Last Updated on August 30, 2026 by Graeme Sennett

On 7 April, the official launch of the 2026 Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards attracting supporters and sponsors from the six regional municipalities.

Awards Chair, Graeme Sennett, said the event was the one time of the year when businesses across Gippsland came together to celebrate and acknowledge their contribution to the local economy.

“Small and medium enterprises often operate without the visibility or recognition that larger companies naturally attract, yet they are the backbone of local economies,” Mr Sennett said.

“The Gippsland Business Awards shines a spotlight on their achievements, validating the hard work, creativity and resilience that often happens behind the scenes. That recognition reminds the wider community of the talent and innovation thriving right on their doorstep.”

Mr Sennett paid tribute to the sponsors who made the event possible, especially the naming rights sponsor, Latrobe Health Services.

“Latrobe Health Services returns as naming partner for a second year,” Mr Sennett said. “A Gippsland based business, since 1950, the Latrobe Health Services team has a deep appreciation for the energy, drive and resourcefulness that define Gippsland’s business landscape.

“The Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards reflect these collective efforts. When local businesses grow, the whole community benefits – more opportunities, more connection, more confidence in our future.”

This year, there are some category refinements. As well as the prestigious Gippsland Business of the Year award, other categories being recognised in 2026 are: Accommodation and Tourism; Retail; New Business; Business and Professional Services; Microbusiness; Food, Wine and Hospitality; Environmental, Horticulture and Agribusiness; Trade, Transport and Technical Services; Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction; Wellness and Personal Care Services; Hair, Beauty and Cosmetic Services; and Healthcare Services.

Winners will be announced at a gala event on Friday 28 August at Federation University in Churchill.

Mr Sennett told those at the launch that maintaining a strong, successful and highly valued business sector was vital to the growth, innovation and sustainability of the regional community.

Nominations are now open for the awards, with entries closing on Friday 22 May.

He urged businesses to consider entering the Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards.

“Our finalists and winners gain so much from these awards. They tell us that whether or not they win, they benefit from the recognition that they have achieved a great deal. They meet other like-minded businesses and make meaningful connections. Importantly, it spurs them on to go further!”

Nominations can be submitted on the website – www.gba.org.au .

Once a business is nominated, it will receive a unique email link to complete its entry. All entries are completed online.

For our media release please go to: 2026 GBA Awards Launch Media Release 07042026

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

Caption: Pictured at the launch were Bernadette Dillon (left) and Trent Fairweather (right) from Tequa Plumbing and Civil, last year’s Gippsland Business of the Year and Sharon Radon from Boat Harbour Jetty B&B, winner of the 2025 Accommodation and Tourism section, with Gippsland Business Awards Chair, Graeme Sennett.