Community
23 April, 2026
Business award finalists announced
TERANG-BASED businesses will be vying for recognition after being named as finalists for the 2026 Corangamite Business Awards.
Council received more than 50 nominations for this year’s business awards, with 15 businesses qualifying across five categories after being assessed against specific category criteria.
The Little Acorn Café was named among the finalists in the Outstanding Customer Service category, where it will compete with Cobden Pharmacy and Camperdown Veterinary Centre.
The Little Acorn Café coordinator Katherine Sloane said staff were elated to learn they had been nominated.
“The guys are all over the moon,” she said.
“We’ve had so much positive feedback and the customers have been so thrilled for us.
“We’re lucky to have such great community support, so we’re all excited to see how this goes.”
Ms Sloane said she believed the inclusivity of The Little Acorn Café, which gives Cooinda participants the opportunity to get involved in the hospitality industry, sets the café apart.
“We’re open for anyone who wants to learn how to come and do hospitality tasks or general cleaning, hygiene and food safety – as well as coffee making, they love getting a crack at the coffee machine,” she said.
“I think the difference in Terang is we have amazing customers who are so patient, kind and caring as we all learn the steps to the till, the process and the jobs.”
Murfett and Whiting Electrical was also named a finalist in the Trade Business of the Year category, up against Camperdown’s MD Building Group and Cobden’s T.S. McQuinn and Son.
Corangamite Shire Council mayor Cr Kate Makin extended her congratulations to the finalists and expressed gratitude to all businesses that nominated.
“It was fantastic to see so many nominations, particularly from community members supporting the businesses that have impressed them with their level of service,” she said.
“These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work our business owners and their staff put in.
“Just being nominated is testament to the real impact they make in our community.”
The finalists will each receive a photography package and will be promoted online and in print.
Manager economy and prosperity Katy McMahon said independent judging was taking place in April and May.
“From the three finalists in each category, one winner will be selected by an independent panel made up of community leaders who are considered experts in their respective categories,” she said.
“There are two judges per category who will visit each of the finalists.
“Council will acknowledge all the finalists and announce the category winners at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 17 at the Theatre Royal in Camperdown.”
For more information visit corangamite.vic.gov.au/Awards.
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