46 Nominees in the Running for 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards

The Whitsundays’ outstanding businesses, leaders and rising talent are preparing to take centre stage, with 46 nominees in the running for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards.

Delivered through a partnership between the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council, the Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership and community contribution across the Whitsunday region.

This year’s nominees will compete across seven award categories:

• Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year – Micro to Small Business and Medium to Large Business divisions
• Business Leader of the Year – Micro to Small Business and Medium to Large Business divisions
• Rising Star – Employee, Apprentice or Trainee
• Customer Service Excellence – Micro to Small Business and Medium to Large Business divisions
• Community Champion
• Think Big
• Business Legends of the Whitsundays

Judging is now underway, with an independent panel of regional and external judges assessing each application against a comprehensive set of criteria. Finalists will be announced on Friday 9 October at the awards ceremony.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the strong response to this year’s Awards was another reminder of the quality and diversity of businesses and people driving the Whitsundays forward.

“Our local businesses are at the heart of our communities – they create jobs, support local families, back community organisations and play an enormous role in making the Whitsundays such a great place to live, work and visit,” Mayor Collins said.

“To have the businesses putting their hand up from across the region is a fantastic result and I congratulate every business, organisation and individual involved.

“Council is proud to partner with our Chambers to deliver the Whitsunday Business Awards and I’m looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our business community in October.”

Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Allan Milostic said the response to this year’s Awards reflected the strength and diversity of the local business community.

“Again, another fantastic result that demonstrates the confidence businesses have in celebrating their achievements. Behind every entry is a story of resilience, innovation, leadership and hard work.

“The Awards are about more than recognising success. They provide businesses and individuals with an opportunity to reflect on their journey, celebrate their teams and inspire others by sharing what’s possible in the Whitsundays.

“Congratulations to everyone who has entered. We look forward to celebrating with the nominees and announcing the winners in October.”

Jo Shepherd, Committee Member of the Bowen Chamber of Commerce said:

“After the incredible success of the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards in 2025, it’s fantastic to see the Whitsunday Business Awards return even bigger in their second year. Behind every nomination is a story of hard work, innovation, teamwork and resilience.”

“The inaugural awards set a high bar, highlighted how much our region has to offer, and clearly demonstrated that our businesses are the backbone of the Whitsunday Region.”

“The Bowen Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and the Whitsunday Regional Council to present the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards.”

The Awards are made possible through the generous support of businesses and organisations committed to recognising and celebrating excellence across the region.

James Cook University is the 2026 Principal Partner, reinforcing its commitment to supporting regional growth, innovation, education and the future of business across the Whitsundays.

Award category sponsors include:

• Business of the Year – StarFM
• Business Leader of the Year – Abbot Point Operations
• Rising Star – TAFE Queensland
• Customer Service Excellence – LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach
• Community Champion – McDonald’s Restaurants (Airlie Beach, Cannonvale & Bowen)
• Think Big – Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
• Business Legends of the Whitsundays – Whitsunday Regional Council

The Awards also acknowledge the support of Life Publishing Group as Print Media Partner, Whitsunday Transit as Transport Partner, and Amanda Camm MP as an Awards Supporter.

Congratulations to the 2026 Award nominees

Awards Ceremony

The 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards Ceremony will be held from 5pm on Friday 9 October at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, bringing together businesses, industry, government and community leaders from across the region to celebrate excellence.

Tickets will go on sale next week, with businesses, supporters and the wider community invited to attend what promises to be one of the region’s premier business celebrations.

When: 5:00pm–9:30pm, Friday 9 October 2026
Where: Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 16 Main Street, Proserpine
Transport: Return bus available from Bowen, Airlie Beach and Cannonvale
Dress: From High Glam to High Vis, celebrate in your own unique style!