Finalists announced as business awards draw closer

THE finalists for this year’s Bendigo Bank and Be.Bendigo Business Excellence Awards have been announced after a record number of entries were assessed by a panel of independent judges.

Shortlisted entrants represent a wide cross-section of the region’s business community, with stand-outs across sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, health and social enterprise.

“The quality of applications was of an overwhelmingly high standard, with more applications than ever before achieving the minimum 70 per cent quality score to be considered as a potential finalist,” said Be.Bendigo CEO Hayley Tibbett.

“This program has now been celebrating excellence in Bendigo’s business community for three decades and we’re incredibly proud to honour the people and organisations who continue to shape our region’s economic future.”

This year’s judges include 2025 Regional Women’s Business Award winner Rhianwen Seiter from Mackenzie Quarters, regional tourism identity Kathryn Mackenzie and Loddon Shire manager tourism and economic development David Stretch.

There is also a new head judge this time around, Reign Legal principal and founder Melissa Buchanan.

Established in 1994 by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst and now delivered by Be.Bendigo, the awards have grown from six categories to over 20, including the coveted Business of the Year.

Tickets for the Gala Awards Night, which will take place on Thursday 13 August at Red Energy Arena, are also now on sale.

For more information or to obtain tickets to the gala, visit the Business Excellence Awards website.