$ 20
LOCAL LIFE
Hawkesbury Business Awards return in 2026 with The Independent as Media Partner
|
The Hawkesbury Business Awards widely regarded as the region’ s most authentic local awards— return in 2026, marking their fifth year of celebrating the businesses that truly make a difference in the community.
Run by locals and decided by the local community, the awards have built a strong reputation for recognising not just business success, but the spirit, resilience and contribution that define the Hawkesbury.
In an exciting development, The Independent Magazines has been announced as the new official media partner for the awards, further strengthening the connection between local business and local media. As part of this partnership, finalists will be featured in the Hawkesbury Independent, giving businesses valuable exposure across one of the region’ s most widely read publications.
The awards are delivered by Hawkesbury Business Events( HBE), an initiative launched in 2019 by Prismatic Group Pty Ltd. The program was created with a clear purpose: to bring the Hawkesbury business community together through networking events, conferences, expos and the annual awards night.
What sets the Hawkesbury Business Awards apart is their unique judging
|
|
|
|
criteria, designed to reflect the values of the local community. Rather than focusing solely on profit or growth, the awards recognise effort, community involvement and collaboration.
Judging criteria includes:
· Community commitment, including charity work and local support
· Networking and collaboration with other businesses
· Marketing visibility across digital and traditional platforms
· Customer service standards and presentation
· Legal compliance, including ABN and licensing requirements
· Achievements and future planning
This approach has had a real impact, with many local businesses gaining visibility for the first time through the program’ s social media and promotional efforts. In a region as geographically spread as the Hawkesbury, this exposure plays a vital role in helping residents discover and support local operators.
The awards also reflect the resilience of a community that has faced significant challenges in recent years. That spirit is captured in the program’ s top honour— Community Contribution of the Year— which places giving back above commercial success.
Finalists are determined by public nomination, with the top eight mostnominated businesses in each category progressing. This means being named a finalist is a genuine reflection of community support, not just judging panel decisions.
Finalists will be announced across HBE’ s social media platforms, with full coverage also appearing in The Hawkesbury Independent as part of its new role as media partner. Finalists are also invited to provide additional information addressing the judging criteria, although this step is optional. The HBE team conducts extensive independent research on each business, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment process, with external judges reviewing subjective categories to minimise bias.
The awards night itself is a highlight of the local calendar— a red-carpet event with a relaxed Hawkesbury flair. Open to the entire community, the evening celebrates local success and connection, with professional event photos shared online for free following the event.
The 2026 Hawkesbury Business Awards
will be held on Friday, 31 July at the Windsor Function Centre, with the event also broadcast live and free on Pulse FM to maximise accessibility.
Nominations are now open and close at 11:55pm on 26 April 2026.
Importantly, the awards are not run for profit. Prismatic Group continues to invest significant time and resources into the program as a passion project aimed at strengthening the local economy. Sponsorship support helps keep ticket prices accessible and enables initiatives such as charity tables, allowing not-forprofit finalists to attend free of charge.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www. hawkesburybusiness. com. au
ALL CLEAR
POOL & SPA SUPPLIES
AVAILABLE DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ONLY
INCLUDES Bumper Bowling Party Food Invitations & Balloons
STARTING AT
$ 20
PER CHILD
B O O K I N G S R E Q U I R E D www. windsortenpinbowl. com. au
102 Ham Street, SOUTH WINDSOR Phone:( 02) 4573 8153
Mobile & Regular Pool Servicing, Cleaning & Maintenance
• Green Pool Treatment
• On-site & free in-house Pool Water testing
• Regular & a once off Pool servicing & cleaning
• Lochlor … because it works. Lo-Chlor Chemicals. Market leader in specialised pool & spa treatment
• Acid washes for all types of Pools
• Repairs on all Pool Equipment
• Installation of Pool equipment( Pumps, Chlorinators, Filters, Pool cleaners etc)
• Health checks on your pool system
• Hand overs new & existing pools
• EVOHEAT Smart, Cost effective & Energy efficient Pool & Spa Heat Pumps
• Pool Fences
• Daisy Pool Covers & rollers made to order
• The Acoustic Box Soundproof Pump & Filter Enclosures
• AQUQUIP Equipment & Spare parts. Full range of LED lighting solutions & Jet-Vac Automatic Pool Cleaners
• Maytronics Dolphin Cleaners
SHOP 2 / 52 MILEHAM ST, WINDSOR Ph:( 02) 4587 7300 Mob: 0418 771 720 Email: windsor @ allclearpoolsupplies. com. au
www. allclearpoolsupplies. com. au
MOST BRANDS AVAILABLE
WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH a complete range of quality equipment, accessories, spare parts, chemicals
CALL US TODAY
MONDAY- FRIDAY 8:30AM- 4:30PM
SATURDAY 8:00AM- 2:00PM
SUNDAY CLOSED
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 191 // APRIL 2026 13