NHIA Awards and Categories

Laurie Wells Award 

Who was the legendary Laurie Wells click here.

George Laurence Wells, better known as Laurie, was a pioneer of dairy mating services in Australia and a mentor to many of the industry’s past and current leaders. The NHIA Meritorious Award was renamed in his honour. 

About this Prestigious Award

This award is designed to honour individuals who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to their field over the course of their career. It recognises a lifetime of dedication, excellence, and impact. 

The criteria and structure for the Laurie Award are as follows:

Criteria:

• A minimum of 20 years of significant and consistent contributions to the field.
• Demonstrated excellence and leadership in their profession.
• A lasting impact on the industry, profession, or community.
• Positive influence on colleagues and peers.

Significant Contribution Award (Created 2024)

This award is to acknowledge individuals or teams for a specific and outstanding contribution or achievement or project that has made a noteworthy impact for industry.

The criteria and structure for the Significant Contribution Award are as follows:

Criteria:

• A specific and notable contribution, innovation, or accomplishment.
• Demonstrated excellence and impact within a defined time frame.
• The significance of the contribution in advancing the field or industry
• Positive feedback or recognition from peers and industry

Young Achiever Award

NHIA champions the Next Generation of Leaders.

This award is to applaud the commitment and excellence of young people 35 and under.

Criteria:

• Members Nominate
• Individuals undertake an interview by a sub-group of the Board and Management
• The interview assesses the contribution the individual will make to industry, and how they will apply the skills learnt from the course provided with the award.     

YOUNG PERSON ACHIEVER AWARD 2026

The NHIA Board Champions the Rise of the Next Generation of Leaders.

In 2020, NHIA unveiled the dazzling "Young Person Achiever Award"! A thrilling accolade specially designed to celebrate the passion, dedication, and brilliance of our young trailblazers aged 35 and under! Get ready to cheer for the future's brightest stars! 🌟

 Nominations are open for the Young Achiever Award 2026 

Nominations close 31 October 2025

If you know someone who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments, shown incredible potential, and exemplifies the spirit of our community, this is the chance to shine a spotlight on their achievements. Nominate a deserving young talent today so NHIA can recognise their outstanding contributions and look to improve their development. 

Download the form here.

The winner will receive a sponsored position to an industry endorsed course.

Alternatively, they can propose a course of their preference to NHIA 

History of the Recipients of the Awards:

YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD 

LAURIE WELLS AWARD

NHIA is proud to have a long-standing tradition of awarding the prestigious Meritorious Service Award, which is now named the Laurie Wells Award.  

SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION AWARD 

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD