The HVAC&R and building services industry gathered at Zinc, Federation Square for the ARBS 2026 Industry Excellence Awards Gala Dinner – the premier night of recognition in the sector. Seven awards were presented, honouring exceptional achievement across product innovation, project delivery and education, alongside the induction of six outstanding individuals into the ARBS Hall of Fame.

The ARBS Industry Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievement across Australia’s air conditioning, refrigeration and building services industry, celebrating the people and businesses driving progress, innovation and excellence.

Amanda Searle, ARBS, CEO says, “The ARBS Industry Excellence Awards exist to shine a light on the extraordinary work happening across our industry every day. From innovative products that are changing what’s possible, to projects that demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication, and individuals who have shaped this industry for decades. On behalf of the entire ARBS team, I offer our warmest congratulations to every winner and Hall of Fame inductee.”

ARBS 2026 Industry Excellence Winners

Education and Training Excellence Award

Precise Air Aboriginal Pathways (PAAP) | Precise Air Group

HVAC Product Excellence Award

ECU45DV Dual-Voltage Environmental Control Unit | Cold Logic

IBTech Product Excellence Award

Refrigerant Leak Detection Solution | Bueno Analytics

IBTech Project Excellence Award

123 Albert Street, Brisbane, QLD | VAE Group

Major Project Excellence Award (Over $5 Million)

Sydney Metro Martin Place, NSW | A.G. Coombs Group

Minor Project Excellence Award (Under $5 Million)

Eastland Shopping Centre, Chiller Upgrade, VIC | Airmaster

Refrigeration Product Excellence Award

Panasonic Transcritical CO₂ Technology (TCO2) Outdoor Condensing Unit | Hussmann Australia

ARBS Hall of Fame – 2026 Inductees

Six exceptional individuals were inducted into the ARBS Hall of Fame, nominated by their respective industry associations in recognition of distinguished careers and lasting contributions to the sector.

AIRAH: Bryon Price
AREMA: Robert Beggs
ARWA: Paul Campbell
CIBSE: Steve Hennessy
RACCA: Paul Wright
AMCA: David Eynon

The ARBS Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have made an enduring contribution to the HVAC&R and building services industry in Australia. Inductees are nominated by the six ARBS member associations: AIRAH, AMCA, AREMA, ARWA, CIBSE and RACCA.

The ARBS Industry Excellence Awards formed part of ARBS 2026, Australia’s largest HVAC&R and building services exhibition, held from 5-7 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event brought together thousands of industry professionals, exhibitors, speakers and leaders from across the built environment to showcase innovation, share knowledge and recognise the people helping shape the future of the sector.

Architecture & Design Team

ARBS

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