Northern Rivers

The Outstanding Employee Award recognises an inspirational employee who has demonstrated a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and the community.  It is open to businesses to nominate an employee.

Employers are required to highlight their employees’ commitment over the past 12 months to their workplace, the community and to being an outstanding employee. To be eligible to enter this category, the employee must have been employed by their current employer for a minimum of 18 months, at the time of entry. 

2024 Finalists:

Alex McQuie, Oasis Dental Studio, Pottsville

Amber Howarth, Studioeleven pty ltd, Banora point

Bradley Browning, Ballina RSL, Ballina

Cathy Dawn, Dinner Is Served, Ballina

Emma Cameron, Simple Styling Solutions Pty Ltd, Chinderah

Gavin Mulcahy, Bridge Knowledge, Nana Glen

Hannie Kellner, Bun coffee Byron Bay, Ballina

Liam Jennings, The Northern River Times, Casino

Paul McDermott, Cherry Sports Group, Ballina

Raylene Tuthill, Northern Rivers Health, Alstonville, Lennox Head and Goonellabah

Suzie Slingsby, Zepto Payments Pty Ltd, Byron Bay

The Outstanding Young Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 35 or under at the time of entry who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to creating a smarter and more inclusive future and to being an outstanding business leader.  To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held a management position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.

2024 Finalists:

Azzi Hamilton, Apex Ad Agency, Tweed Heads

Chantal Jephcote, Mamas at HOME, Cumbalum

Grant Sinclair, Northern Rivers Health, Alstonville

Jackson Whitney, JW Media NR, Casino

Joel Jensen, Joel Jensen Constructions, South Lismore

Mali Heffernan, ISM Ballina, Ballina

Paul Baker, Mcgloin Baker Pty Ltd, Bogangar

Vincent James Chee, Federal Hotel Alstonville, Alstonville

The Outstanding Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 36 years or over at the time of entry who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership, whilst providing mentorship to others.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to creating a smarter and more inclusive future and to being an outstanding mentor and business leader.  To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held senior management or executive level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.

2024 Finalists:

Claire Harding, Barefruit Marketing, Ballina

Claudia Lawrence, Dinner Is Served, Ballina

Cate McQuillen, Mememe Productions, Whipoire

Julie Lowe, Full Circle Support, Kingscliff

Katerina Crandon, Resonator Music, Ballina

Martin Bate, Mega Office Supplies, Tweed Heads South

Peter Burr, Potager, Carool

Sharon Anne Bateman, The Northern River Times, Casino

The Outstanding Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 36 years or over at the time of entry who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership, whilst providing mentorship to others.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to creating a smarter and more inclusive future and to being an outstanding mentor and business leader.  To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held senior management or executive level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.

2024 Finalists:

Christopher Atkinson, Collins Hume, Ballina

Con Varela, Varela & Swift Pharmacy, Murwillumbah

Damian Chapelle, Newton Denny Chapelle, Lismore

Gail Deegan, Summerland Support Services, Casino

Michael Hampson, Norco Co-operative Limited, South Lismore

The Excellence in International Business Award recognises a business that exports its products or services internationally, in order to build a positive reputation for Australian products and services and to deliver opportunities for business growth and success.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of export. 

The Employer of Choice Award – Under 20 Employees, recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment. 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key areas of employee recruitment, engagement and retention.  Category criteria are based on initiatives that have had a positive impact on both employees and the business.

2024 Finalists:

APRACS Pty Ltd, Casino

Barefruit Marketing, Ballina

Broadwater Hotel, Broadwater

Full Circle Support, Kingscliff

Joel Jensen Constructions, South Lismore

Potager, Carool

The Employer of Choice Award – 21 Employees and over, recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment. 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key areas of employee recruitment, engagement and retention.  Category criteria are based on initiatives that have had a positive impact on both employees and the business.

2024 Finalists:

Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay

Motor Scout Australia, Kingscliff

Newton Denny Chapelle, Lismore

Santos Organics Lts, Mullumbimby

Southern Cross Credit Union Ltd, Kingscliff

Summerland Support Services, Casino

United Disability Care Pty Ltd, Tweed Heads

The Excellence in Innovation Award recognises a business that has implemented innovative solutions for new and existing needs through the introduction or improvement of a product, technology, or application that impacts the wider community.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key area of innovation.

2024 Finalists:

Autism Camp Australia Ltd, Tweed Heads

Cherry Sports Group, Ballina

Clay By Smegg, Casino

Christie & Christie Pty Ltd, Banora Point

Joel Jensen Constructions, South Lismore

Local Sounds Radio, Holland Park

Moneysmith Group, Murwillumbah

Savvy Beverages, Byron Bay

Southern Cross Credit Union Ltd, Kingscliff

United Disability Care Pty Ltd, Tweed Heads

The Excellence in Sustainability Award recognises a business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices and is working to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment. 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at time of entry across the key area of environmental sustainability.  Category criteria are based on initiatives and projects executed within the business not related to its core offering.

2024 Finalists:

Cleanaway Pty Ltd, Victoria

ENV Solutions, Ballina

Mememe Productions, Whipoire

Norco Co-operative Limited, South Lismore

Off The Rails, Byron Bay

Pasta’bah by Woodland Valley Farm, Murwillumbah

Santos Organics Ltd, Mullumbimby

Savvy Beverages, Byron Bay

Summerland Support Services, Casino

Thimios Media, Lennox Head

Virtus Heritage, Kingscliff

The Outstanding Community Organisation Award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural, or environmental wellbeing of the community.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding community organisation.  This category is open to social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations that have been trading for a period of over 24 months at time of entry.

2024 Finalists:

Autism Camp Australia Ltd, Tweed Heads

Biala Support Services Ltd, Ballina

Casino Neighbourhood Centre, Tweed Heads

Our House, Lismore

Santos Organics Ltd, Mullumbimby

Shaping Outcomes, Tweed Heads South

The Community Transport Company, Tweed Heads South

Women Up North Housing Inc, Lismore

The Outstanding Visitor Experience award recognises a business that understands the importance of visitor engagement for a region’s economy* and reputation. The business needs to articulate how they promote the Region as well as offering an exceptional visitor experience.

Entrants are required to demonstrate how their business showcases the Region/community and how their offering is unique within their industry.

This category will be awarded at regional only and will not proceed to the State Awards.

2024 Finalists:

Ballina RSL, Ballina

Farm & Co Restaurant, Cudgen

Invercauld House, Goonellaba

Muzza’s Milk Bar, Evans head

The Outstanding New Business Award recognises a start-up business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding start-up.  This category is open to new businesses trading for a period of less than 24 months at time of entry. 

2024 Finalists:

Better By Bike, Byron Bay

Compass Buyers Agency, Cabarita Beach

Elysian Beauty Bar, Casino

Hirehood, Kingscliff

Mama’s at HOME, Cumbalum

Marcon Consultancy Pty Ltd, Lennox Head

MG Wind Pty Ltd, Lismore

Terania Consulting, Lismore

Valley Ebikes, Murwillumbah

187 Cantina, Lismore

This Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises businesses that address the needs of a diverse community, including seniors, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers. 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 monthsat the time of entry to address the needs of a diverse community. This category is open to businesses that have been trading for a continuous period of two or more years. 

2024 Finalists:

Autism Camp Australia Ltd, Tweed Heads

Social Futures, Lismore

Summerland Support Services, Casino

Winchester Farm, Piggabeen

The Excellence in Micro Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience. 

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with less than 5 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at time of entry.

2024 Finalists:

2020 Smokehouse BBQ, Murwillumbah

Byron Family Law, Byron Bay

Charlie and Fox, Upper Eden Creek

Clay By Smegg, Casino

Fetch Pet Resort, New Italy

Flourish Gallery/Studio, South Lismore

Hampers On Tweed, UKI

Hemp Collective, Ocean Shores

ISM Ballina, Ballina

Jim’s Termite and Pest Control Lismore, Lismore

New Directions Online Realty, Alstonville

Off The Rails, Byron Bay

Queen Bee Pastoral Company Ltd, Yamba

Savvy Beverages, Byron Bay

Stepz Fitness Lismore, Lismore

Tweed Real Food, Mooball

The Excellence in Small Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with 5 to 20 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at the time of entry.

2024 Finalists:

Art & Wine Co, Byron Bay

Barefruit Marketing, Ballina

Dinner Is Served, Ballina

Edmonds Conveyancing, Ballina

Effective Workplace Solutions, Pottsville

Full Circle Support, Kingscliff

Hemp Collective, Ocean Shores

Joel Jensen Constructions, South Lismore

Mememe Productions, Whiporie

PJs Fruit & Veg, Lismore

Richmond Mushrooms, Doonbah

Virtus Heritage, Kingscliff

The Excellence in Large Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with 21 or more employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at time of entry.

2024 Finalists:

Collins Hume, Ballina

Connect Business Solutions, South Lismore

Cumulus Visual Effects, Ballina

ENV Solutions, Ballina

Far East Company, Ewingsdale

Federal Hotel Alstonville, Alstonville

Northern Rivers Health, Alstonville, Lennox Head and Goonellabah

SEE Group, Chinderah

Southern Cross Credit Union, Kingscliff

Summerland Support Services, Casino

Sunshine Sugar, Ballina

TSA Riley, Ballina

The Outstanding Local Chamber Award recognises innovative projects undertaken in the past 12 months by a Local Chamber that aims to improve economic, environmental or social impacts.

To be eligible to enter this category, Local Chambers must be a part of the Business NSW Chamber Local Chamber Alliance program. 

This category is to acknowledge enterprises for excellence in the provision of high quality care and customer service within the healthcare and wellness industries. 

2024 Finalists:

Curves Balina, Ballina

Lismore Discount Drug Store, Goonellabah

Northern Rivers Health, Alstonville, Lennox Head and Goonellabah

Pure Health Therapies, Pottsville

Savvy Beverages, Byron Bay

Stepz Fitness, Lismore

Summerland Support Services, Casino

Varela & Swift Pharmacy, Murwillumbah

The Excellence in Tourism, Recreation and Visitor Experiences Award recognises businesses that have made a valuable contribution to their industry and provide a quality experience to both Visitor and Local Markets

2024 Finalists:

Casino Beef Week, Casino

Drift + Stay Holiday Homes, Evans Head

Federal Hotel, Alstonville

Lismore Lantern Parade, East Lismore

Potager, Carool

This category is to acknowledge business excellence in the delivery of trade services, construction services and value add manufacturing.

2024 Finalists:

APRACS Pty Ltd, Casino

Highline All Electrical Pty Ltd, Piggabeen

Joel Jensen Constructions, South Lismore

New Age Electrical Co, Ballina

Tweed Coast Glass, Chinderah

This category is to acknowledge businesses of excellence involved in the sale of products and services from a physical retail precinct building or a home based businesses retailing products and services (with stock on premises, held or made, sold from the home or sold online).

2024 Finalists:

Bolt + Buckle, Eungella

Coastal Bin Busters, Cumbalum

Dinner Is Served, Ballina

Hartleys Fresh Market, Ballina

ISM Ballina, Ballina

Janelle Beucker Personal Travel Manager, Evans Head

Mel’s Melting Moments Candles, Lismore

PJs Fruit and Veg, Lismore

Studioeleven hair & beauty, Banora point

This category is to acknowledge excellence in agriculture and primary industries production.

2024 Finalists:

Five Sixty Farms, South Gundurimba

HoneyBee Hives, Coutts Crossing

Woodland Valley Farm, Fernvale

This category is to acknowledge businesses for their excellence in the provision of services in the areas of law, accounting, Marketing, Media and IT as a firm or independent consultancy business.

2024 Finalists:

Attwood Marshall Lawyers, Kingscliff

Barefruit Marketing, Ballina

Collins Hume, Ballina

Connect Business Solutions, South Lismore

Effective Workplace Solutions, Pottsville

Hampers on Tweed, Uki

Orion Media Group, Banora Point

Parentshop Pty Ltd, Byron Bay

Southern Cross Credit Union Ltd, Kingscliff

The Northern Rivers Times, Casino

Business of the Year is open to all winners of the following categories: 

• Excellence in International Business

• Employer of Choice Under 20 Employees

• Employer of Choice Over 20 Employees

• Excellence in Innovation  

• Excellence in Sustainability

• Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion

• Excellence in Micro Business  

• Excellence in Small Business   

• Excellence in Large Business 

This award is awarded to a Business that has been judged to be an outstanding business, that has provided an entry that demonstrates achievements and excellence over and above all other entrants.  This award will be judged by a panel of three judges that have not judged any other entries in the awards.