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Who is Aware Super?

Our profits are returned to members, not shareholders.

We’re one of Australia’s largest profit-for-members funds

We haven’t always been called Aware Super

Way back in 1992, we were first known as First State Super. It was started to help public servants save extra on top of their pension.

Unions and politicians wanted to develop a system that enabled people to take care of themselves by building their own wealth to provide great benefits and worker protections during and after their working life.

As a result, the Keating government introduced the Superannuation Scheme and First State Super (Aware Super) became one of the earliest industry super funds in Australia.

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Our story

  • 1992 First State Super (Aware Super) was born to provide super for NSW’s public sector employees and their families.

  • 2006 We opened our doors to all Australians.

  • 2011 We merged with another community-minded industry fund, Health Super.

  • 2020 We merged with VicSuper and WA Super. Our new size allows us to pass on more benefits to our members.

  • From 2023 Our good work for members is recognised with industry awards.

  • 2026 Telstra Super merged with Aware Super


Today, we’re called Aware Super. We offer super, insurance, investments and advice to around 1.3m Australians.

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Become a member in under 5 minutes

We don't even need your ID to get started, just a few basic personal and contact details. And you can add your TFN later.

Join us

Why choose a profit-for-members super fund like Aware Super?

Why choose us?

We are profit-for-member, which means that our profits are returned to members, not shareholders. It also informs our thinking toward keeping fees competitive while still delivering great service.
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How are we different from retail super funds?

Retail funds generally have shareholders, of whom they pass on their profit to. Profit for members funds don’t do that. We exist for the sole purpose of benefiting members in retirement.

What is an industry super fund?

An industry super fund was meant to service an entire industry of workers, from healthcare workers, educators to miners. But over time, they have become available to people outside of the industry they once served.
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Compare our fees

Fees cover the costs of managing and investing your superannuation. Fees include admin fees and costs, investment fees and costs, and transaction costs. You are not charged fees for switching your investments or joining Aware Super.

With a super balance of $50,000, what will you pay in annual fees?

We offer competitive fees[F1] which can make a real difference to your super balance over time (our super account admin fee is just $1 per week + 0.15% of your account balance).

What about our performance?

Because of our scale, we can offer a wide range of investment options to align with different values and attitudes to risk.

High growth option

Delivered an average return of 9.63% p.a. over 10 years[P1]

Balanced option

Delivered an average return of 8.22% p.a. over 10 years[P4]

Conservative Balanced option

Delivered an average return of 6.49% p.a. over 10 years[P5]

Join Aware Super today, it only takes a few minutes

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[F1] Chant West Super Fund Fee Survey 30 June 2026, High Growth [81-95% in growth assets] investment option index and $50,000 account balance. Fees and costs can vary from year to year. Past fees and costs are not a reliable indicator of future fees and costs. Fees and comparisons may differ for other investment options and account balances.  Zenith CW Pty Ltd ABN 20 639 121 403, AFSL 226872/AFS Rep No. 1280401. Third-party data does not contain all information required to evaluate the nominated service providers. To the extent that any Information provided is advice, it is limited to General Advice only and has been prepared without considering the objectives or financial situation of any individual, including target markets where applicable. It is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any product and is subject to change at any time without notice. Individuals should seek independent advice and consider the PDS or offer document before making any investment decisions. Data is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate, however, no representation, warranty or undertaking is provided in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the data. Data is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced, modified or distributed without the consent of the copyright owner. Except for any liability which cannot be excluded, Chant West does not accept any liability whether direct or indirect, arising from use of the data. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Refer to www.chantwest.com.au for full details on Chant West’s research methodology, processes and FSG: https://www.chantwest.com.au/financial-services-guide

[P1] Aware Super's High Growth option return over 10 years to 30 June 2026. SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, June 2026. Based on the SR Growth (77-90) Index. Returns are after tax and investment management expenses but before the deduction of administration fees. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

[P4] Aware Super’s Balanced investment option return over 10 years to 30 June 2026. SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, June 2026. Based on the SR Balanced (60-76) Index. Returns are after tax and investment management expenses but before the deduction of administration fees. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

[P5] Aware Super’s Conservative Balanced investment option return over 10 years to 30 June 2026. SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, June 2026. Based on the SR Conservative Balanced (41-59) Index. Returns are after tax and investment management expenses but before the deduction of administration fees. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.