How to write a great nomination

The Top 50 Women Awards shine a light on the women who are shaping the future of Victoria’s public purpose sector, leaders who elevate others, drive meaningful change, and inspire through their commitment and impact.

Nominations for the 2026 Top 50 Women Awards are now open, offering an important opportunity to recognise the women whose contributions help strengthen communities, organisations and public institutions across our state.

Whether they are emerging leaders finding their voice or established leaders influencing policy, culture and transformation, these awards celebrate the individuals whose work exemplifies excellence, integrity and service. IPAA Victoria is proud to champion their achievements and encourage peers, colleagues and organisations to share their stories.

If you’re considering nominating someone remarkable this year, here’s how to craft a compelling, evidence rich nomination that showcases their leadership and impact.

Start with the award criteria

• Ensure your nominee clearly aligns with the established leader or emerging leader category.
• Consider career stage and demonstrated leadership behaviours including integrity, diversity, inclusion and impact.

Tell a clear and evidence rich story

• Highlight measurable outcomes and demonstrate how the nominee’s work creates impact across teams, communities or organisations.
• The guidelines focus on recognising significant leadership and work that inspires others.

Address the key questions thoughtfully

Review the nomination questions included in the guidelines and prepare responses that are specific and aligned to the assessment criteria.

Note: The nomination form can be saved and resumed any time before the closing date.

Demonstrate impact across the public purpose sector

The awards recognise women making meaningful contributions across:

• Victorian government, statutory authorities
• community organisations
• academia
• private firms operating in the sector.

Include supporting materials

Where possible, include a bio and a headshot. Finalists will be asked for these at a later stage if not supplied during nomination. But will be helpful during judging as it helps with demonstrating impact and category alignment.

Key dates

• Nominations open 16 February 2026 and close 20 March 2026.
• Judging and endorsement from IPAA Vic Board occurs from March to May.
• Winners are announced in June followed by an awards event on 6 August 2026.

Final tips for a strong nomination

Write authentically, avoid jargon, proofread carefully and ensure you have the necessary organisational permissions before submitting.

Nominations and supporting documentation are submitted online via our awards platform called Award Force. To start your nomination:

1. Register for an account at IPAA Victoria (awardsplatform.com).
2. Complete the online nomination form. A copy of the nomination questions is available as an attachment to these guidelines as a reference guide for the information you will need. You can save and resume your nomination online at any time before nominations close, please ensure all contact details are provided.
3. Submit the completed nomination. Receipt of nomination will be acknowledged on submission.
4. If available, please include a bio and headshot of your nominee with your submission. If these are not provided, and your nominee is selected as a finalist, IPAA Victoria will request them upon notification of the successful nomination.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your nomination, please contact us at awards@vic.ipaa.org.au.