Tasmanian Disability Awards 2026
How judging works
Fairness, independence and confidentiality sit at the heart of the Tasmanian Disability Awards. Here is exactly how nominees are assessed and winners are chosen.
1. Nominations received
Nominations for the 2026 Tasmanian Disability Awards were received through the Tasmanian Disability Awards website.
2. Nominees verify their nomination
Following nomination, nominees were provided with an opportunity to verify and update the information associated with their nomination.
3. Independent assessment
The nominations were reviewed and assessed by the independent judging panel, with the winners determined through that judging process.
4. Winners announced
Winners were announced at the 2026 Tasmanian Disability Awards gala night on Saturday 19 September 2026 at the Tasman Room, Wrest Point, Hobart.
An independent national panel
The Awards are independently judged by a national judging panel, and we specifically do not use Tasmanian judges. This is intended to maintain independence from the local disability sector and minimise potential conflicts of interest.
Nominees are also not permitted to contact judges during the judging process.
Independence from the local sector
With no Tasmanian judges, nobody with local ties or competing interests has a say in the results.
A confidential process
No contact between nominees and judges keeps the assessment fair and the same for everyone.
The judging criteria
Every nominee is scored against four criteria. Professional and service categories are judged on excellence and impact, while the participant categories are judged on personal progress and achievement — so everyone is measured fairly against the right things.
Professional & service categories
Used for all categories except the participant categories — for example Support Worker, Support Coordinator, Plan Manager, Social Worker, Paediatrician, SIL Provider, Therapy Service, Training Provider and Community Hero of the Year.
Impact — Difference made to people with disability and the wider community.
Excellence — Quality, professionalism and standard of the work.
Leadership & innovation — New ideas, initiative and leading by example.
Community contribution — Contribution beyond the core role over the past 12 months.
Each criterion is scored out of 10 — a maximum total of 40 points.
Participant categories
Used for Participant of the Year and Goal Kicker Participant of the Year — recognising personal growth and achievement rather than professional excellence.
Progress — Growth and progress towards personal goals over the past 12 months.
Achievements — Milestones reached and achievements gained.
Determination & resilience — Effort, persistence and overcoming challenges.
Community participation — Involvement in the community and inspiring others.
Each criterion is scored out of 10 — a maximum total of 40 points.
Scores, decisions and outcomes
Individual scores are not released and the judges’ decisions are final. The Awards organising team does not select the winners — the outcome rests entirely with the independent judging panel.
Questions about judging?
We’re always happy to talk through how the process works. Get in touch with the Awards organising team.