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ADIA Drilling Industry Awards

Celebrate Excellence and Achievement!

The annual ADIA Drilling Industry Awards recognise outstanding contributions and achievements across the drilling sector. Each year, we honour individuals and companies that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in our industry.

Join us in celebrating the best and brightest in the drilling industry.

How to Nominate

Download the nomination forms, complete the required details, and submit them to [email protected].

Eligibility: Nominations are open to ADIA members only.

Submissions Open: 12 June 2025

Submissions Close: 24 October 2025

The Awards Process

An independent panel of judges, comprised of experienced professionals no longer actively working in the industry, carefully review all nominations.

Winners are announced at a special awards ceremony during ADIA's major industry event.

Award Categories

Exciting new award categories are coming in 2025 - stay tuned for more!

Driller of the Year

Recognising a driller who exemplifies excellence in contract drilling. This includes innovative solutions to boost production, exceptional client relations, a strong commitment to safety, and active mentoring of team members. Open to senior drillers and supervisors.

Young Driller of the Year

Awarding a promising driller with less than five years of experience who is already demonstrating exceptional skills, dedication to safety, and team spirit.

Woman of the Year

This award honours a woman working in any area of the drilling industry who is making a meaningful contribution and inspiring others through her leadership, commitment, and example. They may be based on-site, in technical support, management, or operational roles.

Safety Innovation of the Year

This award celebrates innovations that enhance rig crew safety. Submissions can include hardware, software, communication tools, or other practical solutions already in use in the field.

Drilling Project of the Year

Highlights an outstanding drilling project that stands out for its complexity, execution, innovation, environmental performance, or stakeholder engagement.

Trainee Driller of the Year

Acknowledges an exceptional trainee driller who has shown dedication, skill development, and a strong commitment to a career in the drilling industry. This award celebrates emerging talent and encourages workforce development within the sector.

Community Impact of the Year

Recognises an individual, team or organisation whose drilling-related work has delivered meaningful benefits to local communities—socially, economically, or environmentally.

Awards & Prizes

All winners will receive a prestigious, engraved award to commemorate their achievement.

Winners of the Driller of the Year, Young Driller of the Year, Woman of the Year and Trainee of the Year will each receive:

  • A complimentary pass to ADIA’s next major conference event.
  • Return economy-class airfare (up to $1,500) if residing outside the conference location.
  • Up to three nights of accommodation (max $300 per night) during the event.

The Safety Innovation of the Year, Drilling Project of the Year, and Community Impact of the Year winner will receive:

  • A full-page advertisement and editorial feature in Australasian Drilling magazine.

Terms & Conditions

The award includes airfare and accommodation only if the winner resides outside the conference location. Accommodation is limited to three nights during the conference dates.