Make your global success count.

The 2026 Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEAs) are the state’s most prestigious export awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of Victoria’s exporter community in international trade.

Open to all Victorian exporters—regardless of business size or export volume—the awards recognise both established leaders and emerging businesses taking their first steps into global markets. With a wide range of categories, there’s an opportunity for every exporter to be recognised.

Applications open on Tuesday 14 April and close on Friday 12 June 2026.

Why enter?

A GOVEA win signals trust and credibility to customers, partners, and markets worldwide. It also automatically qualifies you for the Australian Export Awards, opening the door to national and international recognition.

Application support webinars

Give your application the best possible chance with a free, practical webinar led by Collins Rex, an international business growth strategist and long-standing GOVEA judge.  With over two decades of experience working with exporters, governments, and industry bodies, you’ll leave the webinar with:

  • a clear approach to completing your application
  • practical techniques to strengthen your responses
  • a sharper articulation of your export strategy
  • the option for follow-up support to refine your submission

Upcoming sessions delivered online:

  • Thursday 16 April — 4:30pm - 5:30pm AEST
    Register

  • Thursday 23 April — 8:30am - 9:30am AEST
    Register

  • Thursday 8 May — 5:00pm - 6:00pm AEST
    Register

  • Wednesday 14 May — 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
    Register

  • Wednesday 21 May — 1:00pm - 2:00pm AEST
    Register

  • Wednesday 28 May — 6:00pm - 7:00pm AEST
    Register

Award categories

With 15 categories spanning every sector and stage of export, there's a place for every Victorian exporter at the GOVEAs.

National categories

Agribusiness, Food and Beverages

For outstanding international success in the field of manufactured foods, beverages or agricultural products, including primary production, forestry and fisheries and related services or technology.

Creative, Consumer, Lifestyle and Design

For outstanding international success in creative industries and consumer-facing, design-led products and services — including beauty and cosmetics, fashion and accessories, homewares and lifestyle products, design studios and creative agencies, and film, TV and digital content where brand/creative is primary.

Digital and Smart Technologies

For outstanding international success in information technology, digital technologies, software, hardware or digital services. This includes solutions using cloud, AI/ML, IoT, AR/VR, robotics, quantum, fintech, cybersecurity and related tools.

Emerging Exporter

For outstanding export achievement by a business which has been exporting for three years or less. Open to established and new businesses across any industry.

First Nations Exporter

For outstanding international success by a First Nations business operating in any industry, with three or more years of export experience.

International Education and Training

For outstanding international success in the field of education and training, including higher education, vocational education and training, transnational education, online learning, curriculum development and EdTech.

International Health

For outstanding international success in the fields of health, medical or wellbeing. This includes biotechnology, biosecurity, medical technology, digital health, e-health, aged care, disability, complementary health, pharmaceuticals and related services.

Manufacturing and Advanced Materials

For outstanding international success in manufacturing, engineering or advanced materials development, including advanced manufacturing and materials technologies, engineering, design and production.

Professional Services

For outstanding international success in professional services — including legal, accounting, business management and consultancy, marketing, franchising and licensing, financial and insurance, engineering, market research, translation services and tourism and business events.

Regional Exporter

For outstanding international success by a regional business — open to businesses whose head office or majority of operations are based outside metropolitan Melbourne.

Resources and Energy

For outstanding international success in the resources and energy sectors, including businesses involved in the production, processing or value-adding of extractive resources, or the provision of energy or resources-related equipment, services or technology.

Small Business

For outstanding international success by a small business with total annual turnover not exceeding A$10 million.

Sustainability and Green Economy

For outstanding international success in the green economy — including environmental solutions, clean energy, sustainable materials, renewables, waste and water management, green building and smart cities, or businesses committed to sustainable business practices.

Also includes solutions utilising cloud-based platforms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, augmented reality, autonomous systems, robotics, quantum, virtual reality, data collaboration and management tools, fintech, cyber security and/or blockchain with civilian, defence, space and/or other industry applications.

Victorian only Awards

Global Victoria Women

For outstanding success by a Victorian woman or women involved in international business.

Victorian Exporter of the Year

Selected by the state judge from the winners of the thirteen national categories — the highest honour in Victoria's export calendar.

Questions about GOVEA?

We're here to answer your questions about the 2026 GOVEA awards. Contact Global Victoria's Trade Manager, Kirsty Hayes.

Previous GOVEA Winners

Discover the Victorian businesses that have taken their success global.