The Excellence in Medium Business (20-99 Employees) and Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing awards are among 25 to be presented in total, including Business of the Year 2026.
The winners will be announced at the Deniliquin Business Chamber’s annual gala ceremony, which will be held Friday, August 14.
Chamber vice president and awards coordinator Helen Flisher said the new categories are in keeping with changes at a regional level.
“Both new categories have been introduced by the Murray Riverina Business Chamber for the regional awards, and we thought they were worthwhile adding to ours as well,” Mrs Flisher said.
“Because both align with Murray Riverina, the local winners may then go on to compete at regional and perhaps state or national level too.
“The medium business category also improves competitiveness for those business who were once competing with larger businesses.”
With medium added to the mix, there are now four Excellence in Business categories - micro (1-5 employees), small (6-19), medium (20-99) and large (100 plus).
Other business category awards open for nominations are:
• Employer of Choice (20 Employees & under)
• Employer of Choice (21 Employees & Over)
• Excellence in Customer Service (Business)
• Excellence in Sustainability
• Outstanding Community Organisation
• Outstanding New Business
• Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
• Excellence in Marketing
• Excellence in Agribusiness
• Excellence in Manufacturing & Trade
• Outstanding Visitor Experience
All nominees of these awards also go in the running for Business of the Year.
Another five awards are targeted specifically at individuals working in local businesses.
These categories are:
• Outstanding Employee
• Outstanding Young Business Leader
• Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees & under)
• Outstanding Business Leader (21 Employees & over)
• Excellence in Customer Service (Individual)
The Deniliquin Business Chamber will also award three special prizes at the awards night.
The Norm Brennan Community Contribution award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Deniliquin community.
It is named after Mr Brennan who, before his death in 2021, had served more than two decades as a mayor and councillor and also contributed to the community in other capacities.
The Will McKern Scholarship is awarded to the Outstanding Construction/Trade Apprentice of the Year.
The recognises an individual who displays outstanding and inspirational qualities in both their work and personal life.
It is named in the memory of Will McKern, who lost his life in a car crash on his way to trade school in 2023. His employers, Fitzpatrick Fabrications, support the scholarship.
The last special award is for a Chamber Champion.
It is awarded to an individual who has continuously demonstrated leadership in the Deniliquin business community and strengthened business networks and collaboration.
Nominations for the award opened today. For more details on award categories and to enter, go to deniliquinchamber.com.au/deniliquin-business-chamber-excellence-awards/.
Information sessions on the nomination process will be held in person and online in the coming weeks. Details will be released next week.
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