Helpful tips and hints

How does it work?

There are two stages to the award judging process:

Stage 1 – Written applications (close 11:59pm, Sunday June 1 2025)

Judges score the applications and shortlist finalists. To read more about the judging process and criteria, refer to the awards Terms and Conditions.

• Choose the category that best suits you or your business, checking the criteria to make sure you are eligible.
• Enter your initial information into the first section of the application form, and scroll ahead to read all of the required questions in advance.
• Complete the standard core questions (13 questions for most categories)
• Answer the category-specific questions (2-3 questions for each category)
• If desired, answer the non-essential Climate Leader Award and Social Procurement Award questions.
• Save, review and submit your application.

Stage 2 – In-person interviews (for finalists only)

Category finalists meet with judges for a short in-person interview, after this, the winner of the category is decided.  Category winners are officially announced at the Gala Awards.

Tips for written applications

1. Read all of the application questions first

Use the question tips to plan your answers and share them with your team before you begin. Start rough, and brainstorm ideas for each question first.

Prepare your draft application in a separate document before you transfer it into the digital entry form online for safekeeping.

Don’t be scared by the size of the application. This is a great opportunity to really look at your business and reflect on what you have achieved and where you might need to spend more time and attention.

2. Save as you go and resume

You can save your progress and return to complete your application later. This allows you to prepare your answers offline and then edit and submit when ready.

3. Start early, plan your responses

Plan, plan, plan! 

Remember, every submission has a core set of questions, followed by specific questions related to your chosen category. Allow yourself enough time to review and amend as needed.

The judges are looking for:

• A clear and concise insight into your business or role.
• How you have addressed and solved challenges, problems or needs.
• Why Bendigo and the community is better off because of what you do.

4. Be authentic and real

Aim to show the judges who you are and what you are passionate about. 

Take your time to provide thoughtful, detailed responses that showcase your achievements. 

If you use AI to help craft your response, make sure you review and edit your answer to be you.  Artificial responses are easy to spot and detract from your authenticity.

Preparing your written answers

1. Each question has a 300 word limit. Less is more when answering, be concise, use your words wisely and don’t waffle.
2. Write more than you need in your draft, then edit and refine.
3. Show your passion, but back it up with evidence. This could be data, examples, solving problems, case studies, or comparisons.
4. Make sure you address the key criteria or information that the question is asking for. Use the question explainer to clarify, and ensure your response addresses what the question is asking.
5. Make it a team effort!  Ask others around you for their input on what they think you do well, or what are good examples to use.
6. Don’t leave it until last minute – start small, begin with dot points and ideas, and keep adding more detail and examples, refining at the end.
7. Make time to finalise and submit your online application, with time to spare!

Tips for finalist in-person interviews

1. Make sure you are available to attend the in-person interviews at the dates noted (specific times will be sent to each finalist directly).
2. Plan in advance what you would like to tell the judges, was there anything from the written application that you want to elaborate on, or you think they should know?
3. Use presentation tools, samples of work, photos, video and products, testimonials or stories to help the judges to understand more about you.
4. The interviews are limited to 30 minutes, be concise, organised and powerful. Don’t waffle, and stay on point.
5. Get creative and be prepared!

Entering multiple categories

Yes, you can enter more than one category if you are eligible.

There are two ways to do this:

1. Enter all categories at once: 

If you’d like to use the same information across all your core questions, select all the categories you’d like to enter when prompted within the online application process.

The system will populate your core answers across all chosen categories, and you’ll only need to complete the category-specific questions for each award.

2. Enter each category separately:

If you prefer to tailor your core questions specifically for each category, please submit a separate application for each award you wish to enter.

Important information!

Less is always more. 

If you are time limited, we recommend concentrating on the ONE best category for you, and tailoring it to the specific category theme, rather than creating generic applications for multiple categories. 

While the first 13 core questions are the same, tailored responses that link to the category will always be more successful.     

More information about multi-category rules of entry, eligibility and limitations can be found here.

Need help?

• Ask for clarification if you need it, contact the Awards support team at bbea@lostcauseevents.com.au
• Watch Head Judge Dennis Barnett explain on How to Write A Good Submission.
• Attend the applicants workshop session and ask any questions

Good luck with your application!