The AUSTAFE Queensland Emerging Leader in Support Services Award recognises an emerging leader who is already making valuable contributions in the VET sector, and who has the potential for outstanding future achievements beyond their professional obligations. This award recognises an individual who is in an administration or support services position. This award emphasises leadership over management or supervision and is open to individuals aged 40 years or younger as of January 1, 2024.

All shortlisted nominees for the award will receive:

• One (1) year free AUSTAFE Queensland membership
• A certificate of recognition
• An invitation to the 2024 AUSTAFE Queensland Emerging Leaders Forum.

The winner of the AUSTAFE Queensland Emerging Leader in Support Services Award will receive:

• The prizes awarded to all shortlisted nominees, along with sponsorship funding to attend professional development.

Prizes are non-transferable.

Selection criteria

Award applications are required to address the following criteria and must not exceed two (2) A4 pages:

1. Personal and professional excellence: The individual, in their administration or support services position, demonstrates high-level personal and professional qualities, including integrity and ethical behaviour.
2. Leadership capability: The individual, in their administration or support services position, demonstrates successful leadership by leading collaborative ventures and providing support to colleagues, teams and stakeholders.
3. Innovation and impact: The individual, in their administration or support services position, has contributed to innovation in the VET sector by introducing or contributing to new initiatives, projects and/or change processes with measurable outcomes.
4. Commitment to growth: The individual, in their administration or support services position, demonstrates a strong commitment to ongoing professional development for themselves and others in the sector.

Guidelines and eligibility

• The award is open to any individual aged 40 years or less as of 1 January, 2024.
• Nominees must be endorsed by their General Manager/Executive and consent before nominating.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to write their own nomination as it will be looked upon favourably during the selection and judging process.
• Applicants can be assisted by their General Manager/Executive/Manager to complete their nomination.
• Nominations must not exceed two (2) A4 pages.
• Nominations must provide specific examples that demonstrate how nominees, in their current or past roles in administration or support services, meet the selection criteria.
• Criterion responses should adopt the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) model for clarity and structure.
• Nominees must submit their current resume with their nomination.
• Nominations may include up to two (2) A4 letters of recommendation or endorsement.
• Nominees are not required to be current AUSTAFE Queensland members.
• Award winner/s will be determined by a selection panel formed by the AUSTAFE Queensland Executive.
• Awards cannot be awarded to the same person more than once.
• Award presentations will be made at the annual AUSTAFE Queensland Leaders ad Legends Gala Dinner.
• AUSTAFE Queensland reserves the right to reject any nomination not complying with the guidelines and selection criteria.