you to our Gala Dinner and Awards Sponsors
