The Albury Wodonga Business Awards Steering Committee and Albury Business Connect are excited to announce the finalists for the 2025 Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards.
A total of 84 finalists have been named across 15 award categories, following the official announcement event held at Regent Cinemas Albury Wodonga on Thursday, 10 July.
This year’s program attracted 159 entries during the entry period, reflecting another strong year of participation from the region’s business community. The awards recognise outstanding businesses, leaders, and community organisations making significant contributions to the local economy and region.
Glen Robinson, General Manager of Albury Business Connect, said the response shows the resilience and determination of local businesses.
“Our annual business awards are a great reminder of just how strong and adaptable our business community is here on the Border,” Mr Robinson said. “We’re still operating in a challenging economic climate, yet we’ve again seen a record number of entries from businesses across the region.”
“The awards program highlights the positive achievements that have taken place over the past 12 months. Thanks to the ongoing support of Optus and our category sponsors, this year will see more local businesses celebrated than ever before.”
Matt Connell, Regional General Manager – Southern NSW/ACT at Optus, said Optus is proud to continue its support of the Albury Wodonga Business Awards for the second year in a row.
“Entering the awards is a fantastic way for businesses to reflect on their achievements over the past 12 months. Optus is committed to supporting and celebrating the outstanding work of local businesses, which is why we’re proud to be the major sponsor of the Albury Wodonga Business Awards again.
“We’d like to congratulate all this year’s finalists, as well as every business, individual and community organisation that took the time to enter. We wish all finalists the best of luck for the Gala Night in August.”
The 2025 Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards finalists are
| Category | Finalists |
| Employer of Choice (Up to 20 Employees), supported by Business Women Albury Wodonga | Cameron Dental Care First Scaff GJ Gardner Homes Albury Murray River Animal Hospital PRD Albury-Wodonga |
| Employer of Choice (21 & Over Employees), sponsored by Hume Bank | BOSCHETTI Icaria Health RDAS |
| Excellence in Commercial, Professional & Business Services, supported by Albury City Council, City of Wodonga and Two Cities, One Community | Chambers Agriculture & Viticulture Cumulus Digital Marketer Bee Elite PM Agency Generations Personal and Professional Advice MJ Digital Murray River Animal Hospital The Pool Compliance Man |
| Excellence in Healthcare, Disability & Social Care, sponsored by Gateway Health | Cameron Dental Care Daintree Family Dental Clinic Icaria Health Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy Mercy Connect Redefined Counselling & Consultancy |
| Excellence in Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism, sponsored by Visit Albury Wodonga | Aida Mediterranean Cuisine and Bar Dash Cakes Downtown Pizzeria Mantra Albury |
| Excellence in Medium & Large Business, sponsored by SCA / Triple M The Border | BOSCHETTI GHD Albury Wodonga Twin City Roller Doors |
| Excellence in Manufacturing, Industrial & Logistics Services, supported by Bill Tilley, Member for Benambra | BOSCHETTI First Scaff Formulae Albury Global Factory Maintenance |
| Excellence in Retail & Personal Services, sponsored by Regent Cinemas Albury Wodonga | Bluey’s Hunting & Fishing Concept Hair Design Happy Staffy Kellys Mitre 10 |
| Excellence in Small Business, sponsored by BankWAW | Bluey’s Hunting & Fishing Cameron Dental Care Concept Hair Design CumulusDash Cakes Happy Staffy |
| Outstanding Business Leader (Over 35), sponsored by Gawk | Bee Cuevas Brooke Bosse Jessie Anderson Kate Stevens Leanne Bailey Lisa Grey Melinda Harmer Robert Boschetti |
| Outstanding Community Organisation, supported by Justin Clancy, Member for Albury | Albury Netball Association Albury Wodonga Regional FoodShare Mercy Connect Murray Conservatorium Survivors of Suicide & Friends / Winter Solstice |
| Outstanding Employee, sponsored by BUSY At Work and Squad | Anyha Ruby Brendan Pearson Elizabeth Beattie Jade Challoner Kelly Geddes Lily Thomas Matthew Turner Shannon Carmody Simon Carter Victoria Walker |
| Excellence in New Business, sponsored by Regent Cinemas Albury Wodonga | Albury Wodonga Counselling & Therapies Aligned Counselling Dux Albury Love Poets Recovery Lab Wodonga Sip and Pour Wine Tours |
| Outstanding Start Up or Side Hustle, supported by Young Business Edge | Bobby Dazzler Dresses Cameron Property Dying To Help Evoke Strategy |
| Outstanding Young Business Person, sponsored by iHealth | Alex Gale Courtney Avery Joel Chambers Kara Chanter Lily Thomas Matt Wehbeh Paula Thompson Sarah Cameron |
Along with category winners, a Hall of Fame inductee (sponsored by The Border Mail) and Most Outstanding Business (sponsored by Optus) will be announced at the Gala Night on Friday, 15 August, at the Albury Entertainment Centre. Information about general admission tickets will be released soon through the Albury Business Connect website at alburybusinessconnect.com.au.
You can follow @aw_businessawards on Instagram and Albury Wodonga Business Awards on Facebook and LinkedIn.
