The National Industry Awards, hosted annually by Arboriculture Australia, are the highest honour in the arbor profession. More than trophies, they symbolise peer recognition, and encourage higher standards across the arboriculture industry, celebrating excellence.
Arboriculture Australia (Arb Aus), the peak national body representing the industry, relies on the passion and expertise of professionals and volunteers. The National Industry Awards not only recognise individual and organisational achievement but also serve as a reminder of the power of giving back to the profession. Volunteering, whether through local organisations, field days, competitions, or mentoring, enriches the arboriculture community and strengthens the industry for future generations.
That’s why Arb Aus encourages everyone to start thinking now about nominations for the 2026 National Industry Awards, to be presented at the gala dinner of the National Arboriculture Conference in Hobart, 12–14 April, 2026.
Why nominate?
Nominating a peer, colleague, or organisation is one of the most meaningful ways of celebrating their contribution. It shines a light on often unseen hard work and motivates others to follow the example. Categories include advocacy, diversity and inclusion, and invaluable volunteer service, ensuring plenty of scope to acknowledge the many amazing things people are achieving in the arbor industry.
How to nominate
Nominations are now open via the Arboriculture Australia website. The process is simple:
• visit trees.org.au (navigate to News & Events > Awards)
• select the award category
• provide details about the nominee and their contribution
• submit the entry online before the closing date.
Taking a few minutes to nominate helps strengthen the profession and ensure outstanding achievements within the arbor community receive the recognition they deserve.
2025 award winners
At the 2025 National Arboriculture Conference gala dinner held at the National Arboretum in Canberra, three outstanding individuals were recognised for their remarkable contributions.
Dave Crispin received the Arboriculture Advocacy Award, presented to an individual or business that has contributed to raising awareness and understanding of issues in the arboriculture industry.
“It’s not often I’m lost for words, but this was one of those occasions,” said Dave. “Advocacy is championing something you truly believe in. I truly believe in our association, ArbWest, the arboriculture industry and what we stand for.
“ArbWest has achieved several positive outcomes these past few years, including managing to turn our arboricultural traineeship into an apprenticeship, so those who finish the three years achieve a trade qualification.
“Working closely with local governments to help combat Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) and running a two day seminar at the prestigious WACA ground for over 100 delegates were just a couple of the projects we’ve tackled. This award speaks to all the hard work our committee has put in. I was fortunate enough to have my name put forward.”
The award recognised Dave’s outstanding influence on the arboriculture community through his work with community groups, his advocacy for urban canopy cover, and his inspiring role at school career events. His most significant contribution, however, has been his research into the devastating PSHB (Euwallacea fornicatus) and his leadership in working with the Department of Primary Industries to combat the pest in Western Australia.
Rach Denholm
As Vice Chair of the Tasmanian Arboricultural Organisation (TAO), Rach Denholm, recipient of the Invaluable Volunteer Service Award, has been a driving force since 2018, leading events such as the Annual Tree Climbing Competition and Arb Field Day. Her advocacy for professionalism, inclusivity, and mental-health awareness in arboriculture has made a lasting impact.
“It’s a huge recognition of the work volunteers do across the country and the work I’ve done in Tasmania,” Rach said.
“Why do I bother to volunteer when I already have a business to run and a busy life?
“Because there are so many people calling themselves arborists without adequate training and it’s important to support the people who are working professionally.”
Rach also spoke about an issue close to her heart. “The suicide rate in Australia is too high, especially among men, and this is a male-dominated industry. I want to support bringing people together to network, have fun and talk about mental health. Suicide happens when people feel disconnected, lose hope, and lose their connection to the community, and of course there are many other issues like finances and job satisfaction. That’s why it’s so important for everyone in our industry to feel connected and included.”
Tyla Bickley
The Diversity and Inclusion Award is presented to an individual or business that has championed diversity and inclusion in the arboriculture industry and contributed to positive change.
Tyla Bickley played a leading role in organising the 2024 Women’s Climbing Workshop, which empowered female arborists across Australia. Her award recognised the event’s success in building skills, confidence, and networks, while also celebrating her ongoing dedication to diversity in the industry.
From securing sponsors to managing logistics and coordinating trainers and attendees, Tyla’s dedication ensured the event’s success. The workshop empowered female climbers by providing them with the confidence, skills, and support to take their abilities to the next level. Seven participants went on to compete in the local ACT TreeClimbing Competition, and the 2025 Australian Tree Climbing Championship boasted a record number of female entrants.
Tyla said, “I feel very honoured. Being the one to receive this award feels like evidence of all the hard work some very inspiring women have done in the past couple of decades for the Australian arboriculture industry. It’s their mentorship and dedication to building community that enabled me to begin, and see through, an apprenticeship three years ago. Hosting the Women in Arb climbing workshop last year was a reflection of how impactful their support has been for me.”
Hobart 2026
The next National Arboriculture Conference will take place in Hobart, Tasmania, 12 – 14 April, 2026. The National Industry Award winners will be announced at the gala dinner on Monday.
This premier industry event is themed ‘Enhancing Tree Biomechanics and Effective Canopy Management’ and will feature international and local presenters, networking opportunities, the ATCC, the New Arborist of the Year event, tree tours and, of course, the celebration of the 2026 Award winners.
Attending industry conferences and events is one of the most valuable investments arborists can make in their professional growth. These gatherings provide access to the latest research, techniques, and innovations shaping arboriculture. Just as importantly, they bring people together, creating space for networking, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas across regions and specialties.
Mark your calendar and visit the Arboriculture Australia website (trees.org.au) to register for the 2026 conference and start preparing your nomination for the 2026 National Industry Awards