The Murraylands Business Awards are back for 2026 following a successful inaugural year – and this year they’re bigger, with new categories recognising both major operators and community groups.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Murraylands Business Awards, presented by 5MU, Power FM and Murray Bridge News with support from Drakes and Golden North.
Your votes will decide who scores an invite to a gala dinner on Friday the 29th of May, and who goes home with a framed certificate and a star sticker for their shop window.
Based on feedback from voters and attendees last year, all categories but one will be open only to businesses based primarily in the Murraylands.
A new award for the best big business or chain, presented by Golden North, will recognise a state, national or international business with a presence in the region.
A best community organisation award, presented by Bowhill Engineering, will recognise the Murraylands’ favourite charity, community centre, service club, volunteer group or other not-for-profit.
Returning categories will include:
- Best coffee, presented by Connolly Wilson Conveyancing
- Best customer service, presented by Ahrns Electrical
- Best gym or fitness business, presented by Murray Mallee Aged Care Group
- Best hair or beauty business, presented by Raptcha’u
- Best health care or support, presented by Resthaven
- Best new business, presented by the Rural City of Murray Bridge
- Best pub, club or restaurant, presented by Spry Holdings
- Best retailer, presented by Drakes
- Best takeaway, presented by 5MU/Power FM
- Best tradies, presented by Avoca Dell Caravan Park
Nominations via this link will close on the 27th of April.
Five finalists will then be announced in each category ahead of a gala dinner at Murray Bridge’s Bridgeport Hotel on Friday the 29th of May.
As well as gaining a sense of pride at being named the best in the region, each of the 12 category winners will also get some free promotion in Murray Bridge News, and on air on 5MU and Power FM.
More than 3,600 votes were cast ahead of last year’s inaugural Murraylands Business Awards, and around 130 people attended the presentation night.
Tickets will be available for this year’s awards in the coming weeks.
