Businesses encouraged to step into the spotlight at gala awards night

Nominations are set to open for the Ballina Shire Business Awards, with the event now established as a major recognition program in the region.

The awards are run by the Ballina Chamber of Commerce, with entries accepted from Monday, 20 April.

Winners will have the opportunity to progress through to regional and state competitions.

Finalists will be announced ahead of a gala awards ceremony and dinner at the Ballina RSL Club on Saturday, 11 July.

The program is designed to celebrate excellence across the business community while offering recognition across the sector.

Last year’s event attracted a record number of entries, with hundreds attending the gala dinner.

Chamber executive officer Jon Dickson said the nomination process is straightforward, with entrants able to enter multiple categories.

“It’s free to do. And you can just progress through a whole bunch of competitions and get greater exposure for your business and have a lot of fun while you’re doing it,” he said.

“There are so many businesses that come along on the night, the atmosphere is amazing, it’s quite electric.”

“The format that we do really resonates with people because the night doesn’t drag on. It’s fast-moving and people have a lot of fun.”

With around 25 award categories on offer, the program is designed to be inclusive and flexible for all types of businesses.

“You can enter your employee, you can nominate your boss, you can nominate inspirational people, large business, small business, whatever it is, and you can put in multiple entries,” Dickson said.

The Chamber said resources will be available online to support entrants throughout the nomination period.

It is also encouraging anyone interested in sponsoring to get in touch for more information.

Nominations close Wednesday, May 20, with finalists announced on Friday, June 26.

Entries can be made online at ballinachamber.com.au/awards-2026