Revamp for business awards

THREE new categories were announced last week as part of the Bendigo Bank and Be.Bendigo Business Excellent Awards as well as a change of venue with the event gala moved to Red Energy Arena.

Global reach, creative industries, and volunteering are the focus of the newly announced categories.

Be.Bendigo Award Committee chair Eve Ritchens said it was great to see the new categories and location announced.

“We are excited to be bringing the awards gala to Red Energy Arena in 2023,” she said. “This will allow for a bigger event and in turn more categories to showcase business excellence in Bendigo.

“The awards play an important part in the business community, showcasing local success, and I encourage the community to nominate all their favourite businesses in Bendigo.”

There are 19 total categories local businesses can be nominated for, with submissions open from Monday, 3 April.

Be.Bendigo CEO, Robert Herbert, said this year will be the biggest event yet with the chance to shine a light on more local companies.

“Get ready to nominate the many worthy businesses across Greater Bendigo,” he said. “This year will feature even more great achievements.”

A revamped awards program will also see an official nominee ceremony in May which will be followed by a finalist announcement event in July.

Mr Herbert said connection was the idea of adding the extra events.

“The new milestone celebrations as we move through the process will better connect nominees and finalists to both our sponsors and to each other,” he said.

The winners will be announced at a gala event to be held Thursday, 17 August.

Any business located within the Greater Bendigo local government area can enter with more information at bbea.com.au.