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.

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.

2026 Finalists

Aurielle Reyes, The Shoreline Retirement Living, Coffs Harbour

Beth Woolnough, Caring Care, Taree

Connor Jenkinson, Coast & Country Primary Care, Coffs Harbour

Jenna Hill, Brows By Willow, Port Macquarie

Jim Redman, Billabong Zoo, Sancrox

Leah Mitchell, Coffs Neuro Physio, Coffs Harbour

Nathan O’Connor, Mid North Coast Allied Health, Coffs Harbour

Scott Cavanagh, Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie

Victoria Parr, Midcoast Uniform Solutions, Wauchope

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 and strategic decision-making, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve strong organisational outcomes, drive innovation, and deliver measurable success over the past 18 months.

Entrants must also demonstrate financial responsibility and success, outlining how their leadership has contributed to the organisation’s financial stability, performance, or growth. This may include evidence of responsible financial management, improved financial outcomes, or initiatives that have strengthened the organisation’s overall financial position.

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.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Paradox Agency

Blake Stone, Billabong Zoo, Sancrox

Holly Sheaves, Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie

Matt Fawcett, Insure More, Taree

Madison Wilson, Letz Get Lit 2444, Wauchope

Rebecca Duffy, Caring Care, Taree

Tiga Cross, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Coffs Harbour

Willow Rissel, Brows By Willow, 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, while also providing mentorship to others.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire people, showcasing exceptional leadership skills and strategic decision-making, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve strong organisational outcomes, drive innovation, and deliver measurable success over the past 18 months.

Entrants must also demonstrate financial responsibility and success, outlining how their leadership has contributed to the organisation’s financial stability, performance, or growth. This may include evidence of responsible financial management, improved financial outcomes, or initiatives that have strengthened the organisation’s overall financial position.

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.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Southern Cross Austereo

Amanda O'Neill, Coffs Neuro Physio, Coffs Harbour

Brendan Hoey, Summerland Health, Wauchope

Chris Grieve, Paradox Media, Coffs Harbour

Dr Kristy Kostalas, Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

Deb Hopper, Life Skills 4 Kids, Taree

Garth Norris - Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse, Port Macquarie

Nathan Forinton, Macleay Air & Electrical, Kempsey

Sandra Magann, Magnified, Port Macquarie

Stacey Morgan, Port Macquarie Performing Arts, 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, while providing mentorship to others.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire people, showcasing exceptional leadership skills and strategic decision-making, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve strong organisational outcomes, drive innovation, and deliver measurable success over the past 18 months.

Entrants must also demonstrate financial responsibility and success, outlining how their leadership has contributed to the organisation’s financial stability, performance, or growth. This may include evidence of responsible financial management, improved financial outcomes, or initiatives that have strengthened the organisation’s overall financial position.

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.

2026 Finalists

Carlie Comer, Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie

Ian Hogbin, HQB Accountants, Coffs Harbour

Jesse Webber, Playtime Childcare, Wauchope

Jill Ashley, Shoretrack, Macksville

Mia Iggulden, Planet Lighting, Bellingen

Tazman Jewell, Health Voyage, Coffs Harbour

This award celebrates the NSW businesses taking Australian excellence to the world whether through exporting, technology, partnerships, international expansion, global trade, or digital service delivery. It recognises the businesses shaping Australia's global reputation and creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and influence overseas.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate achievements over the past 12 months in at least one of the following areas:

• Exporting products or services

• International market expansion or market entry

• Cross-border digital trade

• International partnerships or alliances

• Licensing, franchising, or distribution overseas

• International brand or reputation building

2026 Finalists

Chicken Caravan, Port Macquarie

Planet Lighting, Bellingen

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 must 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.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Insure More

Bennetts Steel, Wauchope

Brows By Willow, Port Macquarie

Letz Get Lit 2444, Wauchope

Magnified, Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie Performing Arts, Port Macquarie

Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

The Physio Movement, Woolgoolga

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 must 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.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Clarence Property

Billabong Zoo, Sancrox

Eire Construction, Sancrox

Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie

Mid North Coast Allied Health, Woolgoolga

Playtime Childcare, Wauchope

Sawtell Catholic Care, Toormina

The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour

Valley Industries, Taree

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 must demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key area of innovation.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Telstra

Birdon, Port Macquarie

EMALTE, Bonville

Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie

Planet Lighting, Bellingen

Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

Releve Dance Collective, Taree

Summerland Health, Wauchope

Woolgoolga Brewing Co., Woolgoolga

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 must demonstrate their achievements in environmental sustainability over the past 12 months at time of entry. The category criteria are based on initiatives and projects within the business that are not related to its core offering.

2026 Finalists

Letz Get Lit 2444, Wauchope

Luxe on Manning, Tuncurry

Planet Lighting, Bellingen

Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

Talking Point Timber, Johns River

Waves Campground, Crescent Head

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

Entry criteria

Entrants must 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 the time of entry.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by ETC

Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse, Port Macquarie

Health Voyage, Coffs Harbour

Lifeline North Coast, Coffs Harbour

Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie

Old Bar Beach Festival, Old Bar

Ronald McDonald House Family Retreat, Forster

Sawtell Catholic Care, Toormina

Shoretrack, Macksville

The Nutured Village, Bonny Hills

Verto, Forster

Youngster.co, Emerald Beach

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

Entry criteria 

Entrants must demonstrate their commitment to being an outstanding start-up over the past 12 months. This category is open to businesses that have been trading for less than 24 months at the time of entry.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by TAFE

Bistro Vue, Coffs Harbour

Brush Turkey Books, Wingham

Hot, Foggy & Fabulous, Port Macquarie

Remote Infrastructure Group, Nambucca Heads

SALT Training Academy, Thrumster

Sol Wellness Studio, Kempsey

The Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises businesses that champion inclusivity for diverse communities, such as older people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers.

Entry Criteria

Entrants must demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to address the needs of a diverse community. This category is open to businesses that have been trading continuously for two or more years.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Linked Community Services

Click ACS, Port Macquarie

Enterprise & Training Company (ETC), Coffs Harbour

Into The Wild, Forster

Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

Valley Industries, Taree

Youngster.co, Emerald Beach

The Excellence in Micro Business Award recognises a business with 5 employees and under that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

Entry criteria 

Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months at the time of entry. This category is open to businesses with fewer than five employees at the time of entry, that have been trading for more than 24 months.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Asuria

Belle Property, Port Macquarie

Creative Shell, Tallwoods Village

Frangipani Hair & Beauty Spa, Port Macquarie

Glow Beauty Therapy, Taree

Midcoast Uniform Solutions, Wauchope

Paradox Agency, Coffs Harbour

Refined Recovery & Wellness, North Boambee Valley

Strive Finance, King Creek

The Social Flip, North Boambee Valley

Wild Pansi Flowers & Gifts, Coffs Harbour

The Excellence in Small Business Award recognises a business with 6 to 20 employees that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. This category is open to businesses with 6 to 20 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for more than 24 months at the time of entry.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Focus Magazine

Dorrigo Deli, Dorrigo

Harvey Norman - Computers, Mobile Phones & Tech, Port Macquarie

Insure More, Taree

Magnified, Port Macquarie

Nate's Pizzeria, Harrington

Port Macquarie Performing Arts, Port Macquarie

Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

Taree Pool Supplies, Taree

Wauchope Rural Centre, Wauchope

The Excellence in Medium Business Award recognises a business with 21-99 employees that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. This category is open to businesses with 21 to 99 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for more than 24 months at the time of entry.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by TAFE

AMIA, Coffs Harbour

Billabong Zoo, Sancrox

Click ACS, Port Macquarie

Foodworks Hallidays Point, Black Head

HQB, Coffs Harbour

Planet Lighting, Bellingen

Thirty Three Degrees, Tuncurry

The Excellence in Large Business Award recognises a business with 100 plus employees that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

Entry criteria 

Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. This category is open to businesses with 100 or more employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for more than 24 months at the time of entry.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Coastline Bank

Birdon, Port Macquarie

Eire Construction, Sancrox

Enterprise & Training Company (ETC), Coffs Harbour

The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour

The Shoreline Retirement Living, Coffs Harbour

The Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing Award recognises a business that demonstrates an outstanding and holistic commitment to protecting and enhancing the health and wellbeing of its people. This award celebrates organisations that create physically and psychologically safe workplaces, reduce incidents and risks, support mental health, promote respectful behaviour, and embed a strong culture of proactive health & wellbeing leadership.

This award acknowledges businesses that go beyond compliance, those that integrate modern best practice across mental health, wellbeing, and respectful workplace conduct to ensure every employee feels safe, supported, valued and able to thrive.

Entry Criteria

Entrants must demonstrate: 

• A clear and effective workplace health, safety and wellbeing strategy, with policies, training, reporting mechanisms, and demonstrated actions that foster a safe workplace culture.
• Innovation or best practice in safety and wellbeing policies, procedures, leadership capability, technology, training or cultural initiatives that enhance physical and psychological safety.
• Evidence of employee engagement in safety and wellbeing programs, such as participation in safety improvement activities, mental health initiatives, and respectful-workplace training.
• Measurable improvements in workplace outcomes, such as reductions in physical incidents, injuries, near-misses, hazards, psychological injuries, workers compensation claims or absenteeism.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by EML

Eire Construction, Sancrox

Into The Wild, Forster

Letz Get Lit 2444, Wauchope

Linked Community Services, Port Macquarie

Pathfinders, Coffs Harbour

Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie

The Outstanding Local Chamber Award recognises a chamber that has made a meaningful and measurable impact on its local business community over the past 12 months. This category celebrates chambers that champion local economic growth, strengthen business capability, foster collaboration, and deliver initiatives that create positive economic, environmental, or social outcomes.

Entrants must demonstrate how their chamber has identified community or business needs, delivered purposeful projects or advocacy, and contributed to a stronger, more connected, and more resilient local business ecosystem. Whether through events, programs, advocacy, partnerships, or community engagement.

Examples of Eligible Chamber Activities but not limited to:

• Business networking or training workshops
• Mentoring or training programs
• Local advocacy wins or policy influence
• Events that supported local operators or industries
• Community business collaboration initiatives
• Campaigns that lifted local business visibility
• Initiatives improving business resilience after natural disasters
• Projects that strengthened business confidence or resilience 

Entry criteria

To be eligible for this category, local chambers must be a part of the Business NSW Chamber Local Chamber Alliance program.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Business Port Macquarie

Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce

Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber

Love Taree

Macleay Valley Business Chamber

Wauchope Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce

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 while as well an offering an exceptional visitor experience.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate how their business showcases the region/community and how their offering is unique within their industry.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Inspired Audio Visual

The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour

Billabong Zoo, Sancrox

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Coffs Harbour

The Natural Waffle Ice Cream Parlour, Forster

The Original Tea Gardens Ferry, Tea Gardens

What's Beyond The Mile, Old Bar

The Outstanding Visitor & 24-Hour Economy Collaboration Award recognises a collaborative project, initiative, or partnership that has strengthened and enhanced the visitor economy including the 24-hour economy over the past 12 months.

This category celebrates efforts led by Local Business Chambers, Local Government, Visitor Information Centres, Tourism Industry Associations, and groups of two or more operators who have worked together to deliver exceptional visitor experiences and increase the economic, social, and cultural value of their region.

Entry criteria

Entrants must demonstrate how their project showcases the region/community, including how the 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, and
• an initiative to address a sector specific challenge.

*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 

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by the Office of the 24 Hour Economy

Coffs Coast Aviation Partnership & Regional Visitor Economy Collective

Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber Community Partnership

The Wauchope Wedding Expo

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 must demonstrate their achievements in sustainable tourism* over the past 12 months. The category criteria are based on initiatives and projects within the business that are not related to its core offering.

2026 Finalists

Sponsored by Angove Family Wines

Port Macquarie Museum, Port Macquarie

Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats, Port Macquarie

The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour

Waves Campground, Crescent Head

This award recognises the outstanding contribution by an individual to the NSW tourism industry, honouring those who go over and above their own commercial focus to contribute to the broader industry. 

Entry criteria

Nominations are accepted from any party except the nominee.
 
Note: The emphasis should be on personal and professional commitment and contribution beyond what would be deemed part of their job. Their tourism contribution outside of their normal work should be emphasised.

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 - 21 Employees and Over
• Excellence in Innovation
• Excellence in Sustainability
• Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
• Excellence in Micro Business
• Excellence in Small Business
• Excellence in Medium Business 
• Excellence in Large Business  

This award recognises a business that demonstrates achievements and excellence over and above all other entrants. This award will be judged by a panel of three judges, each of whom has not judged any other award entries.