Rebecca Lehmann Named WHS Champion of the Year at the 2026 Hunter Safety Awards

At the 2026 Hunter Safety Awards, Rebecca Lehmann was recognised with the prestigious WHS Champion of the Year Award, celebrating an individual whose leadership, passion, and commitment to workplace health and safety has created extraordinary impact well beyond her immediate role.

Rebecca’s recognition comes after achieving an incredible milestone — the first-ever 100% WHS audit score across 67 clubs in PCYC NSW.

This achievement alone is remarkable, but what truly set Rebecca apart was the scale of her influence.

Setting a New Benchmark for Safety Leadership

Rebecca’s nomination showcased:

• Exceptional WHS leadership

• First-ever 100% audit achievement

• Mentorship and education across the organisation

• State-wide impact on safety culture

While many safety leaders focus on improving outcomes within their own teams or locations, Rebecca’s impact has extended far beyond her own club.

Through mentoring others, lifting standards across the state, and embedding a culture where people genuinely understand why safety matters, Rebecca has helped shape a stronger, more informed safety culture across an entire organisation.

More Than Compliance — Creating Understanding

What made Rebecca’s contribution stand out to the judges was that her work goes beyond systems, audits, and compliance.

Her passion for education and leadership has helped create safer environments by ensuring people not only follow safety requirements — but understand the purpose behind them.

This distinction is powerful.

By combining leadership with education, Rebecca has strengthened safety ownership, raised standards, and demonstrated that true WHS champions are those who elevate safety for everyone around them.

A State-Wide Impact

Rebecca’s work reflects what happens when safety leadership is paired with consistency, care, and a genuine commitment to people.

Her influence has not only delivered measurable outcomes — it has contributed to a broader cultural shift that continues to improve safety standards across PCYC NSW.

Proudly Sponsored by Port of Newcastle

The WHS Champion of the Year Award was proudly sponsored by Port of Newcastle, whose commitment to supporting safety champions aligns strongly with the purpose of this category.

Congratulations Rebecca Lehmann!

Rebecca has set an extraordinary benchmark for WHS leadership.

Through her passion, mentorship, and commitment to education, she is shaping safer workplaces not just locally — but across an entire organisation.

Congratulations on this exceptional and well-deserved recognition.