Industry Rising Star
JUDGING (50% WRITTEN SUBMISSION + 50% INTERVIEW)
*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS
OVERVIEW: This category is designed to recognise a hotel employee (aged 30 years or younger) who has displayed professional excellence within the industry. This individual award is judged on on-going training undertaken by the individual, commitment to the industry, ambition, and career aspirations.
GENERAL CRITERIA
- Employed for no less than six months prior to nomination
- Nominated by their employer
- 30 years of age or younger on the date of submission/ nomination
- Employed in an AHA NSW member pub or hotel in a management position
WRITTEN SUBMISSION CRITERIA
- Proof of age and citizenship or permanent residency
- Curriculum vitae
- Recognitions the nominee has received from the hotel/ industry
- Training courses the nominee has undertaken or is intending to take to further their career
- How the nominee has illustrated their commitment to the industry and their value to your hotel, over and above their job description
- Knowledge, experience, interest, involvement, and ambition/career aspirations in the hotel industry
- Hotel education, training and professional development
INTERVIEW CRITERIA
- The nominee must be available to appear for an interview via zoom at a mutually agreed upon time between June-August 2025.
- The judges will consider the following evidence in the interview:
- General knowledge
- Personality and presentation standards
- Quality of answers
- Aspirations within the hospitality industry
2024 WINNER: Molly L’Huede - Greenwood Hotel, North Sydney
Categories
Experience Awards
- Best Family Friendly
- Best Regional Local
- Best Metropolitan Local
- Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
- Best Late-Night Venue
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
- Best Wagering Venue
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Draught Beer Quality
- Best Wine List
- Best Cocktail List
- Best Regional Gaming Venue
- Best Metropolitan Gaming Venue
- Best Unique Bar Experience (Including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)
- Disability Inclusion & Access Award - Nominations Not Required
The following categories are judged by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
- Best Live Music Venue
- Heart of the Community
- Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
- Best Bush Pub
- Best Marketing Activity
Property Awards
Food Awards
FOOD AWARDS OVERVIEW- Best Steak
- Best Parmi
- Best Steak Sandwich
- Best Burger
- Best Sunday Roast
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
- Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Metropolitan Casual Dining (CBD & Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Restaurant
People Awards
Overall Hotel Awards - nominations are not required
- Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Regional & Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - People’s Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award