Local businesses celebrate at 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards

Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre were the big winners at this year's Bass Coast Business Awards, named Business of the Year, as well as winning three other categories.

Taking home the Access, Equity and Inclusion award, as well as Environmental Sustainability and Marketing and Communications, Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre topped the list of successful Phillip Island and San Remo businesses at this year's awards.

Other winners included Tidal Seafood Festival (Event Excellence) and New Business (Soult Wellness).

Phillip Island and San Remo also featured prominently in the People's Choice Awards, with Anchor Belle, Wellbeing Pilates and Foodies on Phillip Island all coming home winners.

Anchor Belle won the Accommodation and Tourism Attraction, Wellbeing Pilates took home Health and Lifestyle award, while Foodies on Phillip Island was named best Online, Mobile and Home-Based Business.

For three of the businesses, these were back-to-back wins.

Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling won the Environmental Sustainability category last year, while Anchor Belle and Foodies on Phillip Island won their respective categories for the second year in a row.

The awards were held at Silverwater Resort in San Remo and well-known Australian comedian, actor and television personality Dave O'Neil served as MC for the evening.

Winners were announced across six judged award categories and seven People's Choice categories.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, congratulated all finalists and winners, acknowledging the important role local businesses play in supporting Bass Coast.

"The Bass Coast Business Awards recognise the hard work, innovation and dedication of the businesses that help make our region a great place to live, work and visit," Cr Tessari said.

"Running a business takes commitment, and we know it's not always easy to step away from the day-to-day and take a night off.

That's what makes evenings like this so important. It's a chance to celebrate successes, recognise staff, catch up with fellow business owners and enjoy a well-deserved night out.

"Our local businesses continue to adapt, grow and support our communities, creating local jobs, investing in the region and delivering outstanding products and services. Congratulations to every business that entered this year's Awards."

Business of the Year

The evening's highest honour, the 2026 Bass Coast Business of the Year, sponsored by Westernport Water, was awarded to Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre.

Judges praised the business for its genuine commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming entertainment destination, its ongoing investment in sustainable business practices, and its ability to effectively promote its diverse range of attractions.

They said, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, innovation and community connection, the business continues to make a significant contribution to the Bass Coast community and the region's year-round visitor economy.

Judged Awards

Access, Equity & Inclusion (Sponsored by Phillip Island RSL)

• Winner - Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre
• Runner Up - Anchor Belle Holiday Park Business Innovation (Sponsored by nbn Local Gippsland)
• Winner - Virtual Cognition
• Runner Up - Soult Wellness Environmental Sustainability (Sponsored by Wildlife Coast Cruises)
• Winner - Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre
• Runner Up - Can Collect Event Excellence (Sponsored by San Remo Fisherman's Co-op)
• Winner - Tidal Seafood Festival
• Runner Up - Inverloch Running Festival Marketing & Communications (Sponsored by Telstra)
• Winner - Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre
• Runner Up - All Done Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd New Business (Sponsored by Phillip Island Business Network)
• Winner - Soult Wellness
• Runner Up - Studio Wellness

People's Choice Awards

Accommodation & Tourism Attraction (Sponsored by Maru Koala & Animal Park)
• Winner - Anchor Belle Holiday Park
• Runner Up - Wildlife Coast Cruises Food and Beverage
• Winner - Harman Wines
• Runner Up - Hotel Phillip Island

Hair and Beauty
• Winner - Enter Hair Design
• Runner Up - Urban Hair Health and Lifestyle (Sponsored by Interchange Gippsland)
• Winner - Wellbeing Pilates
• Runner Up - Phillip Island Sauna Online, Mobile & Home-Based Business
• Winner - Foodies on Phillip Island
• Runner Up - Backyard Botany Retail and Services
• Winner - Dalyston General Store
• Runner Up - Rhyll General Store Trade
• Winner - McKenzie Motors and Machinery
• Runner Up - Joel Dirt Landscape

Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists and winners for their outstanding achievements and contribution to Bass Coast's vibrant business community.

Bass Coast Shire Council thanks the independent judging panel for generously contributing their time and expertise to assess this year's entries.