HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 191 APRIL 2026 | Page 2

HAWKESBURY BUSINESS AWARDS 2026

2026

Celebrating local excellence

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!

Awards Night Friday 31 July, 2026 | 5th Year Supporting Local Businesses

AWARD CATEGORIES

We celebrate excellence across diverse sectors:
• Agriculture & Animals
• Beauty & Hair
• Builders, Carpenters & Bricklayers
• Business Services
• Catering, Cafes & Restaurants
• Education, Training & Childhood Centres
• Electrical & Air Conditioning
• Electronics, IT & Media
• Entertainment & The Arts
• Finance & Banking
• Fitness & Sport
• Food & Groceries Retail
• General Retail
• Government & Not-for-Profit
• Health & Disability
• Manufacture & Wholesale
• Other Trades & Construction
• Plumbers, Drainers & Gas Fitters
• Professional & Scientific
• Real Estate
• Tourism, Events & Accommodation
• Vehicles, Transport & Warehousing
Special Awards:
• Young Business Person of the Year( 28 years or younger)
• Business Person of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Community Contribution of the Year

FINALISTS

Finalists are the 8 most nominated businesses in each category. This can mean there is sometimes more then 8 finalists in a category if there are an equal number of nominations.
The major awards finalists are also selected via this method, not based on winning the industry category.
Being a finalist is a true reflection of how the community feels about a business.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• COMMUNITY COMMITMENT Charity work, fundraising, and support initiatives
• NETWORKING & COLLABORATION Participation in industry and networking groups along with collaboration with other local businesses
• MARKETING VISIBILITY Social media presence, website quality, and promotional efforts
• CUSTOMER SERVICE In-person, phone, and email interactions; staff and premises presentation, product knowledge and communication skills
• LEGAL COMPLIANCE ABN, trading name registration and licensing as applicable
• ACHIEVEMENTS & FUTURE PLANS Industry recognition, goal achievement and business plans

THE AWARDS NIGHT

Friday, 31 July 2026 at Windsor Function Centre

Doors open 6.30pm with bubbles on arrival Event starts 7.00pm includes a 3-course meal featuring local produce & a premium beverage package Dance floor celebration to close the night

Hosted by local MCs with local entertainment
To increase accessibility, the night is also broadcast live and free on Pulse 89.9 FM

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Nominate your favourite local business today!

Nominations can be made via our online form until 11:55pm on 26 April 2026
PROUD MEDIA

PARTNER THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE GROUP the heart of your LOCAL

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