The Whitsunday region’s business community is set to take centre stage once again, with the return of the Whitsunday Business Awards in 2026.
Delivered through a collaborative partnership between the Bowen Chamber of Commerce, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Whitsunday Regional Council, the awards recognise outstanding achievement, leadership and contribution across the Whitsundays business community.
Mayor Ry Collins said the awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses driving the region forward.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of the Whitsundays economy and community, creating jobs, supporting the community and playing a big role in shaping the Whitsundays,” he said.
“The Business Awards are about recognising those individuals and organisations who are making a real impact and showcasing the incredible depth of talent and ambition we have across the Whitsundays.”
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Allan Milostic said the awards were also about creating a platform to share the stories behind local business success and inspire future growth across the region.
“Behind every successful business is a story of hard work, resilience and commitment to the Whitsundays,” he said.
“These awards are an opportunity to recognise those stories, celebrate the people driving our regional economy, and encourage businesses of all sizes to reflect on what they’ve achieved and where they’re heading next.”
The 2026 awards program features an exciting lineup of categories designed to reflect the diversity, innovation and strength of the local business sector.
2026 Award Categories
Categories include:
Business Legends of the Whitsundays –Celebrating businesses or individuals that have achieved long-term success and made an enduring impact on the region.
Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year — Recognising outstanding businesses that set the benchmark for excellence, innovation and leadership. Includes Small Business and Medium to Large Business award divisions.
Business Leader of the Year — Recognising inspiring leaders whose vision, dedication and influence have driven exceptional business and regional success. Categories include Small Business and Medium to Large Business divisions.
Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee — Highlighting exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding growth, dedication and contribution.
Customer Service Excellence Award — Celebrating businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding customer experiences. Categories include Small Business and Medium to Large Business divisions.
Community Champion Award — Recognising businesses and organisations making a meaningful difference through community contributions and initiatives.
Think Big Award — Recognising businesses or individuals demonstrating bold vision and turning opportunity into action through innovation, expansion, investment and future-focused thinking, including opportunities connected to Brisbane 2032.
Mayor Collins said the Think Big Award aligns strongly with Council’s State of the Region ‘Think Big’ message and highlighted the importance of forward-thinking leadership.
“We want to celebrate the people and businesses that are not only succeeding today but also looking ahead and helping shape the future of the Whitsundays,” he said.
Applications are open to businesses and individuals across the Whitsunday region, with judging undertaken by respected regional and external experts to ensure an independent and robust process.
Key Dates
Key dates for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards include:
- Monday 1 June – Applications open online.
- Friday 17 July – Applications close.
- Friday 9 October – Awards Ceremony at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
Please note businesses and individuals must apply directly, with no third-party nominations accepted. Businesses or individuals who were 2025 winners or highly commended recipients are unable to apply for the same category in 2026, while 2026 sponsors are ineligible to apply for any award category.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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