ITAC Awards 2026
Celebrating the groundbreaking contributions of individuals, teams and organisations driving excellence and innovation within the aged care sector.
Award categories
Technology Transformation
Honours visionary use of technology to drive meaningful change in aged care. It demonstrates how technology can be a powerful enabler of continuous improvement, smarter service delivery, and better outcomes for older Australians.
Research and Development
Highlighting a commitment to evidence-based innovation, translating research into practical solutions that address current and emerging challenges in aged care. This work exemplifies the transformative power of research and development in shaping the future of aged care.
Capacity Building
Acknowledging exceptional efforts to strengthen the aged care workforce through innovative capacity-building initiatives. These efforts foster a culture of continuous learning and sector-led innovation, ensuring the workforce is prepared to meet current and future challenges with confidence and creativity.
Data Insights
Recognising initiatives using data analytics, data insights or predictive modelling to improve decision-making, enhance outcomes for older people or improve business operations. This category celebrates the power of data in driving evidence based innovation.
Nomination information
ITAC Awards Nomination Criteria
The nomination criteria is designed to highlight the initiatives driving meaningful progress across aged care, community care, and seniors living. Each nomination should clearly demonstrate how the initiative delivers innovation, impact, and long-term value for the sector. By addressing the criteria below, you’ll help our judges understand the significance of your work and the contribution it makes to improving outcomes for older Australians.
Innovation and Creativity (30%)
- What makes your approach original or creative?
- Explain any new ideas, technologies, or methods introduced.
- How does your solution differ from what already exists in the sector?
Impact and Outcomes (20%)
- What measurable outcomes has your initiative achieved?
(e.g., improved quality of care, efficiency, safety, workforce experience, consumer experience) - Provide evidence of impact, such as data, case studies, testimonials, or evaluation findings.
- Who has benefited most from this initiative, and how?
Scalability and Sustainability (20%)
- How scalable is your initiative?
Describe its potential to be expanded, replicated, or adopted by other providers or settings. - What makes your initiative sustainable long-term? (e.g., ongoing funding model, integration into everyday practice, adaptability to future needs)
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement (15%)
- Who was involved in developing or implementing this initiative? (e.g., consumers, staff, clinicians, researchers, partners, vendors)
- Describe how stakeholders were meaningfully engaged.
What role did collaboration play in shaping or strengthening the initiative? - How did this engagement improve outcomes or success for the initiative?
Alignment with Sector Goals (15%)
- How does your initiative support broader aged care priorities, reforms, or quality standards?
- In what ways does the initiative contribute to national or community goals, such as safety, quality, equity, workforce optimisation, consumer choice, or ageing well?
- How does your initiative help the sector evolve to meet future needs?
Additional supporting documents may be included
- Case studies (detailed real-world examples or research illustrating the initiative’s outcomes)
- Data tables, infographics or images
- Testimonials
Key dates
Nomination phase
- Nominations open: 25 November 2025
- Nominations close: 20 March 2026
- Finalists notified: wk commencing 6 April 2026
Awards ceremony and post-event
- ITAC Awards Presentation Dinner: 6 May 2026
- Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane
- Finalists are strongly encouraged to attend
- Winner profiles published online: May–June 2026
Award nominations close 20 March 2026
Nomination guidelines
To help ensure a smooth and successful submission, please review the following guidelines:
- Who can nominate: Providers of aged care, community care, retirement living and research agencies are invited to submit nominations. Partnerships with vendors may also be included.
- Eligibility period: The work or initiative being nominated must have taken place between 2021 and 2026.
- Category selection: Each nomination may only be submitted once, and must be entered into the most appropriate category. Judges reserve the right to move a nomination to a different category if it is deemed a better fit.
- Criteria requirements: All five criteria must be addressed, with a maximum of 200 words per criterion.
- How to submit: Nominations must be submitted via the online portal.
