Why Recognition Matters: Lessons from Past ITS Australia Award Winners

For almost two decades, the ITS Australia Awards have been the industry's premier recognition program, showcasing the people, projects and organisations that are transforming transport through innovation, leadership and collaboration. Now entering their 17th year, the Awards have honoured hundreds of standout achievements that have improved safety, mobility, sustainability and network performance across Australia and beyond.

With award categories including Young Professional of the Year; Connected, Electric & Automated Vehicle; Excellence in R&D; Excellence in Transport Data; Intelligent Mobility & Smart Transport & Infrastructure as well as the industry-recognised Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award and Woman of the Year award, the opportunity to recognise excellence in the ITS field is broad.  

It's an opportunity to reflect on achievements, document impact, celebrate your team's success and gain recognition from industry peers. Whether you're named a finalist or take home an award, participation can raise profiles, strengthen credibility and create valuable opportunities for future partnerships and investment.

As nominations open for the 2027 ITS Australia Awards, we spoke with some of our 2026 winners about the value of being recognised by the industry and why they encourage others to nominate.

2026 Young Professional of the Year winner Kalan Ralph from Main Roads Western Australia described the recognition as a career milestone.

“To be recognised nationally through the ITS Australia Awards has been a crowning achievement of my career to date.’ Said Kalan.

‘Being showcased among my peers and colleagues was a rewarding experience, and I was honoured to represent my organisation.

For organisations, the benefits can be just as significant. La Trobe University’s Centre for Technology Infusion won the 2026 Excellence in Research & Development Award for its C-ITS for Motorcycle Safety project. Deputy Director Erik van Vulpin said the award provided valuable industry recognition and independent validation.

“Winning an ITS Australia Award was a welcome acknowledgement of the very hard work and commitment of everyone involved in the project.” Siad Erik when asked what it was like to be announced the winner. “It provided industry recognition, reinforced the relevance and quality of the work within our own organisation, and gave the team a shared milestone to celebrate.

The value of the accolade has continued on well beyond the award ceremony. “The recognition continues to support the project, and the independent endorsement makes it easier to open doors, connect with stakeholders and start conversations that might otherwise take longer to establish.” Said Erik. 

Whether you're an individual, team or organisation, entering the ITS Australia Awards is an opportunity to showcase your work, celebrate achievements and gain recognition from industry peers. Even being named a finalist can elevate profiles, strengthen credibility and highlight the impact of your contribution.

Could 2027 be your year? Nominate yourself, a colleague, a project or an organisation and help us celebrate the people and innovations shaping the future of transport.

Nominations open until 28 August: ITS Australia 17th Annual Awards