IndustryBen JacksonTue 11 Aug 26
The Urban Leader Awards 2026: Early Bird Entries Close Friday
The clock is ticking. Early bird entries for The Urban Developer’s Urban Leader Awards 2026, presented by Zagga, close on Friday, August 14.
Now in its third year, the program recognises the individuals shaping Australia’s cities. No project entries—these awards are made to the person, not the organisation, and it stays with them across every role, board seat and appointment that follows.
Previous winners among the industry’s best
Two years in, the previous winners list is a who’s who of the industry.
Pelligra chairman Ross Pelligra won Developer of the Year in 2025 for transforming under-used sites into employment hubs and community assets across industrial, logistics, hospitality and health.
Housing Australia chief executive Scott Langford won Government Leadership while steering delivery of more than 13,700 social and affordable homes through the Housing Australia Future Fund.
BESIX Watpac chief executive Mark Baker won the Construction category after leading the company to its record $3.5-billion order book, while Decode Group chief executive Divya Mehta won the Women’s Leadership with a $1.4 billion pipeline behind her.
And brothers Rob and Andrew Gray of Graya have now won in consecutive years: Developer of the Year in 2024, Young Developer of the Year in 2025.
This is the company you become a part of with your nomination.
Being in the room counts too
Finalists will be announced to more than 80,000 property professionals through The Urban Developer, with editorial coverage throughout the program.
Then comes the night itself: a black-tie gala at the Four Seasons Sydney on Thursday, October 22, where the finalists share the room with the developers, chief executives and city shapers who define the industry. Winning is the headline. The room is the prize.
What early bird saves you
Enter before Friday and pay $395 + GST for a first entry, $335 for a second and $300 for third and subsequent entries. From Saturday, that rises to $450, $385 and $350.
Every submission is assessed against six weighted criteria—leadership, growth, innovation, responsibility, bravery and distinction—applied consistently across all 18 categories.
The dates that matter
Early bird closes: Friday, August 14
Nominations close: Friday, September 11
Finalists announced: Thursday, September 17
Gala and winners announced: Thursday, October 22
If there is someone in your business who deserves to be in that room, this is the week to put them forward.
Start your submission before Friday.
Gala: Thursday, October 22 2026 | Four Seasons Sydney
