A PRESTIGIOUS honour has been launched to celebrate leading women from across the Darlings Downs in recognition of Mary Wagner.

It will be a highlight of the Downs 2017 Women in Business Awards, which is celebrating its third year.

As a tribute to Mrs Wagner's commitment and legacy to the region, the honour will celebrate a dedicated woman who is doing extraordinary work in business or community endeavours.

The awards, which offer more than $10,000 in prizes, will also feature categories recognising other exceptional women including the premier award - The Downs Woman in Business of the Year.

They will also shine light on those dedicated to community endeavours as well as the region's aspiring young achievers with special categories - the Aspiring Young Business Women's Award, Empowering Young Women's Award and an Award for Agribusines.

The Mary Wagner Honour recognises an individual who has demonstrated excellence in leadership through deep local understanding and outstanding initiative.

It has been designed to advance community-driven, innovative and sustainable solutions to critical issues facing the Darling Downs region.

Awards executive director Karen Phillips said Mrs Wagner exemplified what the awards were created to celebrate.

"A stalwart of the region, Mary is known for her business acumen, compassion and dedication to the region and community causes," Ms Phillips said.

"We are thrilled to have launched this honour in her namesake."

Nominations for this year's awards are open until September 15.

More details can be downloaded from wibaa.com.au/downs.