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Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success

Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026.

By news@gippsland - 6th March 2026 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards. Now in its 19th year, this annual program celebrates the achievements of local businesses and provides an opportunity for recognition, connection and community celebration.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business achievements through judged and People’s Choice categories: Judged Awards with closing application on 8 May 2026 and People’s Choice Awards closing application on 29 May 2026

Celebrating local businesses

The Bass Coast Business Awards showcase the diversity, innovation and impact of businesses across our region. The awards are presented across two key streams:

Judged Awards

These awards recognise businesses that demonstrate excellence across a range of categories, including Access, Equity and Inclusion; Business Innovation; Environmental Sustainability; Event Excellence; Marketing and Communications; and New Business.

Businesses submit an application which is assessed by an independent judging panel, with the highest-scoring entrant receiving the Business of the Year award. Judged Award applications close Friday, 8 May at 5:00pm.

People’s Choice Awards

These awards give the community the chance to recognise and support their favourite local businesses by casting their vote. Categories include:

• Accommodation and Tourism Attraction
• Food and Beverage
• Hair and Beauty
• Health and Lifestyle
• Online, Mobile and Home-Based Business
• Retail and Services; and Trade

This is a great opportunity for businesses to engage with their customers, increase visibility, and strengthen connections within the local community. People’s Choice voting closes Friday, 29 May at 5:00pm.

Awards celebrate excellence

Last year’s Bass Coast Business Awards attracted applications from a diverse range of industries, spanning tourism and hospitality through to construction and professional services. The Hills Are Alive Group was named Business of the Year for their Ocean Sounds event, impressing judges with its detailed submission, strong sustainability focus and clear strategic vision.

The Awards night also celebrated The Hills Are Alive Group entering the Hall of Fame after winning the Event Excellence category for three consecutive years - a testament to the passion and commitment within our local business community.

Business awards call

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead encourages businesses to get involved in this year’s Awards, saying, "The Bass Coast Business Awards celebrate the dedication and innovation of our local businesses. Entering is not just about recognition, it’s a chance to reflect, grow, and set new benchmarks for success in your industry."

"There are real economic and promotional benefits for businesses that take part, and we want to see our local businesses thrive. The Awards are the business community’s highlight of the year, and I look forward to celebrating the outstanding talent and success across Bass Coast," said Cr Halstead.

Awards sponsors

Finalists will be announced in July and the Gala dinner will be held on Friday, 21 August 2026 at Silverwater Resort, San Remo. The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards are proudly supported by our sponsors:

• Silverwater Resort (Venue and Award Night Sponsor)
• Westernport Water (Platinum Sponsor - Business of the Year)
• Phillip Island RSL (Gold Sponsor - Access, Equity and Inclusion)
• Wildlife Coast Cruises (Gold Sponsor - Environmental Sustainability
• nbn Local (Gold Sponsor - Business Innovation)
• Telstra (Gold Sponsor - Marketing and Communications)
• San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op (Gold Sponsor - Event Excellence)
• Phillip Island Business Network (Gold Sponsor - New Business)
• Interchange Gippsland (Silver Sponsor - Health & Lifestyle)

For more information and to apply or vote, visit 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
  Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations.
• Coal Creek Sunday Sessions bring local musicians together for two afternoons of live music and family-friendly entertainment in November 2026
  Coal Creek’s Sunday Sessions will feature local soloists, duos and musical groups across two family-friendly afternoons of live music on November 15 and 29.