Presented by Gawk

Great businesses are built by great workplaces. This award recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional people practices, a positive workplace culture, and a strong commitment to supporting, developing and retaining their staff.

Applicants for this category must be businesses or organisations that demonstrate leadership in employee engagement, wellbeing and workplace excellence. Businesses should also clearly show values of accessibility and inclusiveness, creating workplaces where people from diverse backgrounds feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully.

Judges will look for organisations that actively invest in their people, foster collaboration and belonging, and build environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

Presented by Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon.
Celebrating the businesses that showcase Greater Bendigo as a destination of choice, this award recognises excellence in hospitality, tourism, and experience-based businesses. From accommodation and food to attractions, events, and tours, this category highlights those delivering outstanding customer experiences while contributing to the region’s visitor economy.

Presented by The City of Greater Bendigo
Retail businesses play a vital role in shaping vibrant communities and delivering engaging customer experiences. This award recognises retail operators, whether online, physical stores, or a combination of both, that demonstrate excellence in customer service, innovation, and business performance. Applicants for this category must show how they effectively connect with customers, adapt to evolving consumer behaviours, and deliver a compelling retail experience across their chosen platforms.

Presented by Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration.
This award acknowledges business leaders in Greater Bendigo on the road to a zero emissions future. It aims to encourage all businesses to investigate how they can benefit from reduced power bills, solar power, electric vehicles and resource recovery. The future is here and it offers a competitive advantage.

Climate Leader is an optional award for all business category applicants.

The Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration was formed in 2021. The Greater Bendigo 2030 Zero Emissions Roadmap which includes 35 projects, one of which is the Beat the Power Bills Business Program. This program offers support to businesses of all sizes to reduce their power bills now and plan for a competitive edge in the fast approaching renewable energy future.

The Collaboration is hosted by the City of Greater Bendigo and made up of Founding partners Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Coliban Water, Bendigo Health, Bendigo Community Health Services and La Trobe University, Premium partners CVGT Employment, St John of God Hospital Bendigo, and the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Community partners the Bendigo Sustainability Group, Bike Bendigo, Australian Conservation Foundation – Bendigo District, Bendigo Foodshare and supporters the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, Djaara and Be.Bendigo.

Alliance Partners are excluded from winning this award.

Presented by Bendigo TAFE
Recognising businesses who demonstrate their expertise through either advanced digital processes or the development or delivery of technology focussed products and services. Aspects of this product or service may be exemplified in applicants own businesses or enable and enhance the practices of other businesses through IT, digital services and/or educational knowledge and information management. Applicants for this category may include IT specialists, internet security, software developers, digital product sales and services, and businesses who have integrated an above average technology focus into their operational or service systems.

Presented by Emporium Creative Hub.
Creative industries come in all shapes, sizes and mediums. This award is for all types of creative businesses who demonstrate exceptional performance in designing, producing, and marketing creative products or services, and who are recognised for their innovation, creativity, and artistic excellence in their respective field. This category may include but is not limited to visual arts, music, film, photography, design, publishing, advertising, fashion and architecture.

Presented by Bendigo Advertiser
For organisations where a positive social impact is at the core of their purpose. They are applying innovative solutions to address social issues and better the community we live in. Open to not-for-profit, social enterprise and profit-for-purpose organisations operating in Greater Bendigo.