Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards

Winners and certificate of merit recipients will be announced at the free awards ceremony and brunch. Join us to celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations making a positive impact on work health and safety across Western Australia.

The Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards recognise outstanding solutions and innovations to help address workplace health and safety problems in Western Australia.

This year 85 submissions were received, with 29 companies and/or individuals recognised as finalists.

We look forward to announcing the winners and certificate of merit recipients at the awards ceremony, opened by the Hon Simone McGurk MLA.

Guest speaker Michael Weston shares his inspirational journey “Head Above Water”, a lived experience story of great adversity to triumph. Michael encourages us to re-evaluate our work/life balance and to take care of our own mental health and wellbeing, and of all those around us.

This event is not only for finalists and those that submitted, but for anyone with a keen interest in making workplaces healthier and safer.

A networking brunch will be provided following the ceremony.

Registration details

Although there is no registration fee, pre-registration is essential to reserve your place.

Registration for each attendee must be completed online.
If you register and subsequently are not able to attend, please cancel your registration online or advise wsengage@lgirs.wa.gov.au as soon as possible to allow someone else to attend.
A networking brunch will be provided.

Event program

Morning

Time (AWST)	Description
08:15	Registration
09:00	Introduction - MC Tim McMillan
09:10	Welcome to Country - Theo Kearing
09:15	Welcome address - Minister for Industrial Relations, Hon Simone McGurk MLA
09:20	Guest speaker Michael Weston shares his inspirational journey "Head Above Water" which is a lived experience story of great adversity to triumph
09:40	Presentation of awards and certificates of merit
10:50	Closing address by Lanie Chopping, Director General, Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
10:55	Close of formal proceedings
11:00	Networking brunch on Champion's Terrace
12:00	Function concludes

Know the speakers

Tim McMillan - MC

Tim is a journalist and news presenter at Seven Perth, with experience across television and radio at Seven, Channel 9, the ABC and 6PR. A Perth local, Tim studied at UWA and WAAPA before beginning his media career at ABC Radio Perth. He later worked in Europe and Melbourne before returning to Perth, covering major events including the Black Saturday bushfires and Cyclone Yasi. Tim is a two-time Quill Award winner for Best Television Report.

Hon Simone McGurk MLA

Simone is the State Labor Member for Fremantle, and the Minister for Creative Industries; Heritage; Industrial Relations; Aged Care and Seniors; Women. Prior to her election in 2013, Simone worked in the union movement for over 22 years. Simone holds degrees in History from the University of Melbourne and Media from Murdoch University.

Sally North - WorkSafe Commissioner

Sally is the WorkSafe Commissioner for Western Australia, leading the state’s work health and safety regulator with a strong focus on prevention, integrity, and community impact. With a background in chemistry, OSH, occupational hygiene, and business administration, she brings deep knowledge and practical experience from both industry and regulatory roles. Sally is a passionate advocate for evidence-based decision-making and values-driven leadership to create safer, healthier workplaces.

Lanie Chopping - Director General, LGIRS

Lanie joined LGIRS as its inaugural Director General before serving as Director General at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Before becoming the inaugural Director General of LGIRS, Lanie was Director General at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Since the establishment of LGIRS, Lanie has overseen several achievements including the delivery of significant regulatory reforms. In this time Lanie has also laid strong foundations for the future through the launch of LGIRS’ Strategic Plan 2026-30 and new organisational values.

Michael Weston – Guest speaker

Michael is a respected mining industry professional, lived-experience speaker, mentor and leadership coach with more than 25 years’ experience. On the 19 April 2013, Michael’s life changed dramatically when he was found unconscious and not breathing while preparing for work. The experience resulted in significant cognitive and health challenges, including memory loss, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Following an intensive rehabilitation journey, Michael made the decision to share his story to raise awareness of safety, mental health and wellbeing, encourage honest conversations and help others avoid a similar path.

HSR of the year 2025

Josh is our 2025 HSR of the Year award, recognised for his outstanding commitment to the role while working at Emerald Resources. Under his leadership, safety culture at Emerald Resources didn't just improve, it transformed. He introduced an educational package and built a "no blame" WhatsApp-based reporting system that made speaking up simple. The results spoke for themselves: reporting confidence rose sharply, and incidents dropped 20% in just six months. Today, Josh works in the adventure industry as owner and director of Laser Corps, Perth's outdoor laser tag business — building an operation where the same rigour he championed as HSR of the Year underpins every game, every venue, and every person on his team. It's proof that his commitment to safety is simply who he is. Josh will co-present the 2026 award in this category alongside Sally North.

Questions & answers

This event is for finalists and those that nominated in this and previous years’ awards, as well as for anyone with a keen interest in improving workplace health and safety and learning about innovative solutions and best practices in the field.

Yes, a networking brunch is provided as part of your registration.

Parking map

Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards 2026