Last Updated on August 30, 2026 by Graeme Sennett

Harman Wines wins Gippsland Business of the Year

Harmans Wines has won the region’s top business award at the 28th annual Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards.

The business was named Business of the Year winner at the Gippsland Business Awards gala dinner at Federation University auditorium where more than 350 people came together to celebrate the best of the region’s business sector.

Mirboo North’s Andy McCarthy joined an impressive list of Gippsland business leaders to be inducted into the Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame.

Awards Chair, Graeme Sennett, congratulated all the winners on their achievement.

“This year’s winners represent the very best of our region – people who work hard, lift others up and show what’s possible when local businesses thrive together,” Mr Sennett said. “They demonstrate excellence, innovation and resilience. They are all setting the benchmark for what regional business can achieve.”

Mr Sennett said Harman Wines strategic foresight, focus on people and technology, and commitment to workforce development, was a clear indication of its role as a leader in addressing industry challenges head-on.

“The judges praised Harman Wines for its strong growth, measurable outcomes, and clear evidence of strategic planning and innovation, with expansion, innovation and inclusive practices making them a standout in the food, wine and hospitality category.

“A business committed to continuous improvement, inclusion, and sustainability, offering a great customer experience for tourists and locals alike.”

Mr Sennett also highlighted a new award this year – the Gippsland Edge Award which recognises a finalist that demonstrates significant persistence, adaptability and proudly champions Gippsland. It was awarded to Scarlet & Grace.

Each GBA finalist is assessed and independently rated by five different judges across eight judging criteria.

The category winners came from across the region and are listed below, together with a precis of judges’ comments:

Accommodation & Tourism – Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre, Cowes

• A community-minded entertainment destination, Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre combines disciplined business planning with a genuine commitment to making recreation welcoming and accessible for everyone. Its investment in inclusive experiences, local partnerships, environmental improvements and innovative attractions has delivered sustained growth and established the business as a standout contributor to both the visitor economy and the Phillip Island community. 

Business and Professional Services – Yellow Brick Road – Leongatha

• With a clear focus on strategic objectives, Yellow Brick Road – Leongatha has built steady growth by providing clients with a seamless, responsive service, tailored to local needs. Its strong planning, driven team and genuine involvement in the community demonstrate how professional expertise and regional commitment can combine to create an enduring and trusted business.

Engineering / Manufacturing / Construction – Carter Marine Group, Bairnsdale

• Carter Marine Group has grown into a highly regarded marine construction business by investing in its people, developing innovative solutions and refusing to compromise on quality. Its inclusive workplace culture, bespoke service, strong repeat-customer relationships and expansion plans demonstrate the capability and confidence of a Gippsland business ready to compete on a much larger stage.

Environmental / Horticulture / Agribusiness – Ten-Rose International Simmental, Longwarry

• Ten-Rose International Simmental Fleckvieh applies deep agricultural knowledge and advanced technology to continually improve cattle performance, productivity and market outcomes. Its commitment to innovation is matched by investment in land regeneration and environmental stewardship, is an impressive example of productive, forward-looking and sustainable agriculture.

Food / Wine / Hospitality – Harman Wines, Wattle Bank

• Harman Wines demonstrates exceptional business acumen, combining a clear understanding of its market with measurable goals, rapid growth and an ongoing drive to innovate. Its inclusive practices, commitment to sustainability and community, and focus on creating memorable experiences for locals and visitors make it a compelling example of a modern regional wine business with lasting impact.

Beauty / Personal / Cosmetic Services – Skin & Tonic Gippsland, Moe

• Skin & Tonic Gippsland has established strong clinical credibility through evidence-based skincare, advanced treatment practices and a clear focus on client wellbeing. Its continued investment in staff education, emerging technology and accountable strategic planning reflects a business committed to professional excellence, responsible growth and leadership within its industry.

The Gippsland Edge– Scarlet and Grace, Sale

• Scarlet & Grace has built momentum through persistence, adaptability and a strong commitment to product quality. Its ability to respond to market opportunities, refine operations, expand into new markets and create a supportive workplace culture makes it a compelling example of regional innovation and sustainable business growth.

Healthcare Services – Progressive Physiotherapy Group, Warragul

• Progressive Physiotherapy Group has built its success around people, creating a supportive culture that values the goals and strengths of patients and employees. Its considered approach to growth, strong operational safeguards and genuine contribution to the local community demonstrate a sustainable healthcare business where commercial progress and positive human outcomes go hand in hand.

Microbusiness – Mac&Ernie, Warragul

• Purpose-led and deliberately human in an increasingly automated market, Mac&Ernie has maintained a clear identity by championing the people and small businesses at risk of being left behind. Its thoughtful planning, strong market positioning and evidence-based growth journey, together with an unwavering commitment to regional communities, make it an authentic and influential Gippsland business.

New Business – High Country Hooch Distilling Co, Glenaladale

• High Country Hooch Distilling Co has transformed the challenge of a rural location into a strength, building brand loyalty through local events, direct customer engagement and products shaped by regional ingredients and feedback. Its creativity, adaptability, and future plans show how an emerging business can earn attention and market share through authenticity and strong community connections.

Retail – Pettits Jewellers, Warragul

• A long-established family business, Pettits Jewellers has evolved by responding to changing customer expectations while preserving the expertise and personal service at the heart of its reputation. Its customisable products, innovative virtual try-on technology and commitment to staff development create a convenient and highly personalised experience that positions the business for sustained success.

Trades / Transport / Technical Services – Rural Fibre Co, Morwell

• Rural Fibre Co is addressing one of regional Victoria’s most persistent challenges by delivering high-quality fibre internet to communities previously considered too difficult or costly to service. Its sophisticated planning, innovative use of technology, rapid creation of local employment and values-led commitment to accessibility, make it a scalable regional enterprise with the potential to transform connectivity across Gippsland and beyond.

Wellness & Personal Care Services – Yallambee Traralgon Village for the Aged – Margery Cole

• Yallambee Traralgon Village for the Aged builds on a proud community legacy through strategic planning, progressive service development and an unwavering commitment to high-quality care. Its innovative approach to meeting residents’ needs, focus on employee satisfaction and clear vision for the future distinguish it as a trusted and forward-looking provider of residential and independent living services.

Hall of Fame – Andy McCarthy     Mirboo North

• Andy McCarthy was recognised for his outstanding contribution to Gippsland business, renewable energy and the wider community. From a small Mirboo North start-up, he built Gippsland Solar into one of Australia’s leading solar and battery businesses, creating local jobs, championing regional opportunity and helping drive Gippsland’s energy transition. His vision, resilience and generosity of spirit have left a lasting and positive impact on the region.

For a full list of finalists refer to: Media release – 2026 GBA Winners Announced

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