Businesses and employees were rewarded for their excellence at the 2026 Great Southern Business Awards attended by hundreds at Retravision Stadium on Friday night.

More than 150 entries were received across a host of categories, with the event run by Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognising businesses, organisations and individuals contributing to the region.

The major gong, the Great Southern business of the year, went to Tullybrook and capped an outstanding night for the independent disability support provider.

Tullybrook was also winner of the business with up to 10 employees category and took home the innovation in business gong.

In the other major awards, Ganzer Electrical’s Casey Ganzer was named young businessperson of the year and Jo Tindale from In Control Bookkeeping claimed the title of businessperson of the year.

In a double win for Ganzer Electrical, Davey Wignall took home the trainee or apprentice of the year honour.

Bodycare Physiotherapy won the business with over 10 employees category and Veronica Thomas from Bremer Bay Resort was named employee of the year.

There were also two awards with joint winners on the night. Jenny Feast Photography and Rainbow Coast Socials shared the sole trader title while 77 Acres Denmark and Wild Earth Contracting were both recognised in the new business category.

The ACCI congratulated all the winners and finalists in a post to social media.

“What an incredible evening celebrating the people, businesses and organisations that make the Great Southern such a wonderful place to live, work and do business,” they said.

“To every finalist and winner, congratulations. Being recognised amongst such an impressive group of businesses is something to be incredibly proud of.

“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors, whose support makes these awards possible, and to everyone who joined us to celebrate another wonderful year of business in the Great Southern … what a community we have.”

Interim ACCI chief executive Kristen Brown spoke passionately about the impact business had on the community in opening while ACCI president Matthew Lilly, Minister for Regional Development Stephen Dawson and Albany MLA Scott Leary were also on stage.

Jasmine Avery was the evening’s emcee and the gala event wrapped up with live music once official proceedings were completed.

2026 Great Southern Business Awards

Businessperson of the year: Jo Tindale

Business with over 10 employees: Bodycare Physiotherapy

Business with up to 10 employees: Tullybrook

Employee of the year: Veronica Thomas

Excellence in hospitality: Quality Apartments Banksia Albany

Excellence in manufacturing: CGS Engineers

Excellence in produce and processing: 77 Acres Denmark

Excellence in sustainability: Albany Skips and Waste

Excellence in tourism: The Gardens at Bullimah

Indigenous organisation of the year: Gorenang Moortabiin Aboriginal Corporation

Innovation in business: Tullybrook

Love local: Mrs Jones Denmark

New business: Wild Earth Contracting and 77 Acres Denmark

Sole trader: Jenny Feast Photography and Rainbow Coast Socials

Trainee or apprentice of the year: Davey Wignall

Young businessperson of the year: Casey Ganzer

Great Southern business of the year: Tullybrook