2026 Queensland Gold Medal Award

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is very pleased to announce the winner of the 2026 Queensland Gold Medal Award is Ms Teresa Handicott OAM FAICD.

The Gold Medal is awarded in recognition of excellence in governance and leadership, for outstanding contribution to the community of directors, the wider community, society, and economy of Queensland and Australia.

Ms Handicott is one of the state’s most respected governance leaders, bringing more than three decades of experience in corporate law, board leadership and governance practice.

A former partner and National Chair of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Teresa built an outstanding reputation as a trusted adviser on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate governance and strategic transactions.

Her board career has spanned listed, government, education and not-for-profit organisations. Teresa has served as Chair of PWR Holdings and Peak Services Holdings, Non-Executive Director of Downer EDI, Director of CS Energy, and a member of the Queensland University of Technology Council.

In these roles Teresa has overseen organisations operating in highly regulated and complex environments, demonstrating strong strategic, legal and governance leadership.

Ms Handicott has also made a significant contribution to governance education and professional development, serving as a tutor in Corporate Governance for the AICD Company Directors Course and as a Principal Law Lecturer for FINSIA, helping develop the governance capabilities of current and emerging directors.

She has held numerous leadership roles with the AICD including Qld Divisional Councillor, Qld State President and member of the AICD National Law Committee. She has also served appointments as Associate Commissioner of the ACCC and Takeover Panels Member.

Ms Handicott's outstanding contribution was recognised this year with the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, for services to business and corporate governance. This honour reflects a career characterised by integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to strengthening governance standards throughout Australia.

AICD Queensland Division President Jane Crombie FAICD congratulated Ms Handicott on receiving the 2026 Qld Gold Medal Award, which will be presented at the Queensland Annual Dinner in Brisbane on Thursday 5 November.

Media Contact: Jane Braslin jbraslin@aicd.com.au 0439 167 567