Key points:
- National telecommunications provider Optus has again joined the Albury Wodonga Business Awards as the Naming Rights Sponsor in 2025 for the second year in a row.
- 2025 Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards entries open on Tuesday, 29 April at 10.30am through awbusinessawards.com.au
- Winners, including the Hall of Fame inductee and Most Outstanding Business recipient, will be announced at the Gala Night on Friday, 15 August at the Albury Entertainment Centre.
- Two new categories in 2025: Outstanding Start Up or Side Hustle and Outstanding Community Organisation
- Media opportunity: Local media are invited to a media call at QEII Square at 9am, Tuesday, 29 April
Albury Business Connect and the Albury Wodonga Business Awards steering committee are proud to announce that Optus will return as Naming Rights Sponsor for the 2025 Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards, reaffirming its commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence across the local business community.
Following a record-breaking 2024 program that saw the highest number of entries to date and a sold-out Gala Night, this year’s awards are set to return bigger and better in 2025.
Entries open at 10.30am on Tuesday, 29 April through awbusinessawards.com.au.
Winners across 15 categories will be announced at Gala Night on Friday, 15 August at the Albury Entertainment Centre, along with the prestigious Hall of Fame inductee and the Most Outstanding Business of the year.
This year introduces two new categories – Outstanding Start Up or Side Hustle and Outstanding Community Organisation – providing even more opportunities for small businesses, emerging entrepreneurs, and community-led initiatives to be recognised for their impact.
The 2025 categories are:
- Outstanding Employee
- Excellence in Commercial, Professional & Business Services
- Outstanding Start Up or Side Hustle
- Excellence in Healthcare, Disability & Social Care
- Excellence in Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism
- Outstanding Community Organisation
- Excellence in Manufacturing, Industrial & Logistics Services
- Excellence in Retail & Personal Services
- Excellence in New Business
- Excellence in Small Business
- Excellence in Medium & Large Business
- Outstanding Young Business Person
- Outstanding Business Person (Over 35)
- Employer of Choice (Up to 20 Employees)
- Employer of Choice (21 & Over Employees)
This year also sees the return of second-round judging and continuing with the longstanding Business NSW Business Awards alignment, eligible winners in selected categories will have the opportunity to progress to the NSW regional finals.
Matt Connell, General Manager – Northern Victoria, Optus, said: “Optus are very proud to again be the major sponsor of the Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards and are excited to support Albury Business Connect as an official member.
“The 2025 Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards are such an important partnership for us, as we have a strong focus and commitment to support local business.
“Local business is not only vital to the regional economy, but also for our community, and at Optus, we’re focused on providing support, particularly for businesses across regional Australia.”
Glen Robinson, General Manager, Albury Business Connect, said: “The 2025 Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards are here, and we’re ready to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our local business community once again. The energy behind this year’s program is incredible, and it’s a true reflection of the innovation, resilience and growth we’ve seen across the region.
“We’re proud to have a national brand like Optus return as Naming Rights Sponsor, which speaks volumes about the strength and reputation of our business community. Whether this is your first time entering or you’ve joined us in previous years, this is your chance to be recognised for the work that you do in our community. I encourage every business within Albury, Wodonga and surrounding communities to get involved this year and make your mark.”
Paula Thompson, Director of Footsteps Podiatry and recipient of the 2024 Most Outstanding Business award, said: “It has been a privilege to be recognised as the Most Outstanding Business in Albury Wodonga, particularly being amongst such a thriving business community here in our region. It reinforces that what we have done and continue to do as a business is recognised, needed, and appreciated by our community.”
Businesses and individuals will have until 11.59pm Sunday, 1 June to enter. Finalists will be announced on Thursday, 10 July at Regent Cinemas, and winners will be announced at the Gala Night in August.
If you’ve achieved outstanding outcomes in business over the last 12 months, you are encouraged to enter this year’s awards. You can also subscribe to receive email updates and follow @aw_businessawards on Instagram and Albury Wodonga Business Awards on Facebook and LinkedIn.
