Terms and conditions for entry

We’re delighted you want to enter the Mount Alexander Business Awards. Before completing the entry form, please take a moment to read the fine print.

By submitting an entry, you accept these terms and conditions, which apply to the 2025 Mount Alexander Business Awards program. If you don’t meet the criteria or fail to comply with these terms, Council reserves the right to disqualify your entry.

1. Eligibility

• Entries are open to businesses located within Mount Alexander Shire that have a registered Australian Business Number (ABN) and have been operating for at least 12 months. Council may request proof of identity, ABN status or other documentation to confirm eligibility.
• Eligible entrants must operate as a business – meaning they provide goods or services in exchange for payment on a regular basis. This includes sole traders, companies, partnerships, cooperatives, social enterprises, and not-for-profits that actively trade.
• Community groups or organisations that rely primarily on volunteers, donations, or grants – and do not trade regularly – are not eligible.
• Businesses may nominate themselves or be nominated by others. All nominees will be contacted and invited to complete a short entry form to be considered.
• Council reserves the right to deem ineligible any business whose operations conflict with the values of Mount Alexander Shire Council or its Economic Development Strategy. This includes (but is not limited to) businesses involved primarily in the sale or promotion of gambling, tobacco or other industries not aligned with community wellbeing.
• Businesses are not eligible to enter the Awards if they:

• Have filed for bankruptcy within the past five years.
• Are subject to a Council enforcement process.
• Cannot provide proof of compliance with relevant Council permits and requirements upon request.

• Staff or Councillors of Mount Alexander Shire Council are not eligible to enter the awards.
• Judges, partners, and sponsors of the Mount Alexander Business Awards are also ineligible to enter.

2. Entry Requirements

• All businesses must complete and submit the official entry form by the advertised closing date.
• Each business may enter one or two categories.
• Entrants may be required to participate in a site visit or provide additional information to support their entry.
• Council may request verification of claims made in the entry. Entries found to be misleading, false, or unverifiable may be disqualified.
• Council reserves the right to disqualify any entrant who breaches these terms or engages in conduct that brings the awards into disrepute.

3. People’s Choice Award

• All businesses that submit a complete award entry will automatically be included in the People’s Choice Award.
• Voting will take place on Council’s Shape Mount Alexander platform.
• The People’s Choice Winner will be the business that receives the highest number of valid votes.
• The next two most popular businesses will be recognised as People’s Choice Finalists.
• Only one vote per IP address will be counted.
• Voters must live or work within Mount Alexander Shire to be eligible to vote.
• Council reserves the right to validate votes and disqualify any that appear fraudulent or duplicated.
• People’s Choice voting is intended to reflect genuine local support. Promotional activity by businesses is encouraged, but must be respectful, accurate, and in line with Council’s community values.
• The People’s Choice Award is separate from judged categories and does not influence judging outcomes in other categories.

4. Judging

• Judging will be conducted by a panel appointed by Mount Alexander Shire Council.
• Finalists will be selected based on written entries and site visits (where applicable).
• If shortlisted, you agree to participate in judging activities, including a site visit (if you operate from physical premises) or an in-person interview at a scheduled time.
• The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• Council may reassign an entry to a more appropriate category or remove it from judging if it does not align with the category’s intent.

5. Use of Information

• Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Privacy Statement applies to your participation in the awards.
• By entering, you consent to the collection and use of personal and business information to administer and promote the awards, including sharing information with sponsors, media, or partners.
• You may be contacted to provide feedback or participate in future Council events, promotions, or surveys.
• You consent to being photographed or filmed, and for these materials to be used in current and future promotional activities. You grant Council a royalty-free, perpetual licence to use submitted materials (including your logo, images, comments, or business identity) for this purpose.

6. General Conditions

• Council reserves the right to modify, suspend or cancel the awards at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond its control.
• We may alter award categories, judging processes, or event details to maintain the integrity or accessibility of the program.
• If no eligible entries are received for a category, Council reserves the right to withhold that award.
• To the extent permitted by law, Council accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or personal injury related to the awards.
• By entering, you agree to indemnify Council against any claim arising from your participation or any breach of these terms.