What’s happening?

Applications are now open for the 2026 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, one of the state’s leading business awards programs.

Now in its 36th year, the awards recognise the success of Queensland exporters across 14 categories.

The program highlights the businesses helping drive Queensland’s export economy through products and services sold to global markets.

This year’s Awards Dinner will be held in Brisbane on Thursday, 8 October.

Trade and Investment Queensland leads the state’s Export Awards program in collaboration with Austrade and the Australian Export Awards.

Why it matters?

The awards put a spotlight on the businesses helping power Queensland’s export economy.

They recognise the innovation, creativity, passion and determination behind products and services reaching customers around the world.

For regions like Mackay and the Whitsundays, that matters locally. The sugar industry remains a key part of this export story, supporting jobs, businesses and communities across the region.

The awards also give Queensland businesses a chance to showcase their work on a state stage.

Local Impact

Mackay and the Whitsundays have strong links to Queensland’s export success, especially through the local sugar industry.

That industry supports employment and flows into the wider regional economy.

With applications now open, the awards offer local businesses a timely chance to put their work forward and gain wider recognition.

It also gives the region an opportunity to be part of a program that celebrates Queensland success in global trade.

By the numbers

• Queensland’s export industry was valued at $138.9 billion, showing the scale of the sector being recognised through the awards.
• The program features 14 award categories, giving businesses across different industries a chance to be recognised.
• The 2026 program marks the 36th year of the awards, showing the long-running role they play in celebrating export achievement.

Zoom In

The local sugar industry is one of the region’s strongest links to Queensland’s export economy.

Its contribution goes beyond production. It helps support jobs and communities across Mackay and the Whitsundays.

That makes the opening of applications relevant for local businesses connected to export and supply chains.

Zoom Out

Across Queensland, exporters are supplying high-quality products and services to global markets.

The awards reflect the broader strength of the state’s export sector and the growing demand for Queensland goods and services overseas.

They also connect the state program to the national stage through collaboration with Austrade and the Australian Export Awards.

What To Look For Next?

With applications now open, the next few months are likely to bring strong interest from businesses across Queensland, including regional exporters.

The lead-up to the Brisbane awards dinner on Thursday 8 October will show which businesses step forward to represent their industries and regions.