Bringing together recruitment leaders, agency owners, technology providers and industry partners, the evening recognised organisations who are setting the benchmark for excellence across Australia's recruitment and staffing profession. Guests enjoyed rooftop cocktails overlooking the Melbourne skyline before gathering to celebrate the sector's achievements, with acclaimed comedian and broadcaster Nazeem Hussain hosting the evening.
The 2026 Awards for Excellence marked a significant milestone for APSCo Australia, with entries tripling compared to previous years, making this the most competitive awards program in the event's history.
Importantly, the APSCo Awards for Excellence are open to the entire recruitment and staffing profession, and always have been. Businesses from across the industry are invited to participate, ensuring the awards recognise excellence wherever it exists.
What further distinguishes the program is its rigorous judging process. Unlike many industry awards that rely solely on written submissions, APSCo's independent judging panel conducted more than 100 hours of interviews with finalists, providing a deeper assessment of business performance, leadership capability, innovation, culture and customer outcomes.
APSCo Australia MD Lesley Horsburgh said the growth in entries reflected the increasing value recruitment businesses place on independent recognition and benchmarking.
"The quality of entries this year was exceptional, and the fact that submissions tripled demonstrates the growing credibility and prestige of the APSCo Awards for Excellence."
"What makes these awards unique is the depth of our judging process. Our judges invest significant time interviewing entrants and exploring the evidence behind every submission. This ensures our winners are recognised not simply for writing a strong award entry, but for delivering genuine impact, innovation and excellence in their organisations."
"We're proud that the Awards for Excellence are open to the entire recruitment profession. Whether a business is an APSCo member or not, these awards provide an opportunity to showcase outstanding achievements and celebrate the contribution our industry makes to employers, candidates and the wider economy."
The warm spring evening provided the perfect backdrop for the celebrations, with winners, finalists and highly commended organisations recognised in front of their peers. The event highlighted the innovation, resilience and professionalism that continue to drive Australia's recruitment sector forward.
2026 APSCo Australia Awards for Excellence Winners
Excellence Awards
Back Office Team of the Year
Tradewind Australia
Candidate Experience (Sponsored by WorkPro)
Beaumont People
Leadership Pathway Program
Talent
Employer of the Year
Access Offshoring
Best Brand (Sponsored by JobAdder)
Samuels Donegan
Tech & Innovation (Sponsored by SEEK)
Aquent Australia
Best Tech Newcomer
Spott
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
Rise by Talent
Client Service
Access Offshoring
MSP of the Year
Hays
RPO of the Year
Harrison McMillan
Specialist Firm of the Year (Sponsored by Bullhorn)
Tradewind Australia and Cornerstone Medical Recruitment
Best Performance Awards
Small Agency
Access Offshoring
Medium Agency
Whizdom
Large Agency
Talenza
Recognition Awards
Partner of the Year
Sophie Robertson, Younique Coaching
Outstanding Contribution to the APSCo ACT Community
John McCluskey
The evening also recognised a number of highly commended organisations, including Chandler Macleod, Pharma People, Enemix, Sundstrom Recruitment, Cornerstone Medical Recruitment, Curis Recruitment, Access Offshoring, TORRA and ZREC.
APSCo Australia extends its sincere thanks to the independent judging panel for their commitment and professionalism throughout the awards process. The organisation also acknowledges the support of event sponsors IMS People Possible, SDP Solutions and PORTERS Corporation, whose partnership helped make the evening possible.