Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA) has announced the official shortlist for the 2026 Golden Target Awards, which marks their 50th year. The shortlist spans boutique independent agencies, in-house teams, emerging talent, and senior leaders.
Ogilvy leads with eight shortlisted entries, followed by In The Media PR with seven, while We Are Different and BBS Communications Group each secured six. The Agency of the Year - Small / Boutique category is contested by 10 agencies.
In the Individual Awards, Ella Pavichievac is the sole Student of the Year finalist, while six professionals are shortlisted for Leader of the Year - Agency. Five leaders are shortlisted in the Leader of the Year - NFP category, representing Brisbane Catholic Education, Advocacy Australia, SSI, Aruma Disability Services, and Orange Sky Australia.
"Fifty years of the Golden Target Awards is a remarkable milestone and this year's shortlist is a worthy way to mark it," said CPRA CEO Louise Harland-Cox.
"The calibre and range of entries reflect a profession that continues to raise the bar, and we look forward to celebrating these outstanding communicators at the National Awards Night in September."
Winners will be announced at the National Awards Night on Thursday, 17 September at the Sheraton Grand Sydney, Hyde Park.
The full shortlist can be viewed here, with tickets to the awards night available here.