Mid North Coast

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.

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• Kelsie Redman, Billabong Zoo, Sancrox
• Simone Grace Fischer, Bespoke Glow, South West Rocks
• Scott Hatton, ETC, Taree
• Kristi Deacon, Port Macquarie Performing Arts, Port Macquarie
• David Paff, Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie
• Chloe Mullan, Lux Laser & Aesthetics, Port Macquarie
• Ella Adams, Welcome Dental, Urunga
• Helen Cheers, Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

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.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire people, showcasing exceptional leadership skills, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve successful outcomes and drive innovation over the past 18 months. To be eligible for this category, the individual must have held a senior management or executive-level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.

2025 Finalists

• Wing Caraghin, https://spectacularbeauty.com.au, Wauchope
• Grace Gorman, https://www.findinggracewellness.com.au, Kempsey
• Tiga Cross, https://www.coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.com.au, Coffs Harbour
• Shelley Kurtz, https://www.creativeshell.com.au, Tallwoods Village
• Tori McCombe, https://bennettsteel.com.au/, Wauchope
• Belle Lyons, https://activenutritionpantry.com/, Sawtell    
• Madison Wilson, https://www.letzgetlit2444.com, Wauchope
• Kirsty Bishop, https://www.bbeautyedit.com.au, Thrumster    
• Matthew Fawcett, https://www.insuremore.com.au/, Taree
• Willow Rissel, https://browsbywillow.com, Port Macquarie

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.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire people, showcasing exceptional leadership skills, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve successful outcomes and drive innovation over the past 18 months. To be eligible for this category, the individual must have held a senior management or executive-level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.

2025 Finalists

• Lisa Baker, https://www.wauchoperural.com.au/, Wauchope
• Lindi Gill, https://lindigilldental.com.au, Kempsey
• Rebecca Stockwell, https://www.soulsistergrazing@gmail.com, Lake Innes    
• Lauren Calvert, https://www.well-suited.com.au, Tarbuck Bay
• Sandra Magann, https://www.magnified.com.au, Port Macquarie
• Emma Schuch,    https://www.strivefg.com.au/, King Creek
• Viahn Vu, https://www.phohome.com.au, Port Macquarie
• Shiree Bennett, https://bennettsteel.com.au/, Wauchope
• Jessica Gray, https://www.smartcoast.com.au/, Tuncurry
• Pip Cullen, https://www.alltogethertherapy.com.au, Port Macquarie
• Dr Kristy Kostalas, https://portmedicalaestheticsclinic.com.au/, Port Macquarie

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.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire people, showcasing exceptional leadership skills, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve successful outcomes and drive innovation over the past 18 months. To be eligible for this category, the individual must have held a senior management or executive-level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.

2025 Finalists

• Jesse Webber, https://www.playtimewauchope.com.au, Wauchope
• Sunette Opperman, https://www.mbcrecruitment.com.au, Port Macquarie
• Carlie Comer, https://www.linked.org.au, Port Macquarie
• Kirsty Christensen, https://welcomedental.com.au, Urunga

The Excellence in International Business Award recognises a business that successfully operates in overseas markets, builds a positive reputation for Australian products and services, and creates opportunities for growth and success.

Entry criteria

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

No finalists in this category for 2025.

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

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• Kempsey Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Kempsey
• Midcoast Hearing, Taree
• Strive Finance, King Creek
• Bennetts Steel, Wauchope
• Magnified, Port Macquarie
• Brows by Willow, Port Macquarie

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. 

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• ETC, Coffs Harbour
• MBC Recruitment, Port Macquarie
• WEmpower, Port Macquarie
• TG's Child Care, Wauchope
• Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie
• Eire Constructions, Sancrox

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.

Entry criteria

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

2025 Finalists

• Key Community Group, Coffs Harbour
• Macleay Locksmiths & Security, Kempsey
• Burling Beds, Rainbow Flat
• Bennetts Steel, Wauchope
• Letz Get Lit 2444, Wauchope
• PC Pitstop, Port Macquarie
• Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie
• Brows by Willow, Port Macquarie

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. 

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• Finding Grace Wellness, Kempsey
• Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Coffs Harbour
• Luxe on Manning, Tuncurry
• Letz Get Lit 2444, Wauchope
• PC Pitstop, Port Macquarie
• Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

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

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• Omnicare Alliance, Port Macquarie
• Country Universities Campus Macleay Valley, Kempsey
• Garden Village, Port Macquarie
• Into The Wild, Forster
• ETC, Coffs Harbour
• The Community Transport Company, Toormina
• Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie

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.

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• Betach Intelligence, Port Macquarie
• Yulo Kopa, Ellenborough
• Mid North Coast Smoke Alarms, South West Rocks
• Sunnyside Equine Facilitated Learning, Tinonee
• Refined Recovery & Wellness, North Boambee Valley
• Get Freshnails, Port Macquarie
• Jess Manton Specialist Education Services, Port Macquarie

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. 

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• Key Community Group, Coffs Harbour
• OCTEC Employment Service, Manning Valley
• Valley Industries, Taree
• Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Coffs Harbour
• TG's Child Care , Wauchope
• Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie
• Welcome Dental, Urunga
• Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

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. 

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• Samantha Dyet - Finance Broker, Kempsey
• Caiban Electrical, Taree
• Glow Beauty Therapy, Taree
• Strive Finance, King Creek
• Roar Success, Port Macquarie
• Letz Get Lit 2444, Wauchope
• Brows By Willow, Port Macquarie
• Creative Shell, Forster

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.

Entry criteria

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.

2025 Finalists

• Wauchope Rural Centre, Wauchope
• RedPoint, Kempsey
• Local Pest Experts, Taree
• Magnified, Port Macquarie
• Pho Home, Port Macquarie
• Active Nutrition Pantry, Sawtell
• Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie
• Touchwood Flowers, Port Macquarie
• Port Macquarie Performing Arts, Port Macquarie

The Outstanding Local Chamber Award recognises a local chamber’s impact on their community in the past 12 months, with a focus on improving economic, environmental, or social impacts.

Entry criteria

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

2025 Finalists

• Business Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie
• Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Wauchope
• Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber, Forster/Tuncurry

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. 

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

2025 Finalists

• Billabong Zoo, Sancrox
• Bespoke Glow, South West Rocks
• Forster Dive Centre, Tuncurry
• Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Coffs Harbour
• Indulgence Tours, Port Macquarie
• The Belfry Guesthouse, Bellingen

The Outstanding Visitor Economy* Collaboration Award recognises innovative projects undertaken in the past 12 months by a Local Government, Business Chamber, Visitor Information Centre, Tourism Industry Association, or groups of operators (two or more) that aims to maximise their economic impact on the local and/or regional visitor economy.

Entry criteria
Entrants are required to demonstrate how their project showcases the region/ community including details of how collaboration and alignment of tourism operators, business and the community contributed to the project’s success.  

Projects may include but are not limited to:

• New product or innovative product development
• Upgrades or enhancements to tourism infrastructure or services
• Generating knowledge and/or insight to improve decision making
• Creating partnerships to advance industry performance
• A marketing or awareness campaign
• An initiative to address a sector specific challenge

_{*The visitor economy encompasses the direct and indirect contributions to the economy resulting from a person (a visitor) travelling outside their normal place of residence. (NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030)}

2025 Finalists

• Explore Like a Local – Freeguides, Port Macquarie Hastings Council
• Community Partnership Initiative, Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber

The Outstanding 24-hour Economy* Collaboration Award recognises innovative projects undertaken in the past 12 months by a Local Government, Business Chamber, Visitor Information Centre, Tourism Industry Association, or groups of operators (two or more) that aims to maximise their economic impact on the local and/ or regional 24-hour economy.

Entry criteria
Entrants are required to demonstrate how their 24-hour economy projects showcases the region/ community including details of how collaboration and alignment of tourism operators, business and the community contributed to the project’s success. 

Projects may include but are not limited to:

• Cultural festivals & night markets
• Technology integrations
• Late night retail activations
• Collaborative promotions, marketing campaigns or loyalty programmes
• Night entertainment zones
• Evening culinary experiences
• Safety & accessibility improvements
• Night-time art exhibitions
• Food & wine precinct creation

_{* What is the 24-hour Economy?
When we talk about a 24-hour economy, the focus is on how we make our economy just as vibrant, productive and diverse in the night as it is throughout the day. The night-time economy consists of all the activities that take place as the traditional ‘business day’ ends. There are three distinct nighttime periods (see below), each with their own set of dynamics and community needs. The night-time economy is made up of a broad range of industries. These include ‘core businesses’ such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, theatres, festivals, markets and live music and ‘non-core’ or supporting businesses, including transport, retail, service industries, educational establishments and gyms.}

_{Daytime 0600 – 1800, Evening 1800 – 2100, Night-time 2100 – 0200, Late Night 0200 - 0600}

2025 Finalists

• Lakeside Festival, Forster
• Pour & Explore Festival, Hastings Liquor Accord

The Excellence in Sustainable Tourism* Award recognises a tourism business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices both internally and in customer interactions. The award recognises efforts to minimise environmental impacts from its operations.   

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

_{* Sustainable tourism is defined as "Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environement and host communitites. (United Nations Environment Progrsm and World Toruism Organisation, Making tourism more sustainable: A Guide for Policy Makers, 2005}

No finalists in this category for 2025.

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. 

2025 Finalists: 

• AMIA
• Bellbowrie Motors
• Billabong Zoo
• Eire Constructions
• Macleay Valley Support Services
• MBC Recruitment
• TG's Child Care
• Wholesome Care Supports

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

• Excellence in International Business
• Employer of Choice 20 Employees and Under
• Employer of Choice 20 Employees and Over
• 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.