FINALIST ANNNOUNCEMENT
We’re delighted to announce the shortlisted finalists for the 2026 Maxima Awards.
Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Mas National
Finalists:
- Cooper Chomel (Strathmore Hotel, SA)
- Ethan Hart (City of Burnside, SA)
- Jayden Foster (City of Adelaide, SA)
- Jennifer Chisholm (Halpin Financial Services, SA)
- Kimberley Little (Department for Health and Wellbeing, SA)
- Laura James (City of Burnside, SA)
School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
proudly sponsored by Australian College of Commerce and Management
Finalists:
- Darlene Newman (Commonwealth Bank, NSW)
- Katrina Carroll (NAB, NSW)
- Mia Williams (Qantas, WA)
Banking Industry Trainee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Busy At Work
- Calista Douglas (ANZ, QLD)
- Emma Masciulli (Commonwealth Bank, ACT)
- Sienna Wear (Westpac, WA)
Construction Industry Apprentice of the Year
Proudly sponsored by CITB
Finalists:
- James Anderson (City of West Torrens, SA)
- Levi Ieraci (Alex Channing, SA)
- Marcus Tree (City of Onkaparinga, SA)
Local Government Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Local Government Association (LGA)
Finalists:
- Abby Coates (City of Burnside, SA)
- Demi Morse (City of Victor Harbor, SA)
- Dylan Schultz (Light Regional Council, SA)
- Keira Storm Scott (City of Tea Tree Gully, SA)
First Nations Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by SYC
Finalists:
- Elkira Simmons (Maxima, SA)
- Hudson Saunders (Hearing Australia, SA)
- Kimberley Little (Department for Health and Wellbeing, SA)
- Lachlan Jackson (Department for Health and Wellbeing, SA)
Labour Hire Employee of the Year
Finalists:
- Emilio Ciampi (City of Adelaide, SA)
- Maria Perre (City of Adelaide, SA)
Temporary Employee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Finsbury Green
Finalists:
- Stav Lagogiannis (City of Adelaide, SA)
Community-based Employee of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Fresh 92.7
Finalists:
- Mel Pepicelli (City of Burnside, SA)
- Mitchell Sims (The ARC – City of Campbelltown and George Bolton Swimming Centre – City of Burnside)
Inclusive Employment Participant of the Year
Proudly sponsored by Back2Work
Finalists:
- Jeffrey Edwards (JYGA Group, SA)
- Christopher Lovell (City of West Torrens, SA)
Inclusive Employment Achievement award
Proudly sponsored by Humanity Health Group
Finalists:
- Rickey Kellner (Department of Justice, WA)
- Christopher Lovell (City of West Torrens, SA)
- Wyatt Osmond (JYGA Group, SA)
HOST EMPLOYER RECOGNITION AWARDS
HOST EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION AWARD
Proudly sponsored by Happy Health
Finalists:
- The ARC – City of Campbelltown (SA)
- Department for Health and Wellbeing – SA Health (SA)
- Fulton Hogan (WA)
COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVENESS & DIVERSITY RECOGNITION AWARD
Proudly sponsored by Integrity Business College
Finalists:
- The ARC – City of Campbelltown (SA)
- Department for Health and Wellbeing – SA Health (SA)
- Smartgroup (NSW)
Congratulations to all our finalists and good luck!
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Maxima Awards Night to be held on Thursday 29 October at the Adelaide Convention Centre. A livestream will be available for interstate finalists.