The AustStab Awards of Excellence celebrate leading practice and innovation in pavement recycling and stabilisation as well as the emergence of new talent in the industry. The Awards are issued annually at the AustStab Conference and Awards Gala Dinner, which this year will be held at Adelaide Oval South Australia on Tuesday 12th August.

Award categories are:

1. Work Health and Safety
2. Industry Excellence in Consulting, Research or Education
3. Excellence in Sustainability
4. Excellence in Recycling and Stabilising Pavements in Local Government
5. Young Stabiliser of the Year

Stage 1 – Submission of entries
Entries to be submitted using the online 2025 Award Nomination Form – entry submission opened 1st April 2025 and will close 9th May
Pro-forma entries will require the following information:

1. Entry title as it should appear on the award,
2. Name of the entrant and contact details,
3. Names of key contributing staff,
4. Category of Award being submitted, and
5. A brief synopsis (no more than 300 words) detailing the objectives of the initiative being proposed, the operating environment or context and how that affects the initiative, and any specific challenges that were encountered in the implementation of the initiative.

An initial judging round will take place to determine the finalists – all entrants will be advised of the status of their entry by the 2nd June 2025.

Stage 2 – Finalists’ submissions
All finalists will be required to provide a more detailed outline of their submission in a short, annotated PowerPoint presentation using a supplied template (5 – 10 slides).
Finalists’ presentations will be required to be submitted by email to enquiry@auststab.com.au by the 30th June 2025. Presentations should include the following information:

1. Entry title and submitting organisation,
2. An overview and objectives of the initiative,
3. A description of the initiative undertaken,
4. A description of the operating environment or context and how that affects the initiative,
5. Any specific challenges that were encountered in the implementation of the initiative,
6. Any other key points of interest about the initiative,
7. Evidence of success, particularly describing what aspects clearly demonstrate excellence beyond normal day-to-day operations,
8. Supporting data, including audit data, cost analyses, customer experience survey results, design documentation, or any other information that will help the judges understand the impact of the initiative,
9. Demonstration of evidence of the initiative in practical use,
10. Supporting graphical, image or video content.

A second judging round will take place to determine those entries considered to be Highly Commendable and the Category Winners.
Awards will be presented at the AustStab Awards Gala Dinner to be held on Tuesday 12th August 2025 in Adelaide.

Award Categories

Category 1 – Work Health and Safety
The Work Health and Safety award recognises excellence in the following general areas specific to application within the pavement recycling and stabilisation industry:

1. Workplace health and safety management systems,
2. Solutions to identified workplace health and safety issues, and
3. Workplace health and safety practices in small business.

Category 2 – Industry Excellence in Consulting, Research or Education
This award recognises outstanding achievements in design, research or education associated with pavement recycling and stabilisation that will provide new ways of conducting or promoting sustainable pavement construction and rehabilitation processes.

Category 3 – Excellence in Sustainability
The Excellence in Sustainability award targets initiatives that demonstrate outstanding economic, social and environmental sustainability in pavement recycling and stabilisation. Nominations in this category should demonstrate how sustainable practices have led to the development, conservation and preservation of the environment, or have benefited economic or social outcomes. This could include recycling of construction materials or household waste, or reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through the use of recycled materials. Nominations should also outline a brief overview of other alternatives considered and the benefits and costs associated with each.

Category 4 – Excellence in Pavement Recycling and Stabilisation in Local Government
This award is specifically aimed at Local Government initiatives that have adopted innovative pavement recycling and stabilisation practices and that have resulted in better outcomes for Local Government constituents.

Category 5 – Young Stabiliser of the Year
Award nominees in this category shall be aged 35 years or less at 30th June and be pavement recycling and stabilisation professionals or field staff who have:

1. Realised competence and significant achievement in pavement recycling and stabilisation,
2. A demonstrated understanding of the role and purpose of pavement recycling and stabilisation in the construction industry, and
3. Have demonstrated proficient use of communication skills in stabilisation projects.

Eligibility
Entry is open to Australian private and public organisations. Entrants do not need to be members of AustStab to be eligible, however contractors must be accredited contractors, or be in the process of achieving accreditation, in accordance with the AustStab/ARRB Accreditation Scheme.

Judging Process
AustStab will assess all entries for conformance with the criteria outlined in this document.

A judging panel will be nominated by the AustStab Council.

Award Process Timing
A summarised outline of the AustStab Awards of Excellence process and times is provided below.

1. Entries for the awards open on the 1st April 2025.
2. Award entries close on the 9^th May 2025.
3. Finalists will be notified on the 2^nd June 2025.
4. Finalists’ submissions to be made by 30th June 2025.
5. Finalists, Highly Commendable entries and Winners will be announced at the AustStab Awards Gala Dinner on the 12th August 2025.