2026 Award Categories

Nominations Are Now Closed

Nominations for the 2026 Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards, Proudly brought to you by Shepparton Club Inc., have now closed.

The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding innovation, dedication and resilience demonstrated by businesses and individuals across the Greater Shepparton region.

Our diverse range of award categories reflects the strength and variety of our regional business community, providing an opportunity to recognise achievements across a broad range of industries, professions and areas of excellence.

The 2026 award categories and their descriptions are provided below as a reference, along with our valued category sponsors.

While nominations for 2026 have now closed, we hope to see you get involved in 2027 as we celebrate the 30th Gala Dinner presentation of the Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards — a wonderful milestone marking three decades of recognising and celebrating our region’s business community.

Apprentice / Trainee of the Year

This award recognises an outstanding apprentice or trainee who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill development, and commitment to their trade or profession. The individual will have shown a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and significant personal and professional growth through their apprenticeship or traineeship. This award highlights individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles, contributing to their workplace, industry, and the broader business community. It acknowledges their ability to adapt to challenges, apply new knowledge effectively, and take initiative in their learning journey.

Sponsored By: Apprenticeship Support Australia

Best Marketing / Advertising Campaign

This award celebrates a business or organisation that has executed an outstanding marketing or advertising campaign, effectively engaging its target audience, driving business growth, and achieving measurable results. The campaign may include digital, print, social media, television, radio, or multi-channel strategies, demonstrating creativity, innovation, and strategic execution. This award highlights the power of storytelling, branding, and audience connection, recognising businesses that have successfully elevated their brand presence, increased customer engagement, and influenced consumer behaviour.

“Please note – to be eligible for this award category, the business must be using at least one traditional advertising platform (print, radio or television), plus one or more additional marketing channels.”

Sponsored By: Triple M, The Shepparton Adviser, WIN Network

Emerging & Micro Business of the Year

This award celebrates new and small businesses in the Greater Shepparton region who have been trading for a period of less than 2 years and who have shown exceptional growth potential, innovation, and contribution to their industry. It recognises emerging businesses that have demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a clear path to future success. The recipient of this award is an inspiring example of entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.

Sponsored By: Greater Shepparton Business Centre

Excellence in Business

The Excellence in Business Awards are represented in three areas:

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
This award recognises a professional services business that has demonstrated outstanding business performance, customer service, and industry leadership. The business will have achieved significant milestones, implemented innovative strategies, and maintained a strong reputation for excellence within their sector. This award acknowledges businesses that provide exceptional expertise, personalised service, and a commitment to client satisfaction while also contributing positively to the local economy and community.

Sponsored by: GV VETS

RETAIL SERVICES
This award acknowledges a retail business that has shown excellence in customer experience, business performance, and industry leadership. The business will have demonstrated a deep understanding of consumer needs, strong business acumen, and an ability to adapt to market changes. This award recognises businesses that create engaging shopping experiences, provide high-quality products, and go the extra mile to enhance customer satisfaction.

Sponsored By: Harvey Norman Shepparton

TRADE SERVICES
This award honours a trade services business that has demonstrated excellence in service delivery, industry expertise, and customer satisfaction. The business will have upheld high industry standards, delivered quality workmanship, and maintained a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism. The award highlights businesses that continuously improve their skills, invest in training, and contribute to the success of their industry.

Sponsored By: Goulburn Murray Credit Union (GMCU)

Excellence in Customer Service

The Excellence in Customer Services Awards are represented in three areas:

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
This award recognises a professional services business that has gone above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service and client experience. The business will have demonstrated a strong customer-first approach, personalised service, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations. The award highlights businesses that foster long-term client relationships and continuously improve their service quality.

Sponsored By: LoveTheGV

RETAIL / HOSPITALITY SERVICES
This award celebrates a retail or hospitality business that delivers outstanding customer service and enhances the customer experience. The business will have demonstrated a commitment to creating welcoming environments, offering personalised service, and going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. The award recognises businesses that make a lasting impression on their customers, leading to repeat business and positive community engagement.

Sponsored By: Harvey Norman Shepparton

TRADE SERVICES
This award recognises a trade-based business that consistently delivers outstanding customer service and exceeds client expectations. It celebrates businesses that prioritise clear communication, reliability, and professionalism while providing high-quality trade services. The business will demonstrate a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, building long-term relationships, and maintaining a positive reputation within the community.

Sponsored By: MB+M

Please note self-nominations are NOT eligible for this award.

Excellence in Innovation

This award acknowledges a business that has applied innovation through new knowledge, technologies, methodologies, or processes to improve the effectiveness or quality of outcomes for their clients, community, and/or the public. The business will have embraced new ideas, adapted to industry trends, and implemented solutions that drive success. They are required to demonstrate significant innovation in either management and/or business practices or in their products and services and need to be able to show how this innovation has given them a competitive edge in the market. This award celebrates businesses that push boundaries, foster innovation, and create new opportunities.

Sponsored By: Noumi

Visitor Experience of the Year

The Visitor Experience of the Year Award honours a business that has created an outstanding experience for visitors and/or is servicing the tourism industry and can demonstrate their commitment to consistently delivering an exceptional visitor experience over the past 12 months. This award recognises significant contribution of businesses to tourism through the provision of food and beverage, accommodation, events, experiences, or attractions.

Businesses nominated for this award can come from a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, restaurants, event caterers, pubs and cafes, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and boutique breweries that offer a cellar door experience. Visitor attractions include museums, galleries, or businesses offering experiences such as workshops, tours, or events. Accommodation operators include caravan parks, motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-contained accommodation.

Sponsored By: Shepparton & Goulburn Valley

Young Professional of the Year

The Young Professional of the Year Award recognises an emerging young professional aged between 18–30 who aspires to undertake, is currently undertaking, or has successfully completed further education or training. This individual will have made a significant impact in their industry, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and dedication to their career. They will also have shown outstanding professional growth, commitment to their field, and meaningful contributions to their industry and the community.

Please note that all applicants of this award category must agree to the additional requirements set by La Trobe University. This includes the requirement to work with La Trobe University on events and initiatives throughout the year i.e., mentoring students, giving a talk, engaging the business in a joint community related event, etc. If you have any questions regarding this, please get in contact with GSBN.

Sponsored By: Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN)