IN ANOTHER record-breaking year for the Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards, Happy Staffy has been named Most Outstanding Business, while Gary West was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his decades of contribution to our community.
Along with the Most Outstanding Business winner and Hall of Fame inductee, 15 category winners and 12 highly commended certificates were also awarded.
This year’s program attracted 159 entries across 15 categories during the entry period, reflecting another strong year of participation from the region’s business community.
On Friday, 15 August, four hundred guests, including 84 finalists, gathered together at the Albury Entertainment Centre for the highly anticipated unveiling of this year’s winners.
The awards recognise and honour the exceptional contributions of businesses to our local economy and community. The awards are overseen by a volunteer Steering Committee under the auspice of Albury Business Connect – one of New South Wales’ leading regional business chambers – and delivered by a dedicated awards operations team, Desiree Georgiou and Rhiannon Veness.
Glen Robinson, General Manager of Albury Business Connect, says this year’s awards reflect the continued strength, adaptability, and ambition of the region’s business community.
“In 2025, we’ve seen another incredible level of engagement in the Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards, with a record number of entries submitted across all categories.
It’s been inspiring to witness so many local businesses putting their hand up to be recognised, not just for their achievements, but for their innovation, resilience, and contribution to our region.
This year, we were especially excited to see the number of businesses that have not previously entered the awards. They have taken the leap and put their hand up to say they are here and want to be recognised by their community. The response shows just how proud and passionate our business community is.”
This year marks the second year Optus has supported the awards as Naming Rights Sponsor, highlighting the national telco’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and connectivity to businesses across the region.
Matt Connell, General Manager – Northern Victoria at Optus, said the awards play a vital role in recognising the impact of local businesses across the region.
“Optus is proud to once again be the major sponsor of the Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards and to stand alongside Albury Business Connect in celebrating local success.
“We know how important small and medium businesses are to the strength of regional communities. These awards are a fantastic way to shine a light on their contributions, resilience, and achievements.
“At Optus, we’re committed to supporting regional Australia, and partnerships like this one are a key part of that focus.”
Winners and Highly Commended Recipients
Employer of Choice (Up to 20 Employees), supported by Business Women Albury Wodonga
Winner: Cameron Dental Care
Highly Commended: First Scaff
Employer of Choice (21 & Over Employees), sponsored by Hume Bank
Winner: Regional Disability Advocacy Service
Highly Commended: BOSCHETTI
Excellence in Commercial, Professional & Business Services, supported by Albury City Council, City of Wodonga and Two Cities, One Community
Winner: Cumulus
Excellence in Healthcare, Disability & Social Care, sponsored by Gateway Health
Winner: Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy
Highly Commended: Cameron Dental Care
Excellence in Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism, sponsored by Visit Albury Wodonga
Winner: Aida Mediterranean Cuisine and Bar
Excellence in Medium & Large Business, sponsored by SCA / Triple M The Border
Winner: BOSCHETTI
Excellence in Manufacturing, Industrial & Logistics Services, supported by Bill Tilley, Member for Benambra
Winner: BOSCHETTI
Highly Commended: First Scaff
Excellence in Retail & Personal Services, sponsored by Regent Cinemas Albury Wodonga
Winner: Bluey’s Hunting & Fishing
Highly Commended: Concept Hair Design
Excellence in Small Business, sponsored by BankWAW
Winner: Happy Staffy
Highly Commended: Cameron Dental Care and Dash Cakes
Outstanding Business Leader (Over 35), sponsored by Gawk
Winner: Leanne Bailey – Murray River Animal Hospital
Highly Commended: Melinda Harmer – Generations Personal and Professional Advice
Outstanding Community Organisation, supported by Justin Clancy, Member for Albury
Winner: Albury Wodonga Regional FoodShare
Highly Commended: Mercy Connect
Outstanding Employee, sponsored by BUSY At Work and Squad
Winner: Matthew Turner – BOSCHETTI
Highly Commended: Brendan Pearson – Habitat Planning and Shannon Carmody – Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy
Excellence in New Business, sponsored by Regent Cinemas Albury Wodonga
Winner: Dux Albury
Outstanding Start Up or Side Hustle, supported by Young Business Edge
Winner: Evoke Strategy
Highly Commended: Bobby Dazzler Dresses
Outstanding Young Business Person, sponsored by Innovate Health
Winner: Joel Chambers – Chambers Agriculture & Viticulture
Most Outstanding Business, sponsored by Optus
Happy Staffy
Hall of Fame, sponsored by The Border Mail
Gary West
You can follow @aw_businessawards on Instagram and Albury Wodonga Business Awards on Facebook and LinkedIn, and visit awbusinessawards.com.au for more information.
Photo caption: 2025 Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards Hall of Fame inductee, Gary West. Hall of Fame sponsored by The Border Mail