The Judges
In 2025 we had a panel of 14 judges. All judges volunteered their time. Their role was to assess the entries and conduct site visits and interviews to determine finalists and winners for each category.
Thank you to our 2025 judges:
Pam Macdonald - Director of Broadspring, President of Active Education, Intereach Board member, HR Fellow, empowers leaders through 20+ years in leadership, change, and team performance.
Julian Georgiou - Castlemaine local since 2020, brings HR expertise across industries including telecommunications, community services and manufacturing.
Jessica Morthorpe - Regional Engagement Lead for Loddon Mallee with Sustainability Victoria with 16+ years' experience engaging community members and organisations to take climate and environmental action.
Brian Gould - brings 30+ years’ economic development experience with City of Greater Bendigo and Central Goldfields Shire, supporting sustainable, energy-conscious, commercially viable business growth.
Lisa Rundell - co-founder of the renowned Lost Trades Fair, founded Tomahawk Marketing in 2008, applying corporate brand and marketing expertise to arts, tourism and heritage.
Jannine Bennett - former Executive Officer for Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network in Ballarat, with multiple judging and mentor roles with business awards, manager of accommodation businesses and Lifeline crisis supporter.
Deb Lemcke - small business owner and practising artist with 20+ years' experience as a communications strategist specialising in community engagement.
Sally Beer - agribusiness officer at City of Greater Bendigo and co-owner of Beerstone Pastoral Co, champions sustainable farming and resilient local food economies.
Lorraine Le Plastrier - Chair of Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group (MASDAG), advocates for disability access across Mount Alexander Shire. A wheelchair user, artist, poet, sculptor and musician.
Sue Bray - 35+ years' experience as a community paediatric occupational therapist and clinical mentor, a member of Harcourt CFA, MASDAG, passionate about celebrating diversity, advocating for inclusion, and supporting vulnerable people to be prepared for emergencies.
Luz Restrepo OAM - social entrepreneur and refugee advocate, founded SisterWorks, Migrant Women in Business, and Village Business, empowering micro-enterprises through collaboration and hands-on learning.
Kate Gamble - small business owner and academic, now runs restored accommodation in Mount Alexander shire. Deputy Chair of Business Mount Alexander and past President of Maldon Inc.
Stef Cola - CEO of Ligantic, blends deep tech leadership with an MBA and Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional certification, mentoring entrepreneurs and leading Bendigo Tech Community collective to advance women in STEM.
Stephen Browne - leads Autodesk’s Construction Technical Solutions team for APAC & Japan, driving sustainable, tech-enabled project delivery across infrastructure and post-disaster DfMA shelter initiatives.