Gunnedah’s thriving business community will still have the opportunity to be recognised for excellence in 2025, with the New England North West Business Awards welcoming local entrants despite the cancellation of the Gunnedah Business Awards.

This development follows the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce’s decision to pause its annual local awards this year to focus on forward-thinking initiatives such as NextGen and Gunnedah Toward 2050 – programs specifically designed to drive innovation and long-term economic growth at the local level.

Business NSW Regional Director for the New England North West, Diane Gray believes the Business

NSW Awards provide an excellent platform to showcase the achievements of Gunnedah’s businesses on a regional stage.

“Whether you’re a small startup, an established enterprise, or a local leader in your industry, the New England North West Business Awards offer an incredible opportunity to gain recognition and celebrate the impact your business has made,” she said.

“The nomination process is open until July 7, and we encourage those businesses in Gunnedah who were preparing for their local awards to simply turn their attention to the regional awards. It’s the same award categories, using the same award’s portal while giving you the chance to elevate your business profile, attract new customers, or celebrate your success with your team.”

All entries into the New England North West Business Awards are independently assessed by a panel of dedicated judges with category finalists announced on August 25, and winners unveiled at the gala dinner on September 19 at the Armidale Services Club.

Entry into the awards is free for Business NSW or MyBusiness members, and aligned category winners from the locally delivered award programs in Tamworth and Tenterfield automatically qualify as finalists at the regional level.

There is a total of 19 categories for businesses of all sizes to enter, with a new award introduced this year to celebrate innovative tourism projects that have a positive impact of the regional visitor economy.

“One of the key aims of Business NSW is to work with local businesses to support regional development, unlock potential, realise

opportunity and drive economic growth,” Ms Gray said.

“Recognising the important role that tourism and events play in driving visitation and revenue into our local economies, we have introduced the Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration Award to acknowledge the growing number of partnerships being formed between tourism operators, business and the community.”

“Of course, whether you win an award or not, the process of applying is very insightful and will help every business improve their planning into the future.

“Ask yourself, how has your business responded to recent challenges and have you embraced new opportunities? The answer might surprise you and most importantly, is a story that needs to be shared,” concluded Ms Gray

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