
The Whitsunday Business Awards 2025 celebrates the outstanding achievements, leadership, innovation, and resilience of businesses across the Whitsunday region.
This collaborative initiative between the Bowen Chamber of Commerce, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Whitsunday Regional Council will showcase business and individual excellence.
With judging led by respected regional and external experts, and a sundowner Awards Ceremony from 5:30pm Friday 21 November 2025, this is the region’s premier cross-sector business celebration.
Thanks to our Major Partners

2025 Principal Partner

2025 Media Partner

2025 Outdoor Media Partner
Award Categories
Nominations close 11:59pm Sunday 7 August 2025.
Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year presented by Australian Radio Network
For an outstanding business that sets the gold standard for excellence, innovation, and leadership in the region.
Guide to completing your Business of the Year award entry »
Business Leader of the Year
Recognising an inspiring leader whose vision, dedication, and influence have driven exceptional business and regional success.
Guide to completing your Business Leader of the Year award entry »
Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee presented by McDonald’s Restaurants (Airlie Beach, Cannonvale & Bowen)
Highlighting an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding growth, dedication, and contribution.
Guide to completing your Rising Star award entry »
Small Business Hero presented by Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
Recognising sole traders and small businesses that make a big impact through ambition, innovation, and resilience.
Guide to completing your Small Business Hero award entry »
Customer Service Champion presented by LifeLive Pharmacy Airlie Beach
Celebrating businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to create unforgettable customer experiences.
Guide to completing your Customer Service Champion award entry »
Regional Game Changer presented by nbn Co.
Recognising businesses that fuel economic growth, innovation, and community prosperity across the region.
Guide to completing your Regional Game Changer award entry »
Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur presented by TAFE Queensland
Celebrating rising stars (under 25) who are redefining success in start-ups, leadership, or industry innovation.
Guide to completing your Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur award entry »
Community Champion
Highlighting businesses making a real difference in the Whitsunday community through meaningful contributions and initiatives.
Guide to completing your Community Champion award entry »
Eco Excellence presented by Green Energy Technologies
Showcasing businesses that are leading the way in sustainability, environmental responsibility, and green innovation.
Guide to completing your Eco Excellence award entry »
Business Legends of the Whitsundays: Hall of Fame presented by Whitsunday Regional Council
Celebrating businesses, or individuals, that have achieved long-term success and made an enduring impact.
Guide to completing your Hall of Fame award entry »
Key Dates
- Applications open 9:00am Monday 4 August 2025
- Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 7 September 2025
- Nominations may be announced week commencing Monday 29 September 2025
- Whitsunday Business Awards announcement and event from 5:30pm Friday 21 November 2025
How to Apply
- Select a Category: Review the list of available award categories, ‘how to apply guides’ and the eligibility, terms and conditions. Businesses may enter up to two submissions to different award categories, but each requires a separate application.
- Complete the Online Form: All entries must be submitted through the official online application form. Each application will ask for basic business details, responses to award-specific questions (with a capped word count), and encourage uploading of supporting materials.
- Review & confirm: Applications must be complete and submitted by 11:59pm Sunday 7 September 2025. Entries submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
Want to get involved?
There are a number of sponsorship and in-kind partnership opportunities available. Please contact the Whitsunday Business Awards administration team for a prospectus via admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au

Eligibility, Terms & Conditions
Eligibility
- Entrants must operate a registered business within the Whitsunday Regional Council area.
- Businesses or individuals must have been operational for at least 12 months at the time of entry, unless entering a category that permits new or emerging businesses.
- Entrants must demonstrate ethical business practices and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Sole traders, not-for-profits, and social enterprises are eligible to apply where relevant to category criteria.
Entry Requirements
- All entries must be submitted via the official online nomination form by the published closing time and date of 11:59pm Sunday 7 September 2025. Entries submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
- Entrants can apply to a maximum two award categories but must submit a separate application for each.
- All responses must be truthful and accurate to the best of the entrant’s knowledge.
Judging
- Entries will be assessed by an independent panel of judges appointed by the award program partners.
- Entries that are incomplete, off-topic, or fail to sufficiently address the award criteria may be deemed ineligible and will not be forwarded to judges.
- Judges’ decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding outcomes.
- The Judging Panel reserves the right to withdraw any entry if the business or nominee is found to have brought the Awards or award program partners into disrepute.
- The Judging Panel reserves the right to move entries between categories if deemed more appropriate.
Confidentiality
- All information submitted will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of judging.
- Judges and award program administrators are bound by confidentiality agreements.
Promotion and Media
- By entering, finalists and winners agree to have their business name, logo, and images used for promotional purposes related to the Awards.
- Event photography and videography may be used for marketing and reporting purposes by the award program partners.
Costs
- There is no cost to enter the Awards. Finalists are responsible for their own attendance and any associated costs to attend the Awards Event.
