The Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards, presented by Business Port Macquarie, celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership and community contribution across the region’s business community.

By submitting an entry, purchasing a ticket, or attending an awards-related event, entrants and attendees agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

1. Eligibility
1.1 Entrants must be based in, operate within, or provide services within the Greater Port Macquarie region.
1.2 Businesses entering applicable categories must have been trading continuously for two (2) years or more, unless entering a category specifically intended for new businesses.
1.3 Businesses must not be bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.
1.4 Where age-specific categories apply, entrants must meet the relevant age eligibility requirements at the time of entry.
1.5 Entrants must not have served as a judge in the current or immediately preceding awards year.
1.6 Businesses with multiple locations operating under the same ABN (such as franchises or chains) may only submit one entry per category.

2. Membership Requirements
2.1 Businesses are not required to be members of Business Port Macquarie to submit an entry into the Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards.
2.2 Non-members of Business Port Macquarie will be required to pay an application fee per entry as outlined in Section 4.
2.3 Entrants whose category progresses to Regional or State level awards must, at the time of progression, be one of the following:
• A current Business Port Macquarie member
• A member of an aligned local chamber
• A Business NSW member
• A My Business member
2.4 Entrants progressing beyond the local awards stage may be required to provide evidence of membership to remain eligible for further judging stages.

3. Entry Submissions
3.1 A separate and complete entry must be submitted for each category entered.
3.2 Entrants may enter multiple categories provided they meet the eligibility requirements of each category.
3.3 Entries cannot be changed or moved to another category after the official submission deadline.
3.4 All submissions must be completed and submitted by the stated closing date to be considered.
3.5 Business Port Macquarie reserves the right to withdraw or disqualify entries that do not comply with the rules or eligibility requirements.

4. Entry Fees
4.1 Business Port Macquarie Members may submit entries at no cost.
4.2 Non-members of Business Port Macquarie will be required to pay a $49 entry fee per submission.
4.3 Entry fees paid by non-members will be issued as a credit toward a Business Port Macquarie membership, valid for 90 days following the Awards Gala Event.
4.4 Entry fees are non-refundable, except at the discretion of Business Port Macquarie.

5. Hall of Fame Recognition
5.1 Any business that wins the same category for four (4) consecutive years will be inducted into the Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards Hall of Fame.
5.2 Hall of Fame inductees will be ineligible to enter that specific category in the following year only.
5.3 Hall of Fame businesses may continue to enter other categories for which they meet eligibility criteria.

6. Judging and Awards Process
6.1 All entries will be assessed through a formal judging process, which may include written submissions, interviews, and/or site visits.
6.2 Judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding outcomes.
6.3 Business Port Macquarie reserves the right to merge, split, or withdraw categories if entry numbers or eligibility requirements are not met.
6.4 Finalists may be required to provide additional information or verification during the judging process.

7. Photography and Media
7.1 By participating in the awards program or attending related events, entrants and attendees consent to photography, videography and media coverage.
7.2 Images, video and recordings may be used by Business Port Macquarie for marketing, promotional and publicity purposes.
7.3 Attendees who do not wish to appear in photography or video content should notify event organisers upon arrival.

8. Event Attendance Code of Conduct
8.1 Age RequirementAll attendees must be 18 years or older. By purchasing or using a ticket, you confirm that you and any guests associated with your booking meet this requirement.
8.2 Respectful Behaviour
Business Port Macquarie is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. The following behaviour will not be tolerated:
• Harassment or discrimination
• Intimidation or bullying
• Unwanted physical contact
• Offensive jokes, gestures or language
• Excessive intoxication or disorderly conduct
8.3 Dress StandardThe Gala Event is a formal celebration of business excellence. Attendees are expected to wear cocktail or business formal attire.
8.4 Responsible Alcohol ConsumptionAlcohol may be served at the event. Business Port Macquarie and venue staff reserve the right to refuse service or remove any individual displaying inappropriate behaviour.
8.5 Breach of ConductAny breach of this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the event, disqualification from the awards program, or exclusion from future Business Port Macquarie events.

9. General Conditions
9.1 Submission of an entry constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
9.2 Business Port Macquarie reserves the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time.
9.3 Any matters not covered will be determined at the sole discretion of Business Port Macquarie.

10. Confidentiality of Submissions
10.1 Information submitted as part of an entry will be used solely for the purpose of judging and administering the awards.
10.2 Business Port Macquarie will take reasonable steps to ensure submissions are treated confidentially by judges and awards administrators.
10.3 Entrants acknowledge that information may be shared with appointed judges for assessment purposes.

11. Accuracy of Information
11.1 Entrants must ensure all information provided is true, accurate and complete.
11.2 Business Port Macquarie reserves the right to verify information provided.
11.3 If information is found to be false or misleading, Business Port Macquarie may disqualify the entry, withdraw finalist status, or revoke an award.

12. Use of Awards Branding
12.1 Finalists and winners may reference their status in marketing and promotional materials.
12.2 Any use of Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards branding, finalist logos or winner logos must comply with official branding guidelines issued by Business Port Macquarie.
12.3 Awards recognition must not be used in a misleading manner or imply endorsement beyond the award received.

13. Event Changes and Cancellation
13.1 Business Port Macquarie reserves the right to amend the event format, schedule, venue, or program where necessary.
13.2 In the event that the Awards Gala or related events cannot proceed as planned, Business Port Macquarie reserves the right to reschedule, relocate, or modify the event format, including hosting the event virtually if required.
13.3 Business Port Macquarie will make reasonable efforts to notify entrants, finalists and ticket holders of any significant changes.

14. Ticketing and Refunds
14.1 Tickets purchased for the Awards Gala Event are non-refundable, except where required under Australian Consumer Law.
14.2 If the event is rescheduled, purchased tickets will remain valid for the new event date.
14.3 If the event is cancelled and not rescheduled, Business Port Macquarie may, at its discretion, provide a refund or credit for ticket purchases.
14.4 Business Port Macquarie is not responsible for additional costs incurred by attendees, including travel or accommodation expenses.

15. Force Majeure
15.1 Business Port Macquarie will not be liable for any delay, cancellation, or modification to the awards program or events resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
15.2 Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
• Natural disasters or extreme weather
• Government restrictions or public health orders
• Venue closures or operational restrictions
• Industrial disputes or supply disruptions
• Any other event beyond the reasonable control of Business Port Macquarie.
15.3 In such circumstances, Business Port Macquarie reserves the right to modify, postpone or cancel the awards program or associated events.