Let’s get down to business awards

Entries have opened for the 2026 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the awards were an opportunity for businesses to reflect on their achievements, recognise staff and raise their profile in the community.

“The Business Excellence Awards celebrate the best of our local business community, but they also help businesses large and small get their name out there and show people across Lake Macquarie and beyond the amazing things they’re doing,” he said.

“Year after year, we see finalists and winners capitalise on the awards to grow and flourish.”

This year’s awards include 16 categories, including Excellence in Sustainability, Employer of Choice, Outstanding Business Leader and the city’s top prize: Business of the Year.

Awards are also handed out for outstanding enterprises of all sizes, from micro businesses (five or fewer staff) to large businesses with more than 100 employees.

Most category winners will also progress to the 2026 Business Hunter Awards held in September.

This year’s awards are sponsored by major sponsor Dantia, Origin, the Newcastle Herald, University of Newcastle, Charlestown Square by the GPT Group, Ramsay Health and Lake Mac Holiday Parks.

To enter, businesses must be located in the Lake Macquarie LGA.

Dantia, Lake Macquarie’s economic development company, will host an info session from 6-8pm on Monday 20 April for applicants to help them through the process and offer advice on how to create applications that reflect their achievements in innovation, resilience and excellence.

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information and to enter.

2026 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards categories

Outstanding Employee

Outstanding Young Business Leader

Outstanding Business Leader

Employer of Choice

Excellence in Innovation

Excellence in Sustainability

Outstanding Community Organisation

Outstanding Visitor Experience

Outstanding New Business

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

Excellence in Micro Business (0-5 employees)

Excellence in Small Business (6-20 employees)

Excellence in Medium Business (21-99 employees)

Excellence in Large Business (100+ employees)

Business of the Year

People’s Choice Award