Frequently Asked Questions
When do entries open and close for 2026?
Entries open on Friday, 01 May, 2026 and will close at midnight on Wednesday, 01 July, 2026. You may also edit your entry after submitting it up until the deadline.
When will finalists and winners be announced?
Finalists will be digitally announced on Friday, 31 July, 2026. The Kennedy Foundation will individually reach out to finalist after the announcement to ensure they are made aware of the good news.
The winners of each category will then be announced at the 2026 Kennedy Awards Dinner Presentation, Friday, 21 August, 2026.
What is the entry fee?
The fee is $60 per entry, with the exceptions of the Student Award which is $25, and the Outstanding Team Player or Mentor category which is free to enter.
What are the Judging Criteria?
Judging criteria are specific to each category, but all work, regardless of category, must have been published, posted (online), broadcast or televised during the eligibility period of July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
All entries must be accompanied by a 400-word supporting statement as well as a current photo and contact details of the entrant.
Category-specific criteria can be found HERE.
Can I enter multiple awards?
Yes, the same story may be entered into multiple categories, providing it is submitted as a separate entry along with an additional $60 fee.
Multiple unrelated stories may also be entered into a single award category by the same entrant, providing they are registered separately.
What do I write in my 400-word supporting statement?
Your supporting statement is an opportunity to directly address how your work meets the category-specific criteria.
It is also a chance to explain to the judging panel additional details about your submission, such as how the story came to be, challenges encountered during the production or any ongoing impacts the work has had.
What is the verification process?
As part of the entry process, you will need to elect a verifier from your organisation who can confirm the authenticity of your work.
Your nominated verifier will be notified automatically via email to complete the process.
Ensure that you provide up-to-date and direct contact information for your verifier, and not generic corporate email or phone numbers.
Need further guidance?
If you have any additional questions not answered above, please don't hesitate to get in contact with the Kennedy Foundation team, who will be more than happy to assist you -Anna Magnus on 0423 363 725 or email anna@kennedyfoundation.org.au