A record 1000 individual nominations were received from throughout the shire, which awards chairperson Libby Oldham described as "phenomenal".

Mrs Oldham said the number of individual nominations was 33 per cent higher than last year, while the number of businesses, community organisations and individuals to receive nomination rose by an amazing 66 per cent.

"A record 33 groups were also nominated in the category for Contribution to Cabonne by a Community Organisation," Mr Oldham added.

Best Business in Cabonne nominations were Age of Fishes Museum, Australian National Field Days, Billabong Takeaway, BJ Welding, Bryton Wool, Cabonne Bus Lines, Cabonne Service Centre, Cabonne/Blayney Family Day Care, Café Fifty One, Canowindra Tyre Service, Cargo Store, Clearwater Tanks and Coco Harvest.

Cumnock General Store were also nominated, as were Eat Your Greens, Eugowra Central Hotel, Garden of Roses Café, Hillside Harvest, Molong Bakery, Molong Newsagency, Molong Pharmacy, MSM Milling, Shephard Civil and Earthmoving, SPAR Supermarket and YBM Molong.

She said the community's participation in the nominations process was unprecedented and was a tremendous endorsement of Cabonne business operators and their employees.

"To be recognised by your customers and clients is one of the best compliments any business can receive," she said.

An online voting process has now started to determine finalists in each of the 17 categories, and people can cast their votes by going to www.daroobusinessawards.com.au

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Manildra on Friday, November 1.

Mrs Oldham said that with such a large number of nominations this year, it will be an outstanding achievement to be named as a finalist.

"Tickets for the presentation dinner will go on sale in the next few weeks and are likely to be in high demand," she said.

"I would advise people to buy their tickets early as the event has been a sell-out in recent years."

The ticket price of $66 remains the same as in previous years.

Other categories are best new business, best ongoing business, best home-based business, excellent in hospitality, excellence in accommodation, excellence in marketing, advertising and communications, excellence in tourism business, excellence in service operations - small entity, excellence in service operations - large entity, contribution to Cabonne - community organisation, contribution to Cabonne - by a business, business fostering disability inclusion, business that has thrived through adversity, apprentice/trainee of the year and employee of the year.