OMA Industry Awards: Finalists announced

The Outdoor Media Association has announced the finalists for the 2026 OMA Industry Awards, celebrating excellence in the Out of Home advertising industry. The awards will be presented at a gala event on May 7, 2026.

The announcement:

The Outdoor Media Association (OMA) has announced the finalists for the 2026 OMA Industry Awards, recognising outstanding individuals, teams and organisations whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen Australia’s Out of Home (OOH) advertising industry.

Now in their 18th year, the OMA Industry Awards were established in 2008 to celebrate excellence across the Outdoor industry and acknowledge the dedication, innovation and leadership demonstrated by OMA members. The 2026 awards will be presented at a gala event at W Sydney on Thursday, 7 May.

This year’s finalists have been recognised across six award categories that reflect the diversity and depth of talent within the industry. Awards include:

Emerging Leader
Acknowledging the next generation of leaders and agents of change, this award recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional innovation, industry impact and a strong commitment to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Excellence in Field Work and WHS
Honouring individuals who have made a significant contribution to Field Work and Work Health & Safety (WHS), including the development or implementation of systems, solutions or programs that improve safety, reduce risk and enhance the installation and maintenance of outdoor assets.

Excellence in Innovation
Recognising individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to innovative practices, including workforce initiatives and sustainability efforts.

Excellence in Design and Construction
Awarded to a team or company that has delivered exceptional design and construction outcomes through special installations, immersive real-world experiences or inventory assets that enhance public spaces and push creative boundaries.

Outstanding Service
Recognising individuals in each state, who have delivered superior service and results for the advancement of the OOH industry over a minimum of 10 years.

Rising Star
Celebrating early-career professionals with five years’ experience or less, the Rising Star is a state-based award recognising individuals viewed by their peers as outstanding contributors and future leaders of the OOH industry.

The finalists for the 2026 OMA Industry Awards include:

Emerging Leader

Alison Powell Head of Agency Bishopp

Aidan Price Group Sales Director – Agency GoTransit

Adele Rose Group Manager – Audience & Data Products JCDecaux

Fleur Barlow Group Manager – Product Strategy & Brand JCDecaux

Cassandra Nott-Want Senior Commercial Manager QLD oOh!media

Gabrielle Rich Group Business Director – Direct & Boutique Agencies oOh!media

Nick Crowe VIC Sales Director – Independent & Direct QMS

Toyah McMillan Group Sales Manager VMO

 

Excellence in Field Work & WHS

Paige Cockbain Operations Manager GoTransit

Sujith Reddy Project Manager – OOH Hanlon Industries

Gavin Lampe Assets Manager JCDecaux

Neini Tuipulotu Field Service Manager QMS

Raphael Owen Director of Digital Solutions VMO

 

Excellence in Innovation

Krystal Dukas Chief People and ESG Officer Big Screen Video

Alex Rog POLY Strategy & Creative Director oOh!media

Nick Neville Head of Product Development oOh!media

Fabian Mora Lead 3D Designer QMS

Tennille Burt Chief Marketing Officer QMS

 

Excellence in Design & Construction

Sydney Airport Development Oliver Smith (Commercial Director JCDecaux

Product Development Team Product Development Team oOh!media

POA Operations Team Declan Carnes (Chief Operations Officer) POA

The Emporium Melbourne Steve Tuite, Project Officer & Sara Lappage, Chief Operating Officer Vicinity Centres & QMS

VMO Operations Team VMO Operations Team VMO

 

Outstanding Service

Brett Delaney CEO Big Screen Video

Paul Ellery CEO Big Screen Video

Ben Allman VP – Platform Sales BroadSign

Goran Tosevski National Technical Services Manager JCDecaux

Ronnie Navani Founder/CEO Multicultural Outdoor

David Lovatt Planning & Development Director oOh!media

Ivan Gridchin Head of Sales Enablement & Product Operations oOh!media

Kelly Ainley Network Operations & Assets Performance Director oOh!media

Michael Overington State Operative Leader oOh!media

Mitch James CEO POA

Geoff Noonan General Manager – QLD QMS

Tim Murphy Chief Sales Officer QMS

 

Rising Star

Nellie Thomas Senior Sales Coordinator Bishopp

Brooke Hindmarsh Marketing Lead GoTransit

Ben Lloyd Project Manager Hanlon Industries

Chang Weng Data Operations Manager JCDecaux

Gustav Houston Account Manager JCDecaux

Jessica Allan Client Strategy Specialist JCDecaux

Jorjha Unwin Vickery Senior Business Manager oOh!media

Malcolm Bennett Senior Business Manager oOh!media

Natalya Gonsalves Business Executive oOh!media

Oliver Castle Business Manager – International oOh!media

Tiana Passelli Campaign Executive oOh!media

Tyler Claassen Senior Business Manager oOh!media

Ruby Meers Creative Strategist oOh!media

Izi Bird Account Manager QMS

Jimmy Biddulph Senior Account Manager QMS

Whitney Portwine Account Manager QMS

Caitlyn Deeble Account Manager VMO

Rhianna Heatley Senior Account Manager VMO

 

Meanwhile, two individuals will be inducted into the OMA Hall of Fame, recognising industry icons whose careers and achievements have inspired others and contributed significantly to the long-term success of OOH media.

The awards dinner will follow the 2026 OMA Industry Conference. The conference is open to all individuals in the out of home industry. 

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