How to enter

The Outstanding Employee award recognises an inspirational employee who has demonstrated a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and the community. It is open to businesses to nominate an employee. 

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their employee's commitment over the past 12 months to their workplace, the community and to be an outstanding employee. To be eligible to enter this category, the employee must have been employed by their current employer for a minimum of 18 months, at the time of entry.  

Additional T&C’s 

In addition to the general T&Cs, the following apply to this category: 

• Should the entrant leave the organisation before the Lake Macquarie, Regional or State Gala event, they will not be eligible to receive an award. 

Award eligibility check box 

• The employee has been employed by their current employer for at least 18 months at the time of entry.  
• I or the employee are not an employee, Regional President, State Councillor or Board Member of NSW Business Chamber Limited or Lake Macquarie City Council.  
• I or the employee have not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• I or the employee are not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The employee's workplace is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions  

Entrants’ full name:  

Entrant's current job title: 

Name of the organisation or business the entrant works for:  

Commencement of the entrants' employment date: 

1. Provide a brief profile of the entrant, including their current role and scope of responsibilities.  Maximum word count: 200 
2. Outline the entrant's measurable career achievements and key milestones while at the business.  Maximum word count: 300  
3. Outline how the entrant demonstrates integrity and professionalism in the workplace. Maximum word count: 300 
4. Detail the specific activities and initiatives the entrant has undertaken that demonstrates a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and the community.  Maximum word count: 400 
5. Outline the reasons why the entrant is an outstanding employee.  Maximum word count: 400  

This category is proudly sponsored by our media partner - Newcastle Herald

The Outstanding Young Business Leader award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 35 or under at the time of entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry and the community through leadership. 

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to creating a smarter and more inclusive future and to being an outstanding business leader. To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held a management position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry. 

Award eligibility check box 

• I am aged 35 years or under at the time of entry.  
• I am not an employee, Regional President, State Councillor or Board Member of NSW Business Chamber Limited or Lake Macquarie City Council.  
• I have not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• I am not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• My workplace is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions 

Entrants’ full name:  

Current job title: 

Date of birth: 

Name of your organisation or business: 

1. Provide a brief profile, including your current role and scope of responsibilities.  Maximum word count: 200 
2. Detail the specific activities and initiatives you have undertaken to reshape your workplace, industry or community to create a smarter and more inclusive future, with examples of how you have used your leadership skills.  Maximum word count: 400 
3. Describe the key challenges you have faced as a young business leader and how you overcame them.  Maximum word count: 300 
4. Provide an overview of your five-year goals and strategies for future business growth, detailing how you are working towards achieving them. Maximum word count: 300 
5. Outline the reasons why you are an outstanding young business leader.  Maximum word count: 400   

The Outstanding Business Leader award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 36 years or over who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry and the community through leadership, whilst providing mentorship to others. 

This award now has two categories depending on the size of the business:

• 20 or less employees
• 21 or more employees

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to creating a smarter and more inclusive future and to being an outstanding mentor and business leader.  To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held senior management or executive level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry. 

Award eligibility check box 

• I am aged 36 or over years at the time of entry.  
• I am not an employee, Regional President, State Councillor or Board Member of NSW Business Chamber Limited or Lake Macquarie City Council.  
• I have not been a judge in this category in 2022.
• I am not a judge in the 2023 Business Awards program.
• My workplace is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions 

Entrants’ full name:  

Current job title: 

Date of birth: 

Name of your organisation or business: 

1. Provide a brief profile, including your current role and scope of responsibilities.  Maximum word count: 200 
2. Detail the specific activities and initiatives you have undertaken to reshape your workplace, industry or community to create a smarter and more inclusive future, with examples of how you have used your leadership skills.  Maximum word count: 400 
3. Describe the key challenges you have faced as a business leader and how you overcame them.  Maximum word count: 300 
4. Provide an overview of your five-year goals and strategies for future business growth, detailing how you are working towards achieving them.  Maximum word count: 300 
5. Outline the reasons why you are an outstanding business leader, including the ways in which you provide mentorship to others.  Maximum word count: 400   

The Employer of Choice – 20 or less employees award, recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key areas of employee recruitment, engagement and retention. Category criteria are based on initiatives that have had a positive impact on both employees and the business. 

Award eligibility check box 

• The business has been trading for a continuous period of two years or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• This business has 20 or less employees on the payroll in Australia at the time of entry.
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The business is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions 

1. What are the initiatives you have undertaken to develop a positive workplace culture within your business? Maximum word count: 400 
2. Describe how your business adopts inclusive practices and recognises the needs of a diverse workforce, including examples. Maximum word count: 400 
3. Excluding business growth or expansion, what percentage of staff turnover has there been in your business in the previous 12 months and what are the reasons for this turnover? Maximum word count: 300 
4. How does your business empower its workforce to develop their skills, contribute to a positive workplace culture and deepen their engagement with the business and the community? Maximum word count: 400 
5. Detail measurable evidence outlining how these initiatives make you an employer of choice. Maximum word count: 400

This category is proudly sponsored by our bronze partner - Ramsay Health

The Employer of Choice – 21 or more employees award, recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key areas of employee recruitment, engagement and retention. Category criteria are based on initiatives that have had a positive impact on both employees and the business. 

Award eligibility check box 

• The business has been trading for a continuous period of two years or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• This business has 21 or more employees on the payroll in Australia at the time of entry.
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The business is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions 

1. What are the initiatives you have undertaken to develop a positive workplace culture within your business? Maximum word count: 400 
2. Describe how your business adopts inclusive practices and recognises the needs of a diverse workforce, including examples. Maximum word count: 400 
3. Excluding business growth or expansion, what percentage of staff turnover has there been in your business in the previous 12 months and what are the reasons for this turnover? Maximum word count: 300 
4. How does your business empower its workforce to develop their skills, contribute to a positive workplace culture and deepen their engagement with the business and the community? Maximum word count:400 
5. Detail measurable evidence outlining how these initiatives make you an employer of choice. Maximum word count: 400

This category is proudly sponsored by our silver partner - NGM Group

The Excellence in Innovation award recognises a business that has implemented innovative solutions for new and existing needs through the introduction or improvement of a product, technology or application that impacts the wider community. 

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of innovation. 

Award eligibility check box 

• The business has been trading for a continuous period of two or more years and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The business is based in Lake Macquarie. 

Questions 

1. Outline the innovation implemented and how it has addressed a new or existing need.  Maximum word count: 400 
2. Describe why the innovation is unique within your industry and how it differentiates your business from its competitors.  Maximum word count: 300 
3. Describe how the innovation was received by the market and external stakeholders.  Maximum word count: 300 
4. Demonstrate how the innovation has or is likely to have a positive impact on the community.  Maximum word count: 400  
5. Provide measurable evidence of how the innovation has improved the identified need, driven growth and contributed to the success of your business.  Maximum word count: 400 

This category is proudly sponsored by our silver partner - The University of Newcastle

The Excellence in Sustainability award recognises a business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices and is working to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment.  

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry, across the key area of environmental sustainability.  Category criteria are based on initiatives and projects executed within the business not related to its core offering.

Award eligibility check box 

• The business has been trading for a continuous period of two years or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The business is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions 

1. Outline your business sustainability goals and objectives including measurable targets.  Maximum word count: 300 
2. Outline the initiatives you have implemented to achieve sustainable practices within your business.  Maximum word count: 300 
3. Describe your sustainability achievements over the past 12 months including environmental outcomes.  Maximum word count: 300 
4. Describe how you involve your workforce and external stakeholders in your sustainability initiatives.  Maximum word count: 400 
5. Detail measurable evidence explaining how your business sustainability practices have improved business operations, driven growth and contributed to the success of your business.  Maximum word count: 400 

This category is proudly sponsored by our bronze partner - Hunter Water

The Outstanding Community Organisation award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural or environmental wellbeing of the community. 

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding community organisation.  This category is open to social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations that have been trading for a period of over 24 months at the time of entry. 

Award eligibility check box 

• The organisation has been trading for a continuous period of two or more years and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• The organisation has not entered the categories of Outstanding New Business, Excellence in Micro Business, Excellence in Small Business or Excellence in Large Business. 
• A representative of this organisation has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this organisation is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The organisation is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions  

1. Explain the social purpose of your organisation and how it contributes to the social, cultural or environmental wellbeing of the community.  Maximum word count: 300 
2. Provide an overview of your organisation, including the product or service you deliver within the community.  Maximum word count: 200 
3. Provide an overview of the key features of your business development strategy and projected outcomes for the future.  Maximum word count: 300 
4. Demonstrate how your organisation contributes to the local economy in your city and region.  Maximum word count: 400
5. Outline the key challenges your organisation has faced over the past 12 months and explain how you have managed the impact of these challenges.  Maximum word count: 400

This category is proudly sponsored by our silver partner - Charlestown Square, by the GPT Group

The Outstanding Visitor Experience award recognises a business that understands the importance of visitor engagement for a region’s economy* and reputation. The business needs to articulate how they promote the city of Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Region as well as offering an exceptional visitor experience.

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate how their business showcases the city of Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Region, and how their offering is unique within their industry. 

Award eligibility check box 

• The business has been trading for a continuous period of two years or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The business is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions  

1. Provide an overview of your business and your target market/s. Maximum word count: 200
2. Describe why your service offering is unique within your industry and differentiates your business from competitors. Maximum word count: 300
3. Outline your customer service strategy and how your business implements this strategy to ensure visitor satisfaction. Maximum word count: 300
4. Demonstrate how your business attracts and engages visitors to the city of Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Region, including measurable targets. Maximum word count: 400
5. Provide an overview of the key features of your strategy and plans related to visitor economy* in the next 12 months, at the time of entry. Maximum word count: 400

* The visitor economy encompasses the direct and indirect contributions to the economy resulting from a person (a visitor) travelling outside their normal place of residence. (NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030)

This category is proudly sponsored by our bronze partner -Lake Mac Holiday Parks

The Outstanding New Business award recognises a new business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success. 

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding new business.  This category is open to new businesses trading for a period of less than 24 months at the time of entry.  

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for a period of less than two years and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• This business has not been purchased or acquired and is not part of a franchise. 
• The business has not entered the categories of Outstanding Community Organisation, Excellence in Micro Business, Excellence in Small Business or Excellence in Large Business. 
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The business is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions  

1. Provide an overview of your new business including the product or service delivered to the market, how you identified it as a market need and who your target customer is.  Maximum word count: 200 
2. Provide an overview of the key features of your business development strategy and projected outcomes for the future.  Maximum word count: 300  
3. Describe why your product or service offering is unique within your industry and differentiates your business from competitors.  Maximum word count: 300 
4. Detail the measurable growth and key milestones you have achieved since launching your business.  Maximum word count: 400 
5. Describe the key challenges your business has faced as a new business and how you overcame them. Maximum word count: 400

This category is proudly sponsored by our silver partner - Lake Group Strata

This Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award recognises businesses that address the needs of a diverse community, including seniors, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers.  

Entry Criteria  

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months at the time of entry, to address the needs of a diverse community. This category is open to businesses that have been trading for a continuous period of two or more years.  

Award eligibility check box  

• The organisation has been trading for a continuous period of two or more years and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.  
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The organisation is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions  

1. Outline your current staff level and diversity – including employees with disability, older people (over 55), women, young people (18-24 years), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from CALD backgrounds. Maximum word count: 200  
2. Identify and describe your positive and/or proactive inclusive practices within the business that go beyond regulatory compliance. Maximum word count: 350  
3. Describe your HR and employment hiring practices that demonstrate your commitment to being an inclusive employer. Maximum word count: 350  
4. Identify and describe how your business has created an accessible and inclusive environment that is welcoming for customers with a disability, seniors and people from CALD backgrounds. Maximum word count: 400  
5. Explain why your business embarked on being more accessible and inclusive and describe what further actions you will take in the future to become more accessible and inclusive to employees and customers. Maximum word count: 400

This category is proudly sponsored by our silver partner - Umwelt

The Excellence in Micro Business award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.  

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with less than 5 employees (full-time equivalent) at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at the time of entry. 

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for a continuous period of two years or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• This business has less than 5 employees (full-time equivalent) on the payroll in Australia at the time of entry.  
• This business has not entered the categories of Outstanding Community Organisation, Outstanding New Business, Excellence in Small Business or Excellence in Large Business. 
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The business is based in Lake Macquarie. 

Questions 

1. Detail what your business goals and key milestones were for the previous 12 months and how you achieved all or part of them.  Maximum word count: 300 
2. Provide an overview of the key features of your business plan including goals, innovations, strategies and projected outcomes for the future.  Maximum word count: 400 
3. Describe why your product or service offering is unique within your industry and how it differentiates your business from its competitors.  Maximum word count: 400 
4. Demonstrate how your business contributes to the local economy in your city and region. Maximum word count: 400 
5. Outline the key challenges your business has faced over the past 12 months from the time of entry and explain how you have managed the impact of these challenges on your workforce and external stakeholders, as well as the impact they have had on your strategic direction.  Maximum word count: 400 

The Excellence in Small Business award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience. 

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with 5 to 20 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months. 

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for a continuous period of two years or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• This business has 5 to 20 employees on the payroll in Australia at the time of entry. 
• This business has not entered the categories of Outstanding Community Organisation, Outstanding New Business, Excellence in Micro Business or Excellence in Large Business.  
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• This business is based in Lake Macquarie. 

Questions 

1. Detail what your business goals and key milestones were for the previous 12 months and how you achieved all or part of them.  Maximum word count: 300 
2. Provide an overview of the key features of your business plan including goals, innovations, strategies and projected outcomes for the future.  Maximum word count: 400 
3. Describe why your product or service offering is unique within your industry and differentiates your business from competitors.  Maximum word count: 400 
4. Demonstrate how your business contributes to the local economy in your city and region. Maximum word count: 400 
5. Outline the key challenges your business has faced over the past 12 months at the time of entry and explain how you have managed the impact of these challenges on your workforce and external stakeholders, as well as the impact they have had on your strategic direction.  Maximum word count: 400 

This category is proudly sponsored by our bronze partner - ATUNE Health Centres

The Excellence in Large Business award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience. 

Entry criteria 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with 21 or more employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at the time of entry. 

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for a continuous period of two years or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry. 
• This business has 21 or more employees on the payroll in Australia at the time of entry. 
• This business has not entered the categories of Outstanding Community Organisation, Outstanding New Business, Excellence in Micro Business or Excellence in Small Business.  
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2023.
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2024 Business Awards program.
• The business is based in Lake Macquarie.

Questions 

1. Detail what your business goals and key milestones were for the previous 12 months at the time of entry and how you achieved all or part of them.  Maximum word count: 300 
2. Provide an overview of the key features of your business plan including goals, innovations, strategies and projected outcomes for the future.  Maximum word count: 400 
3. Describe why your product or service offering is unique within your industry and differentiates your business from competitors.  Maximum word count: 400 
4. Demonstrate how your business contributes to the local economy in your city and region.  Maximum word count: 400 
5. Outline the key challenges your business has faced over the past 12 months at the time of entry and explain how you have managed the impact of these challenges on your workforce and external stakeholders, as well as the impact they have had on your strategic direction.  Maximum word count: 400 

The People’s Choice Award will be selected from all finalists in the business categories, not just the winners. The public will be able to vote for their favourite organisation and the winner will be the entry with the highest number of votes.

Eligibility criteria

Finalists of the business categories (not individual categories) will automatically be entered into the People’s Choice Award.

Any organisation linked to deliberate voting manipulation will be disqualified.

Award eligibility check box

This business has met all the eligibility criteria for their chosen category.

This business is a finalist in one of the following categories:

• Employer of Choice – 20 or less employees
• Employer of Choice – 21 or more employees
• Excellence in Innovation
• Excellence in Sustainability
• Outstanding Community Organisation
• Outstanding Visitor Experience
• Outstanding New Business
• Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
• Excellence in Micro Business
• Excellence in Small Business
• Excellence in Large Business

This category is proudly sponsored by - Origin Energy

The Business of the Year is awarded to a business that has been judged to be an outstanding business, that has provided an entry that demonstrates achievements and excellence in their field over and above all other entrants. 

Eligibility criteria 

Business of the Year is open to all winners of the following categories:

• Employer of Choice – 20 or less employees
• Employer of Choice – 21 or more employees
• Excellence in Innovation
• Excellence in Sustainability
• Outstanding Community Organisation
• Outstanding Visitor Experience
• Outstanding New Business
• Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
• Excellence in Micro Business
• Excellence in Small Business
• Excellence in Large Business

This category is proudly sponsored by our gold partner - Dantia