Business Awards nominations pour in at pace

THE 2026 Bendigo Business Excellence Awards are on track for a bumper year with 815 nominations having been submitted before the 30 April deadline, up almost 25 per cent from 2025.

Nominees now have until Monday 1 June to complete their written applications, with finalists to face category judges in person from early July.

About 200 past award winners and nominees congregated at Bendigo Airport earlier this week to hear from Be.Bendigo CEO Hayley Tibbett, new head judge, Reign Legal’s Melissa Buchanan, and 2024 Regional Women’s Business award winner, 3D Physio Health Group’s Julie Sheahan.

Tibbett said behind every single nomination is a story.

“A business that’s backed itself, a team that’s worked hard, and someone who’s taken a risk to adapt and to grow and keep showing up,” she said.

“That’s what these awards are really about.

“They’re about taking a moment to reflect on what you’ve built, sharing your story and being recognised by your community.”

Buchanan said the awards are not necessarily about the biggest business, or the longest established or the most competitive financially.

“To me the applications that stand out the most are those that are written with authenticity, with clarity and with direct evidence,” she said.

“Strong applications for us will clearly demonstrate what makes your business really unique, and it comes back to real-life examples.

“We love to hear about your personal stories.

“If we get to hear why it is that you do what you do, and why you love to do what you do, why that makes you passionate, and why that’s important to Bendigo, and particularly the clients that you serve, we, as judges, are going to be interested.”

Buchanan said the judges are genuinely looking forward to the opportunity to read nominees’ applications and hopefully then meet them in person.

“We value the opportunity to hear and learn more about the incredible and diverse business community here in Bendigo,” she said.