Tongala’s GTS Farm Supplies has been named Business of the Year at the 2026 Campaspe Murray Business Awards, recognised for its sustained growth, strong leadership, continual reinvestment and genuine commitment to its customers and community.
Now in their 24th year, the Campaspe Murray Business Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across a diverse range of industries, recognising the businesses that make a significant contribution to the region’s economy and communities.
The awards culminated in a gala presentation at Rich River Golf Club on Wednesday, 21 October, bringing together business owners, industry leaders and community representatives from across the Campaspe and Murray regions.
Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor, Cr Tony Marwood congratulated all finalists and winners, saying the awards showcased the depth of talent and innovation across the region.
“Our businesses are the backbone of our community, and it’s wonderful to be able to recognise their dedication, resilience and achievements through these awards.
“The calibre of this year’s finalists and the diversity of their locations, demonstrates the strength of our local business sector and the important role these businesses play in creating jobs, supporting our communities and driving economic growth.”
Murray River Council Mayor, Cr John Harvie said it was encouraging to see businesses from across the region recognised.
“It’s great to see winners from all corners of the Campaspe Murray region, showcasing the incredible diversity and strength of our local economy.
“These awards celebrate not only business success, but also the innovation, leadership and commitment that continue to shape the future of our region. We hope they inspire ongoing excellence and growth across our business community.”
This year’s awards featured 76 finalists across 16 categories, with each category independently assessed by external judges who reviewed written submissions and conducted onsite visits to gain a deeper understanding of each business.
The People’s Choice Award was won convincingly by Rushworth General Store, who have a strong online following and a far-reaching customer base. The business also took home the Retail Award.
CATEGORY WINNERS
The business category winners of the 2026 Campaspe Murray Business Awards are:
Greenham Agri-Business Award: GTS Farm Supplies (Tongala)
Yield Insurance Home Based Business Award: Acre Town Planning (Barham)
Foodmach Manufacturing & Trade Award: Super Clean Linen Service (Echuca)
C4EM Professional Service – Community Award (Small): Moulamein Preschool Inc
Coolabah Turf Professional Service – Community Award (Large): Community Living & Respite Services Inc. (Echuca)
Kagome Health and Wellbeing Award: Moama Dental Clinic (Moama)
Murray Regional Tourism (MRTB) Tourism and Events Award: Shiraz Republic (Cornella)
CVGT Employee of the Year Award – Joint Winners: Josh Petersen – O’Brien Plumbing (Echuca Moama) and Vienna Lei Lei Castilla – Riverbank Moama (Moama)
Community Bank Rushworth and Tongala New Business Award: My Coffee Cart (Echuca)
Telstra Business Professional Service Business Award: Moama Dental Clinic (Moama)
McPherson Media Group Retail Award: Rushworth General Store (Rushworth)
Rich River Golf Club Hospitality Award: Riverbank Moama (Moama)
Ace Radio / Edge / 2QN Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Chloe Bishop – Chloe Jade Marketing Agency (Moama)
Byford Equipment Apprentice of the Year: Jack Kohn – Payne Plumbing Service (Echuca)
NBN Local Community Minded Business Award: Switched On Electronics (Echuca)
Bendigo Kangan Institute (BKI) Sustainability Award: My Coffee Cart (Echuca)
Nichol Trading People’s Choice: Rushworth General Store (Rushworth)
Business of the Year: GTS Farm Supplies (Tongala)
The judges were impressed by the calibre of applications. Appraisals of a selection of the category winners are included below:
Business of the Year – GTS Farm Supplies
GTS Farm Supplies has demonstrated what outstanding regional business looks like through sustained growth, strong leadership, continual reinvestment and a genuine commitment to their customers and community.
Owners Jordan and Paige have achieved remarkable growth by expanding their product range, their premises, their workforce and their customer base, all while continuing to improve their systems and service offering and adapting to changing customer needs.
The business has forged valuable community connections by supporting local suppliers, schools, sporting clubs and community activities.
The business values and invests in their staff and have won the coveted AIRR Store of the Year Award, Victoria/Tasmania, for consecutive years.
With a clear plan for continued growth, strong business performance and a demonstrated willingness to innovate, diversify and reinvest, GTS Farm Supplies is a highly deserving recipient of the 2026 Business of the Year Award.
New Business Award & Sustainability Award – My Coffee Cart
From a single mobile coffee cart to seven units across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales, the business has achieved significant sales growth while developing the systems, technology and processes needed to support that expansion.
Apprentice of the Year Award – Jack Kohn (Payne Plumbing)
Jack was recognised as an apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional technical development, initiative and commitment to learning. Jack has shown a genuine commitment to plumbing and an impressive maturity beyond his years.
Professional Service Award & Health and Wellbeing Award – Moama Dental
Continued investment in advanced technology/equipment has meant that the business can offer specialist services locally. Combined with a commitment to patient care and staff development, Moama Dental has positioned themselves at the forefront of regional dental healthcare and has enabled local people to access services that they would usually have to travel to access.
Community Minded Business Award – Switched On Electronics
Switched On Electronics has demonstrated a strong and genuine commitment to its local community, going well beyond its role as a technology retailer to use its expertise, time and resources to create connection, build digital confidence and support community wellbeing. From free Tech Tea Parties to Parent Tech Nights the business has engaged with people of all ages and demographics to lift digital literacy.
Hospitality Award – Riverbank Moama
Continued investment in the venue, its people and the customer experience has supported significant growth, with bookings often secured months in advance. Combined with a genuine commitment to quality, community and inclusion, Riverbank Moama has created a dining experience where every guest is welcomed like a friend.
Retail & People’s Choice Awards – Rushworth General Store
Rushworth General Store impressed judges with their flair for visual merchandising, unique product range and personalised service. Jas and her team have created a shopping experience that attracts people from far and wide. Voted best boutique in regional Victoria by country Style Magazine readers, Rushworth General Store is well worth a visit.
