Aurecon Design Academy named Best in Class at Australian Good Design Awards
Aurecon Design Academy wins Best in Class at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, celebrating the company's decade-long investment in developing its people.
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Asia Pacific design, engineering, and advisory company Aurecon has celebrated two award wins at the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards.
Presented by Defence Connect, the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards recognise the depth of talent in the defence and national security sectors, as well as those workforce initiatives that are transforming the way security professionals operate as Australia prepares to embark on a period of rapid technological transformation.
The award ceremony was held on 15 May 2025, where Aurecon was honoured to accept accolades for 'Best Project Manager Under 35', awarded to Western Australian-based Kyle Bradley, and for 'Best Reservist Volunteer Program'. These achievements underscore the dedication and impact of Aurecon’s work to support Australia’s defence and national security objectives.
As the Project Delivery Services Regional Design Lead for the Defence Estate Works Program in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, Kyle exhibited exceptional leadership by managing over 71 projects in 2024. He led a committed and dedicated team that accomplished 29,779 hours of work, ensuring adherence to program specifications, effective cost management, and the highest quality standards. To address challenges, Kyle utilised effective escalation strategies while working closely with discipline leads within Aurecon and among subconsultants.
Aurecon’s Industry Director, Defence & National Security, Damon Howes commented, “Kyle’s achievements reflect a concerted effort to address the evolving needs of the Defence sector while navigating the challenges inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects. Kyle’s ability to lead teams, engage with stakeholders, and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure has contributed to the resilience and operational readiness of Australia’s Defence infrastructure.”
Aurecon’s veteran and reservist employees originate from all three branches of the Defence Force; and the leadership and management skills they acquire during their service are highly transferable. To further support reservists and volunteers, Aurecon has implemented formal policies that include paid leave for Defence Service Leave, as well as up to four weeks of paid Volunteer Emergency Support Leave.
This Defence Service Leave helps reservists engage in career development courses, participate in significant exercises, and fulfil key Defence appointments. Meanwhile, the Volunteer Emergency Support Leave has been essential in allowing reservists to step up and assist during natural disasters, such as fires and floods.
Aurecon has established a Veterans Network to provide targeted support and engagement for its 80 members, highlighting Aurecon’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive environment for those who have served.
On winning this award, Aurecon’s Veteran Pillar Lead, David Patterson commented, “Winning this award reinforces our commitment to supporting reservists and veterans, enabling us to enhance capability outcomes and protect Australia’s national interests effectively.”
Aurecon was also acknowledged at the awards ceremony, with the following programs named as finalists in the categories of 'Best Diversity and Inclusion Program' and 'Best Training and Development Program'.
Through Defence and Aurecon’s investment, the program drives greater gender diversity in leadership, fosters innovation, and creates a lasting legacy.
Defence-Aurecon Ascend is a significant part of the Defence gender equality strategy and Aurecon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan. Through both Defence and Aurecon’s investment in this program, it continues to have a sustained positive impact, driving greater gender diversity in senior leadership, catalysing innovation at a broader scale, and creating a legacy with an enduring impact into the future.
Since its launch in 2020, 116 women across Australia have participated in the program. The program is delivered in partnership with the Inkling Group and is an evidence based, best in class initiative designed to develop courage and capability among high-potential women.
In recognition of its impact, this award-winning program was named Best Diversity & Inclusion Program or Initiative at the inaugural Defence and National Security Workforce Awards in 2024. Ascend also received international recognition with a Silver Brandon Hall Group™ Excellence Award® in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion awards for Best Leadership Development for Women in 2024.
Additionally, Ascend has been awarded Transformation Project of the Year by the Australian Institute of Project Management at the 2022 Project Management Achievement Awards at both State and National level.
In 2014, Aurecon established the DTAP in Queensland, specifically designed to provide high-quality, Defence-focused training. This program aims to elevate service standards to the level of 'Expert' required by Defence.
Following the success of the pilot program in Queensland, Aurecon expanded DTAP across various states and eventually implemented it nationally, ensuring a centrally controlled but regionally delivered training approach.
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