Great industry associations are built on more than outstanding projects. They’re built by people.
The people who give their time, share their knowledge, welcome new faces and create opportunities for others to connect. They’re the members working behind the scenes to build stronger Chapters, encourage participation, and help create the generous, connected community at the heart of KBDi.
At the 2026 KBDi Design Awards Gala, we were delighted to celebrate two such people by presenting the inaugural KBDi × Nero Tapware Community Champion Award.
A new award celebrating the people who make a difference
Introduced this year as part of the KBDi Design Awards program, the Community Champion Award recognises members who go above and beyond to strengthen our profession through generosity, leadership and a genuine commitment to supporting others.
These are the people who organise events, foster connections, share their experience, and help ensure their local design communities continue to thrive.
We’re incredibly grateful to Nero Tapware for partnering with us to establish this important new award and for recognising that a strong industry isn’t built on design excellence alone — it’s built on connection, contribution and community.
Meet our inaugural Community Champions
This year, we were thrilled to recognise not one, but two very deserving recipients: Jen McAlister and Katie White.
As ACT Chapter Chair, Jen has worked tirelessly to build a vibrant, supportive design community across the ACT. Through her enthusiasm and commitment, she has created valuable opportunities for members to connect, learn and grow, strengthening both professional relationships and the sense of community within the Chapter.
In Tasmania, Chapter Chair Katie White has demonstrated the same spirit of generosity and leadership. Her enthusiasm, willingness to contribute, and unwavering support for fellow members have helped foster a welcoming and connected community for designers across the state.
Both Jen and Katie exemplify exactly what the KBDi × Nero Tapware Community Champion Award was created to celebrate: members who consistently make our industry better by showing up for others.
We couldn’t think of two more fitting inaugural recipients.
Please join us in congratulating Jen McAlister and Katie White — our 2026 KBDi × Nero Tapware Community Champions.
Pictured: Katie White (KT Kitchens by YT Joinery), Clint Field (National Sales & Marketing Manager, Nero Tapware), Jen McAlister (Designed by Jen McAlister)