2025 AWARDS
The Albury Wodonga Business Awards is our region’s biggest celebration of innovation, growth and resilience in local business, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it.
Entries are open now.
Categories
This year, there are 15 categories recognising outstanding businesses and individuals, along with a Hall of Fame inductee and Most Outstanding Business recipient. There are also two new categories, providing more opportunities for small businesses and community groups to get involved and celebrate the incredible work they do in our community.
Outstanding Employee*
The Outstanding Employee Award recognises an inspirational employee who as demonstrated a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and the community. It is open to businesses to nominate an employee.
Excellence in Healthcare, Disability & Social Care
Sponsored by Gateway Health
This award will recognise and celebrate an established business or organisation (profit or not for profit, online or bricks and mortar) in the Healthcare, Disability & Social Care sector that is commercially sustainable and can demonstrate excellent development in the previous 12 months.
Outstanding Start Up or Side Hustle
This award recognises an exceptional Start Up or Side Hustle that has demonstrated innovation, growth, and a strong commitment to their industry and community. It celebrates individuals or small teams who have shown entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and initiative in building their business from the ground up.
Excellence in Small Business*
Sponsored by Bank WAW
The Excellence in Small Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Excellence in Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism*
Sponsored by Visit Albury Wodonga
This award will recognise and celebrate an established business or organisation (profit or not for profit, online or bricks and mortar) in the Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism industry that is commercially sustainable and can demonstrate excellent development in the previous 12 months. A business or organisation that is primarily engaged in providing short term accommodation, hospitality, and associated products, services, events, and experiences.
Outstanding Community Organisation*
Justin Clancy MP proudly supporting Outstanding Community Organisation
The Outstanding Community Organisation Award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural, or environmental wellbeing of the community.
Excellence in Retail & Personal Services
Sponsored by Regent Cinemas Albury Wodonga
This award will recognise and celebrate an established business or organisation (profit or not for profit, online or bricks and mortar) in the Retail & Personal Services sector that is commercially sustainable and can demonstrate excellent development in the previous 12 months.
Excellence in New Business*
The Excellence in New Business Award recognises a start-up business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success.
Excellence in Manufacturing, Industrial & Logistics Services
Bill Tilley proudly supporting Manufacturing, Industrial & Logistical Services
This award will recognise and celebrate an established business or organisation (profit or not for profit, online or bricks and mortar) in the Manufacturing, Construction & Logistics Services industry that is commercially sustainable and can demonstrate excellent development in the previous 12 months.
Excellence in Commercial, Professional & Business Services*
Proudly supported by AlburyCity Council and City of Wodonga
This award will recognise and celebrate an established business or organisation (profit or not for profit, online or bricks and mortar) in the Commercial, Professional & Business Services sector that is commercially sustainable and can demonstrate excellent development in the previous 12 months.
Excellence in Medium & Large Business*
Sponsored by Triple M The Border
This award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience. This category is open to businesses with 21 or more employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at time of entry.
Outstanding Young Business Person*
Sponsored by iHealth
The Outstanding Young Business Person Award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 35 or under at the time of entry who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership.
Outstanding Business Person Over 35*
Sponsored by Gawk
The Outstanding Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 36 years or over at the time of entry who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership, whilst providing mentorship to others.
Employer of Choice (Up to 20 Employees)*
The Employer of Choice (Up to 20 Employees) Award – Recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.
Employer of Choice (21 & Over Employees)*
Sponsored by Hume Bank
The Employer of Choice (21 & Over Employees) Award – Recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.
Hall of Fame
Sponsored by The Border Mail
The Albury Wodonga Business Awards Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates outstanding individual achievements and contributions to our community.
Most Outstanding Business
Sponsored by Optus
This award is awarded to a business that has been judged to be an outstanding business, that has provided an entry that demonstrates achievements and excellence over and above all other entrants. This award will be judged by the chief judge, with recommendations from each of the category judges.
*These categories align with the Business NSW 2025 Business Awards. Eligible NSW-based winners will have the opportunity to advance to the NSW regional finals. Visit the Business NSW website for more information.
How to enter
Entering the 2025 Optus Albury Wodonga Awards is as easy as one, two, three.
- If you’ve entered the awards in the last two years, you can use your existing Awards Force login, otherwise you will need to create an account.
- Read the eligibility criteria and download the questions. Register for the Entrant workshop to get the inside scoop on how to write a winning awards entry.
- Submit your application by the due date and join us at the Finalist announcement night at Regent Cinemas on Thursday, 10 July.
