2026 Welding Excellence Awards

The Company of the Year Award recognises superior performance across a comprehensive range of business metrics including: innovation, quality assurance, corporate social responsibility, health and safety, and training and development of employees. There are three sub-categories:

Fabrication
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Supplier
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Indigenous
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This Award recognises an individual or organisation that is making a significant contribution to advancing the participation, development, and recognition of Indigenous Australians in the welding and fabrication industry. This may include leadership, advocacy, mentorship, innovation, or the implementation of initiatives that support greater diversity and inclusion.

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Sponsored by SFE Group

The Pipe Fabricator of the Year Award recognises an outstanding company or individual demonstrating excellence in pipe fabrication across a range of projects and applications. This includes superior workmanship, adherence to standards, innovation, safety, and overall contribution to the welding and fabrication industry.

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This Award recognises an individual or organisation that is making a significant contribution to advancing the participation, development, and recognition of women in the Australian welding and fabrication industry. This may include leadership, advocacy, mentorship, innovation, or the implementation of initiatives that support greater diversity and inclusion.

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This Award recognises professionals who are making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The individual should demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge or craftsmanship, be dedicated to their profession, and have professional development plans in place.

Welding Engineer / Technologist
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Welding Supervisor
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Welding Inspector
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The Health and Safety in Welding Award recognises organisations that are leading the way in encouraging and promoting health and safety throughout the Australian welding industry, and ensuring the health and safety of their own team. Organisations will be judged on criteria such as design and implementation of innovative programs or initiatives, the outcomes of these programs, and the health and safety of their team.

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The Project of the Year Award recognises excellence in welding and fabrication projects, with a focus on exceptional craftsmanship, a commitment to Australian and International Standards, environmental sustainability and innovation. Projects must have been completed in the 12 months preceding 1 August 2025.

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These Awards recognise apprentices who are making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The individual should demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge or craftsmanship, be dedicated to their profession, and have professional development plans in place.

Under 25 years of age
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Over 25 years of age
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This Award recognises people over the age of 25 who are making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The individual should demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge or craftsmanship, be dedicated to their profession, and have professional development plans in place.

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This Award recognises indigenous trades people under the age of 25 who are making a valuable contribution to the Australian welding and fabrication industry. The individual should demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge or craftsmanship, be dedicated to their profession, and have professional development plans in place.

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This Award recognises a student currently enrolled in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools welding or metal fabrication program who demonstrates outstanding promise in the field. The nominee should exhibit a high level of enthusiasm, a strong commitment to developing their technical skills, and a proactive attitude towards learning and growth in the welding and fabrication industry.

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The Training and Education Award recognises the outstanding achievements of a STEM or VET provider or program. Entrants may include secondary education and tertiary education providers, private companies, TAFEs and RTOs. Criteria include delivery of quality, innovative training programs, involvement with industry, recruitment and retention of students, and corporate social responsibility.

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This Award recognises the outstanding achievements of a STEM or VET teacher at TAFEs, independent RTOs and private companies. Entrants will be judged on criteria such as delivery of quality, innovative training programs, high level of knowledge or craftsmanship, strong links with students, and dedication to their profession.

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The Ken Trevena Award recognises someone who has demonstrated an outstanding example of welding expertise on a particular project, attained meritorious skill in a Weld Australia Course, has made a contribution to the art and science of welding, or developed a welding principle, technique or process with special merit.

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The Peter Kuebler Award recognises someone who has demonstrated an outstanding example of welding expertise on a particular project, attained meritorious skill in a Weld Australia Course, has made a contribution to the art and science of welding, or developed a welding principle, technique or process with special merit.

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The Peter Cryer Award recognises someone who has demonstrated an outstanding example of welding expertise on a particular project, attained meritorious skill in a Weld Australia Course, has made a contribution to the art and science of welding, or developed a welding principle, technique or process with special merit.

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The Robert Wiseman Award recognises someone who has demonstrated an outstanding example of welding expertise on a particular project, attained meritorious skill in a Weld Australia course, has made a contribution to the art and science of welding, or developed a welding principle, technique or process with special merit. This Award is open to members based in Victoria only.

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The Mick Cudmore Award recognises someone who has demonstrated an outstanding example of welding expertise on a particular project, attained meritorious skill in a Weld Australia course, has made a contribution to the art and science of welding, or developed a welding principle, technique or process with special merit. This Award is open to members based in Western Australia only.

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Gold Sponsor

Coregas manufactures and distributes compressed gases and cryogenic liquids to almost all industries, ranging from heavy industry and manufacturing to healthcare and specialty users such as laboratories.

Welding and cutting is core to our business and our product offerings. With our dedicated technical team and broad range of industrial and specialty products, we can provide expertise and support initiatives to further improve productivity, quality, and safety.

Coregas is changing gases around the country, seeking to raise the bar in terms of service, quality, and value. We believe that the best way to grow our business is to listen to customers and deliver on our promises to them.

For further information, visit: coregas.com

Gold Sponsor

BlueScope is a global leader in steel manufacturing, dedicated to supplying innovative, high-quality steel for some of the world's most beautiful, essential, and enduring structures. Guided by their core purpose, to create and inspire smart solutions in steel, to strengthen communities for the future, the company operates across 15 countries with a strong presence in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North America.

Trusted worldwide for its strength, durability, and recyclability, BlueScope's premium portfolio features iconic brands such as TRUECORE®, ZINCALUME®, LYSAGHT®, BUTLER®, and COLORBOND® steel, which is currently celebrating 60 years as Australia's most preferred roofing material. Beyond producing world-class products, BlueScope is actively transforming the future of steelmaking through a deep commitment to sustainable operations, climate action, and driving positive environmental and economic outcomes in the communities they serve.

For more information visit bluescope.com

Gold Sponsor

For over 100 years, BOC (a Linde company) has been a proud contributor to advances in industry and everyday life, including welding and cutting, steelmaking, refining, chemical processing, environmental protection, wastewater treatment, food processing and distribution, glass production, electronics, and healthcare.

In welding, BOC's technical experts guide customers through an extensive range of welding and cutting options, including gas mixtures, to help them achieve their budget, productivity and quality demands.

As the exclusive supplier of EWM digital welding machines in Australia and New Zealand, we help customers with Welding 4.0 via new technology solutions for areas such as robotics and automation saving fabricators time and money.

For more information visit boc.com.au

Gold Sponsor

Elliotts is passionate about taking great care in everything they do, ensuring you have the best protection. This shouldn't come as a surprise, after all, for more than 55 years, they have been in the business of manufacturing and supplying specialised personal protective clothing and equipment designed to protect the users of their products better than anything else.

Their dynamic and positive spirit to do the right thing for their customers, partners and industry sets them apart and nourishes their capacity to deliver quality products with certainty and to take care of every worker without compromise.

They manufacture and supply a comprehensive range of high-quality specialist safety clothing and gear which includes Safety Gloves & Hand Protection, FR Clothing & Work Wear, Arcflash & Switching Clothing, Protective clothing for Firefighters, Chemical Splash Clothing, Welding Apparel, Furnace Clothing, Wet Weather & Cold Weather Clothing, Welding Screens, Welding Blankets & Drapes, Hi Vis Clothing, and much more.

For more information, visit: elliotts.net

Gold Sponsor

SFE Group is a specialist provider of pipe fabrication, orbital welding, portable machining, pipe handling and weld purging solutions. As part of the global SFE Group, we combine the strength of a leading manufacturing, technology and OEM group with local Australian technical support, application engineering, equipment demonstrations, operator training and after-sales service.

Working closely with a network of authorised distribution partners across Australia, SFE Group supports fabricators, contractors and asset owners with industry-leading technologies including: AXXAIR, Magnatech, CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems, H&S Tool, TAG Pipe Equipment Specialists, B&B Sumner, PPM Technology, Mathey Dearman, Fit-Up Pro and Calder Testers.

Combining global knowledge and capability with local expertise, SFE Group helps customers improve productivity, quality and safety across critical fabrication and welding applications.

For more information, visit sfe-brands.com

Gold Sponsor

SPW specialises in welding which includes equipment, consumables, service, second hand and hire.

The group includes Western Welding Services (WA), Townsville Welding Supplies (QLD), Norstate Gas (QLD), Independent Welding Supplies (QLD), The Weld Spot (Victoria), Allweld (NSW), Totalweld (NT) and Southern Cross Industrial Supplies (NSW/ACT and SA).

Our businesses are able to deliver a national specialised welding supply chain and our trading companies have retained their locations, staff expertise and customer service levels whilst combining buying power and marketing initiatives.

At SPW we will continue to deliver exceptional service and a comprehensive range of welding products in every location.

For more information, visit spwgroup.com.au

Gold Sponsor

Kemppi is the design leader of the arc welding industry. For over 70 years we have leveraged our considerable expertise to pioneer the development of both welding equipment and productive welding solutions and services, and introduced many new innovations to the market.

We remain committed to boosting the quality and productivity of welding by continuous development of the welding arc. Our advanced welding products, digital solutions and services are highly reliable, feature-rich and simple to use, and have been created for professionals from industrial welding companies to single contractors.

We operate in over 70 countries and are dedicated to empowering welders.

For more information, visit: kemppi.com/en

Gold Sponsor

With more than 60 years of product development under their belt, WIA has been supplying the Australian market with reliable welding equipment and consumables that have stood the test of time. From the Fabricator to the Austarc 16TC, the products they have developed and delivered long ago are still being relied on today.

Today, WIA has further evolved and take pride in being part of ITW, one of the strongest, most well-regarded manufacturers in the world. For over 100 years ITW's strategy has never changed – to deliver best-in class, innovative solutions that result in higher efficiency and proven performance for customers worldwide.

For more information, visit welding.com.au

Silver Sponsor

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare, Air Liquide acts as the backbone of numerous economic sectors, serving 4.3 million customers and patients across 59 countries with approximately 65,000 employees. With revenues close to 27 billion euros in 2025, Air Liquide combines strong performance and useful growth.

Air Liquide aims to deliver innovative gas solutions and technologies to a wide range of customers which drive their performance and help them reduce their environmental impact. No matter where, Air Liquide is committed to providing solutions which are safe, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable.

For more information visit: airliquide.com

Silver Sponsor

Apex Welding Safety (AWS) is a specialist in controlling welding fumes. Built on the hierarchy of control, AWS offers solutions across all product control categories, including welding helmets with powered air purifying respirators (PAPR), on-gun fume extraction, hooded local exhaust ventilation, push-pull systems, and diluters. Partnering with the world's leading brands – including 3M, Speedglas, Translas, Nederman, and Plymovent – AWS is perfectly positioned to help businesses implement product controls that better protect welders and nearby workers.

For more information visit apexweldingsafety.com.au

Silver Sponsor

For over 30 years, Diverseco has helped Australian businesses operate with greater precision, efficiency and confidence – evolving from its origins in industrial weighing into a leader in weighing and automation.

Today, Diverseco brings this capability to market through two specialised divisions. Accuweigh, the foundation of Diverseco's heritage, delivers industrial weighing, measurement and service solutions.

Complementing this is Diverseco R+I (Robotics & Intralogistics), focused on advanced automation. From warehouse optimisation to intelligent robotics and integrated intralogistics systems, Diverseco R+I enables businesses to streamline operations, improve throughput and adapt to the growing demands of modern supply chains.

Together, these divisions reflect Diverseco's evolution – from weighing specialists to a multi-disciplinary partner delivering end-to-end solutions across measurement, automation and operational performance.

At Diverseco's core is a simple belief: technology alone is not enough. Real impact comes from understanding customers' challenges and delivering practical, tailored solutions that drive measurable outcomes. This is how Diverseco continues to lead – empowering businesses to operate smarter, compete stronger and grow with confidence into the future.

For further information, visit: diverseco.com.au

Silver Sponsor

Lorch South Pacific is a subsidiary of Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH. Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH is a leading manufacturer of electric arc welding systems for industrial applications, metalworking, partially automated solutions and robot automation systems. For more than 60 years, Lorch's premium quality systems have been manufactured in Germany at one of the world's most cutting-edge manufacturing plants for welding equipment and exported to more than 60 countries. The welding equipment engineered by Lorch merges first-rate suitability for real-world applications with superior ease of use and outstanding efficiency, setting new technological standards in the marketplace.

For further information, visit: lorch.eu/en_AU

Silver Sponsor

Outsource Institute (AUS), founded in 1998, is an Australian Engineering college, delivering qualifications in Engineering, Welding and specialised trade & technical skills to the Mining, Defence, Manufacturing and Engineering sectors both domestically and internationally.

Having partnered with industry for over 20 years, Outsource Institute is at the forefront of what skills and knowledge is needed in the metals and engineering sector and makes it their business to deliver it both directly and through industry partnerships with Weld Australia, Custom Fluid Power, SMC Corporation (Australia) Pty Ltd, Workforce Success and RPR Trades. To provide their students with educational pathways post their vocational studies, Outsource Institute has recognition for their courses in the form of articulation pathways with several of Australia's top universities: The University of Queensland, Griffith, Southern Cross, the University of Southern Queensland, and James Cook University.

For more information, visit outsourceinstitute.edu.au or call 1300 136 904.

Bronze Sponsor

With a rich legacy dating back to 1982, Gentronics has been dedicated to serving industries just like yours, providing unrivalled expertise and a comprehensive range of welding products, consumables, and industrial supplies. Our mission is to empower you to achieve the best results by offering the finest selection of top-quality products at competitive prices, ensuring you have everything you need to successfully complete your next project.

At Gentronics, we specialise in Welding Automation, Generators, Engine Driven Welders, Turning Rollers, Positioners, Compressors, Benders, Notchers, and Safety Equipment. Whether you require equipment or consumables for TIG, MIG, MMA, CNC, Inverter MIG, Welding Wire, Filler Rods, Aluminium, Stainless Steel, or even gas cylinders and refills such as Oxygen, Acetylene, and Argon, we are your one-stop solution.

Our commitment extends beyond merely supplying welding products and equipment. With our Welshpool service centre, we offer comprehensive repair and maintenance services for all your equipment. And to minimise downtime, our team of On-Site Service Technicians is readily available to assist you whenever the job requires it.

For further information, visit: gentronics.com.au

Bronze Sponsor

Nederman is an environmental technology company and a global leader in industrial air filtration dedicated to extracting, transporting and cleaning air to make industrial production more efficient, safe and sustainable. Based on industry leading products, solutions and services in combination with innovative IoT technology, Nederman monitors and optimises performance and validates emissions compliance to protect people, planet and production.

Whether operating a small welding workshop, field welding or a large scale automated factory, Nederman is dedicated to providing fume extraction solutions that meet your specific requirements. Regardless of the welding method employed, be it robotic, cobot, or manual, effective welding fume extraction is imperative to safeguard welders, sustain productivity, and compliance with rules and regulations.

For further information, visit: nederman.com

Bronze Sponsor

Introducing One Gas Australia, a trailblazer in the Industrial & Hospitality Gas industry, committed to revolutionising the business landscape with a unique and inclusive approach.

Our fundamental philosophy centres around empowering our customers through our ground-breaking NO RENT Cylinder purchase program. By granting complete control and ownership of the cylinders, we empower our customers to treat them as indispensable tools and equipment, just like any other essential asset.

At One Gas Australia, we set the benchmark for unwavering commitment to innovation, service excellence, and unmatched value for all our esteemed customers. We take pride in spearheading the paradigm shift towards Rent-Free ownership in both the industrial & Hospitality Gas markets.

For further information, visit: onegasaustralia.com.au

Bronze Sponsor

Welding Equipment Sales & Service (W.E.S.S.) is the largest Independent Welding Distribution Business in South Australia and is 100% Australian owned. We specialise in everything related to Cutting/Welding and Metal Fabrication. It's what we do and we do it all Sales, Service, Hire & Repair for all major industry brands and provide the expertise to back it all up.

It's our business to provide solutions with expert independent advice and deliver value added products and services to our customers, no job is too big or small. We strive to deliver the best solution for the job, with the best products, quality and price in South Australia with expert advice, back-up and ongoing support.

For more information, visit wess.com.au