BOSCARS are back for 2026! The Forbes Business Chamber would like to celebrate and acknowledge our local businesses and the people who make a difference in our community.
The BOSCARS celebrate business in the Forbes region and publicly promote and reward business excellence. The 14 award categories offer opportunities for each and every registered business in the Forbes Shire Council area. They provide inspiration for businesses and set benchmarks for best practice.
Entries
Open Monday 25th May 5pm
Close Friday 26th June 5pm
Judging Commences Friday 3rd July
Judging Concludes Friday 17th July
Finalists Announced Wednesday 29th July
Event Date Saturday 29th August
Public Nominations – Fave Local Tradie
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Public Voting – Fave Local Tradie
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PUBLIC VOTING CATEGORY FAVE LOCAL TRADIE
For this category nominated businesses or individuals do not need to complete a submission instead, all nominees will go to a public vote, with winners determined by the community.
Public Voting Open Monday 6th July and Closes Friday 19th July
Submit your votes using QR Code or the link below.
FAQ
Can I Vote more than once? You can only vote once, to keep the system fair for all nominees.
How are Public Vote Winners decided? The Public Vote Winner will be determined by the total number of eligible votes received.
Can businesses share their nomination and ask people to vote? Yes, we encourage nominated businesses and individuals to share their nomination with customers, client’s, friends and the community.
Are Votes Confidential and why do I need to provide an email address? Yes. Individual Votes are confidential. Your email address helps us to keep the voting process fair by supporting the one vote per person. Your details will only be used for voting verification and will not be published.
View our Sponsorship Packages here – BOSCARS 2026 Sponsorship Proposal
Outstanding Community Organisation **
The Award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural, or environmental wellbeing of the community.
Excellence in Innovation** Sponsored By NBN
This Award recognises businesses that have made significant contributions to their industry through the introduction or improvement of an idea, method, technology, process or application.
Excellence in Retail
Open to all retail business operators including fashion, furniture, homewares and appliance retailing, floor-covering, domestic hardware, paints and glass, other store based retailers, including chemist, lighting, supermarkets, grocery stores, beer, wine and spirit retailers, pet stores, art and craft retailers, bookshops, health food etc.
Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
Open to all hospitality and tourism operators including restaurants, cafes, take-away food and catering services, pubs, clubs and nightclubs and entertainment venues, winery restaurants/cafes and cellar doors, tourist attractions, tours, tour operations and guides, boutique Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, Hotel, Motel, backpacker accommodation and youth hostels, heritage and cultural activities, creative and performing arts companies, theatres, libraries and parks, gardens, including artists and musicians etc.
Excellence in Personal & Lifestyle
Open to all personal & lifestyle operators including; beauticians, hairdressers, barbers, makeup artists and manicurists, Fitness companies, personal trainers, gyms and sporting facilities. Interior decorators, dress-makers, clothing repairs, laundry/launderettes and shoe repairs etc.
Excellence in Professional Services
Open to all professional services businesses including those engaged in healthcare and other medical services including general practitioners, residential care, pathology and diagnostic imaging, dental, optometry, physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathic services, legal, accounting, management consulting, real estate agents, valuators, property management, veterinary services, translation services, event management, banking, building societies, investment services, insurance, financial advisors, asset management and brokering, mortgage and financial brokering, marketing, marketing research, advertising agencies and services such as copyrighting and publishing.
Excellence in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Mining, Industrial and Trade
Open to all businesses engaged manufacturing, agribusiness, mining, industrial and trade, including the design, architecture, engineering and construction of new infrastructure and new development or in the production or fabrication of products and services, including to the mining or agricultural industries. The category is also open to motor dealers, automotive repairers, courier and transport companies and companies specializing in logistics and distribution.
Excellence in Small Business (under 20 employees)**
This Award recognises a small business that has attained significant growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies and processes implemented to achieve sustainable growth in the previous 24 months.
Excellence in Business (for businesses employing 20 or more employees)** This Award recognises a business that has attained significant growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies and processes implemented to achieve sustainable growth in the previous 24 months.
Employer of Choice**
This Award recognises organisations that put in place strategies and initiatives to create stimulating and supportive workplace environments for their employees. These strategies or initiatives must have a positive impact on both employees and the organisation as a whole.
Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
This Award celebrates excellence in vocational education and training and acknowledges the opportunities created by employers. The award is open to all individuals who have completed an apprenticeship or traineeship in the previous 24 months.
Employee of the Year
This Award allows businesses to nominate an outstanding staff member for recognition amongst a wider audience. The award is presented to an individual in recognition and appreciation for exceptional job performance and distinguished contributions to their employment.
Young Entrepreneur (Age 18-35)**
This Award recognises an inspirational young person aged between 18-35 years who, through their own commitment and passion, has built and operates a successful business.