The great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness no one rejects dislikes avoids pleasure itself because it is pleasure but because know who do not those how to pursue pleasures rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful desires to obtain.
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2026 Finalists
We’re proud to introduce the finalists in the Optus 2026 Golden Crow Awards, celebrating 40 years of recognising the people, businesses and organisations shaping our region.
Join us at the Optus 2026 Golden Crow Awards Gala as we celebrate their achievements and reveal this year’s winners. Secure your tickets now!
Outstanding Employee
Sponsored by Macarthur Real Estate Agency
The Outstanding Employee Award recognises an inspirational employee who has demonstrated a passion for their role and commitment to their workplace and the community.
Dimity Curran from Navigate Advisors
Harold Gretton from Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Simone Brown from Charles Sturt Campus Services
Therese White from Pearl Home Care Murrumbidgee
Outstanding Young Business Leader
Sponsored by Regional Australia Bank
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.
Grace Mattingly from Street Slamin Dance Centre
Jeremy Kanck from GTES
Marion Geltinger from Halocell Energy
Rory McKenzie from Wagga Wagga First Aid Training
Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under
Sponsored by Mercure Wagga Wagga
The Outstanding Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader, aged 36 years or over at the time of entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership, while also providing mentorship to others.
Daniel Pullen from Wagga Par 3 & Driving Range
David Smit from Andersens
Jason Mattingly from Natrad Wagga
Leanne Dyer from The Art Factory
Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over
Sponsored by Mercure Wagga Wagga
The Outstanding Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader, aged 36 years or over at the time of entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership, while also providing mentorship to others.
Matt Watts from Pearl Home Care Murrumbidgee
Hamish Tait from Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Cain Gawne from Bee Dee Bags
Nicole Killen from Boyce
Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under
The Employer of Choice Award recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.
Employer of Choice – 21 Employees and Over
The Employer of Choice Award recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.
Excellence in Innovation
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.
Excellence in Sustainability
Sponsored by Wagga Wagga Business Chamber
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.
Excellence in Business Ethics
The Excellence in Business Ethics award recognises businesses that are implementing ethical practices within their businesses, creating a positive work culture/ environment and building business success.
Outstanding Community Organisation
The Outstanding Community Organisation Award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural, or environmental wellbeing of the community.
Outstanding New Business
The Outstanding New Business Award recognises a start-up business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success.
Enhanced Protections Security Services
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Sponsored by Wagga Wagga Business Chamber
The Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises businesses that champion inclusivity for diverse communities, such as older people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers.
Excellence in Micro Business
Sponsored by Digital Marketer Bee
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.
Excellence in Small Business
Sponsored by WDF Accounting + Advisory
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.
Excellence in Medium Business
Sponsored by Wagga Wagga Business Chamber
The Excellence in Medium Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Excellence in Large Business
Sponsored by Southern Cross Austereo
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.
Outstanding Visitor Experience
Sponsored by Wagga Wagga City Council
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 region while as well a offering an exceptional visitor experience.
People’s Choice Award
The Triple M People’s Choice Award celebrates excellence in customer experience and is the only category decided by the public.