Northern Business Achievement Awards: Grand Finale Gala Dinner 2026
Description
Join us for the prestigious Northern Business Achievement Awards (NBAA) Grand Finale Gala Dinner 2026, where we celebrate the outstanding businesses and individuals driving innovation, excellence and economic growth across Melbourne's north.
The Northern Business Achievement Awards are a partnership between industry, education, local and state government, and key decision-makers committed to recognising and supporting business success throughout the region. Throughout the year, quarterly breakfast events showcase nominated businesses from Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik and Whittlesea, providing valuable exposure to an audience of more than 200 business and community leaders. The Gala Dinner marks the culmination of the program, where the 2026 category winners and overall award recipients are announced.
Guests will enjoy an evening of networking, recognition and celebration while connecting with leaders from across Melbourne's north. The event brings together businesses, government representatives, industry partners and stakeholders to acknowledge the achievements that continue to strengthen our region's economy and inspire future success.
We are delighted to welcome Cathy McGowan AO, a Vice Chancellor’s Fellow of La Trobe University and an Officer in the Order of Australia, as our special guest. Cathy will share her insights on courageous leadership, community-driven change and creating lasting impact, offering an inspiring perspective for businesses, leaders and changemakers alike.
Whether you're supporting a finalist, celebrating regional success or looking to expand your professional network, the NBAA Grand Finale Gala Dinner is an evening not to be missed.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 3rd December 2026
Time: 6:00 pm arrival for 6:30 pm start - 9:30 pm
Venue: Town Hall, Broadmeadows.
Event Photography: Please be advised that this event may be recorded, and photographs will be taken. This footage may be used after the event on the NORTH Link website or other marketing materials. Please notify us if you do not consent to us recording or photographing you and using your image and likeness as mentioned.
Lineup
Cathy McGowan AO
Cathy McGowan AO came to national attention when she won the seat of Indi as an independent in 2013. The community backed her again in 2016. In 2019 Indi made Australian political history when Dr Helen Haines was elected as Indi's second independent woman. During her time as a politician, Cathy actively worked in Parliament to develop policy around regional development, constitutional change for first nations people and a solution to the indefinite detention of asylum seekers. In 2019 she was awarded The Accountability Round Table award for political integrity. Leaving Politics, Cathy was appointed Chair of the AgriFutures Australia a leading agricultural research and development corporation. She has taken a particular interest in the impact on rural and regional communities of the transition to net zero. She is a Vice Chancellor’s Fellow of La Trobe University, an Officer in the Order of Australia, a Churchill fellow and lives very happily on her farm in the Indigo Valley in NE Victoria.
Agenda
- 6:00 pm
Arrival and Check-in
Guests arrive, collect their name badges at the registration desk, enjoy drinks, and take the opportunity to network with other attendees before the event begins.
- 7:15 pm
Doors open and guests to settle in
Guests are invited to make their way to their allocated tables, get comfortable, and settle in ahead of the event proceedings.
- 7:30 pm - 8:10 pm
Event Formalities
- MC to begin formalities - Welcome by NORTH Link Chair, Jude Munro AO - Guest Speaker - Audience Q&A
- 8:15 pm - 8:55 pm
Award Presentation
- 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Conclusion & Networking
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
