On Thursday, 12 March 2026, the March Northern Business Achievement Awards (NBAA) welcomed over 160 attendees to a dynamic breakfast event at Novotel Melbourne Preston, a gathering that combined sharp political insight with heartfelt business recognition.

The hosting councils for this breakfast were Darebin City Council and Hume City Council. A heartfelt thank you to our event sponsors: Kangan Institute, Pitcher Partners, and Macpherson Kelley – your continued support helps make these events possible.

Thank you to our NBAA Naming Rights Sponsors:

Victorian Government, Darling Daughters, Inner North Community Foundation, Kangan Institute, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Macpherson Kelley, Melbourne Polytechnic, New Epping, Pitcher Partners and Yarra Valley Water.

Keynote

We were pleased to welcome Jai McDermott, Chief of Ground Transport, Property and Retail at Melbourne Airport, as our keynote speaker, who shared valuable insights on the airport’s continued expansion and its significant impact on Melbourne’s north. His presentation highlighted how growing passenger numbers, infrastructure investment, and evolving transport networks are driving economic activity, creating jobs, and unlocking new opportunities for local businesses and industry across the region.

Celebrating Excellence Across the Region

We extend our warmest congratulations to the outstanding Business Nominees and Young Business Achievers (YBAs) from Darebin City Council and Hume City Council:

• New Plumbing Solutions
• The Keys
• ICAL – International Customs And Logistics
• Kingspan Insulation Pty Ltd
• Keanu Vada – Mad Monkey Electrical (YBA)
• Fahad Rabbani – Imperial Advocates (YBA)

Event Photos