Communication and Public Relations Australia’s (CPRA) 2026 Golden Target Awards are open for entries as part of the awards’ 50th year of recognising the communication work that keeps the public informed, engaged and served.
From public health and safety campaigns to community consultation, emergency response and policy engagement, public sector communication is among the most consequential work in the profession, and the Golden Target Awards program includes a dedicated suite of categories built for it.
These include the Government Campaign award, recognising work that advances public understanding of a societal issue or government initiative, alongside the Government Team of the Year and individual honours spanning Emerging Leader, Professional and Leader of the Year. Public sector entrants are also well suited to broader categories including Change Communications, Community Relations and Engagement, Infrastructure, Regional Communications and Sustained Campaign.
Key dates for the 2026 program are:
- Early-bird entries close: Friday 19 June, 11:00pm AEST
- Standard entries close: Friday 17 July, 11:00pm AEST
- Late entries close: Friday 31 July, 11:00pm AEST
- Shortlist announced: Wednesday 19 August
- Awards Night: Thursday 17 September, Sheraton Grand Sydney, Hyde Park, Sydney NSW
CPRA CEO, Louise Harland-Cox said government communicators helped define the program’s 50-year history.
“Some of the most important work recognised by the Golden Target Awards over the past 50 years has come from the public sector. Campaigns that changed behaviour, protected communities and helped people navigate moments that mattered,” Ms Harland-Cox said.
“This year, we want that work front and centre. If you’ve delivered communication in service of the public this year, this is the program to have it judged against the very best in the country.”
CPRA Chair, Helen Hutchings FCPRA said the work of government communicators had never been more vital.
“Public trust is the currency of good government, and it’s the communication professionals who earn and protect it every day, through clear information, genuine engagement and honest dialogue with the community,” Ms Hutchings said.
“As the public’s expectations rise and the information environment grows more complex, those working in the public sector are more essential than ever. The Golden Target Awards exist to recognise them, and to set the standard for the next generation stepping into these roles.”
Award information can be found at: https://www.cpra.org.au/golden-target-awards/. Entries can be submitted at: https://goldentarget.awardsplatform.com/.
