Last Updated on August 30, 2026 by Graeme Sennett

Finalists honoured at Gippsland Business Awards event

Small business is the lifeblood of Gippsland, playing a key role in building the region, according to Telstra Eastern Victoria Regional General Manager, Jenny Gray.

Ms Gray was addressing the Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards finalists’ breakfast in Traralgon on Friday, sponsored by Telstra.

“We don’t celebrate these success stories enough,” Ms Gray told the gathering. “The fact you (finalists) have been recognised by the Gippsland Business Awards (GBA) is a testament to your hard work and resilience, and your commitment to making a difference in your business, to customers’ lives and your teams’ lives. It’s also making a difference in your community.

“Small businesses are an essential part of the economy. They create jobs, support families and bring innovation and energy to every corner of the region. You’re not just building businesses…you are building the region.”

GBA Committee Chair, Graeme Sennett, also congratulated the finalists. “Your businesses are innovative, passionate, committed and want to succeed,” he added.

Ian Whitehead, Chief Executive of major sponsor, Latrobe Health Services also spoke as did founder and principal of Brinnie T Design, Joanne Viney, who highlighted the importance of access, equity and inclusion by small business.

Winners of the awards will be announced at a gala event on Friday 29 August at Federation University in Churchill.

As well as the prestigious Gippsland Business of the Year award, other categories being recognised in 2025 are: Accommodation and Tourism, Hospitality and Food Service, Food and Agribusiness, Retail, Trade and Technical Services, New Business, Manufacturing and Construction, Business and Professional Services, Beauty and Personal Care Services, Healthcare and Wellness, Transport and Automotive Services and Microbusiness.

For further details of finalists refer to the Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards website at www.gba.org.au

A full list of the 2025 finalists is available here: Media Release 2025 Gippsland Business Awards Finalists’ Breakfast

Book tickets to GBA Awards Evening Here: https://www.trybooking.com/DDOCN

For additional media comment please contact GBA Chair, Graeme Sennett 0417 509 149