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.

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

• Cameron Webster - The Levee Lounge and Bar - Lismore
• Carrie Smith - Newton Denny Chapelle - Lismore 
• Jack Torrance - Summerland Bank - Richmond Valley
• Jaimi Dent - Fuse Wealth - Tweed
• James Wotherspoon - Southern Cross Care - Tweed
• Kelly Field - Federal Hotel - Alstonville
• Mark Myers – Norco Co-operative - Lismore
• Sharon Ross - Clarence Valley Funerals - Clarence Valley
• Shaun Pollard - Studioeleven Hair & Beauty - Tweed

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

• Casey Beuzeville - Oak and Ocean Building - Tweed 
• Corbyn Michael Johnston - Beyond Barrier Support - Lismore
• Jack Mooney - Provenance Propagation - Clarence Valley
• Josh Blackler - Newton Denny Chapelle - Lismore 
• Madeleine Stenlake - Succoris Psychology - Tweed
• Natalie Porter - Clarence Valley Community Information - Clarence Valley
• Nikki Wormald - CASPA - Lismore
• Paul Baker - McGloin Baker - Tweed
• Tara Buggy - St Andrews - Ballina
• Vincent Chee - Federal Hotel - 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.

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

• Ajay AminEzi - Office  National - Tweed
• Ben McGloin - McGloin Baker - Tweed
• Dan Nikas - Elite Brands - Clarence
• Danial Simpson - The RodnReel Hotel & Brewery - Richmond Valley
• Katie Beuzeville - Oak and Ocean Building - Tweed 
• Kylie O'Reilly - Richmond Mushrooms - Richmond Valley
• Rhys Carmichael - Avid Construction - Ballina
• Tracey Anne Ward - South Lismore Post Office - Lismore

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

• Alexander Scully - Summergrove - Tweed
• Brad Corbett - Corbetts - Clarence Valley 
• Damian Chapelle - Newton Denny Chapelle - Lismore
• Grant Sinclair - Northern Rivers Health - Alstonville
• Lisa Smith - Biala Support Services - Ballina
• Lynn Snyman - Kookaburra Early Learning - Richmond Valley
• Nathan McGrath - Collins Hume - Ballina

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.

2025 Finalists

• Gather By - Ballina 
• HoneyBee Hives Aus - Clarence
• Norco Co-operative - Lismore 
• Summergrove Estate - Tweed

The Employer of Choice Award 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

• DIMATTIA & CO - Clarence Valley
• Invercauld House - Lismore 
• Joel Jensen Constructions - Lismore
• McGloin Baker - Tweed
• Provenance Propagation - Clarence Valley
• Sistability - Ballina
• Terania Consulting - Lismore

The Employer of Choice Award 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

• Achieve Australia - Richmond Valley
• Beaumont People - Beaumont People
• Biala Support Services - Ballina
• Bridge Knowledge - Clarence Valley Winner
• Connect Business Solutions - Richmond Valley
• Federal Hotel - Ballina (Alstonville)
• Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School - Tweed
• Newton Denny Chapelle - Lismore (Direct)
• Norco Co-operative - Lismore (Direct)
• Northern Rivers Health - Ballina (Direct)
• Social Futures - Lismore
• Southern Cross Credit Union - Tweed

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

• Aurum Mead - Byron Bay
• Boost My Business 247 - Lismore
• Compass Buyers Agency - Tweed 
• Corbetts - Clarence Valley
• Lindisfarne Anglican Grammer School - Tweed 
• Maclean Medical - Clarence
• MoneySmith Group - Tweed
• Norco Co-operative - Cape Byron - Lismore 
• Norco Co-operative - Minecraft Partnership - Lismore 
• RodnReel Hotel And Brewery - Richmond Valley
• Savvy Beverages - Byron Bay
• Wild Organic Ways - Tweed

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

• Australian Bay Lobster Producers - Tweed
• Boost My Business 247 - Lismore 
• Cleanaway - Lismore 
• Collins Hume - Ballina
• Kookaburra Early Learning - Richmond Valley
• Norco Co-operative - Lismore 
• Provenance Propagation - Clarence 
• Savvy Beverages - Byron Bay
• Summerland Bank - Lismore
• Virtus Heritage - Tweed

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

• Alstonville Tennis and Pickleball Club In - Alstonville
• Ballina RSL - Ballina  
• Biala Support Services - Ballina 
• Byron Community Centre - Byron Bay
• Casino Neighbourhood Centre - Momentum Collective - Richmond Valley
• Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club - Tweed
• Honey Bee Homes - Byron Bay
• Human Nature Adventure Therapy - Byron Bay
• Lions Club of Maclean Return & Earn - Clarence Valley
• Northern Rivers Community Foundation - Lismore 
• Our House - Lismore
• Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW - Lismore 
• The Community Transport Company - Tweed

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

• Beyond Barrier Support - Lismore
• Buzz Business Boosters - Clarence Valley 
• Care Easy - Tweed
• Fair Dinkum Pickleball - Alstonville
• Home Alstonville - Ballina 
• Phytocopia Herbal Balms Australia - Clarence Valley 
• Rainbow Roos - Lismore 
• Star Fit by Starcia Jade - Richmond Valley
• Sunday Buyers - Tweed
• Sunshine Speech & Allied Health - Ballina

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

• Grafton Jacaranda Festival - Clarence Valley
• Indigo Rose Disability Support Services - Lismore
• Mate & Matt’s - Tweed
• Rainbow Roos - Lismore 
• Simple Styling Solutions - Tweed
• Sistability - Ballina
• Summerland Support Services - Richmond Valley

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

• Aurum Mead - Byron Bay
• Coastal Bin Busters - Ballina
• Dr. Moose - Byron Bay
• Evolve Healthcare - Lismore
• Halray Brake Reconditioning - Lismore
• HoneyBee Hives - Clarence Valley
• McAuliffe School of Dance - Richmond Valley
• Oak and Ocean Building - Tweed 
• Plateau Tyres - Alstonville
• Saavy Beverages - Byron Bay
• Spangled Drongo Brewing Co - Tweed 
• Tweed Real Food - Tweed 
• Value Imagery - Ballina

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

• Avid Constructions & Contracting - Ballina
• CADRE - Ballina 
• Compass Buyers Agency - Tweed 
• Invercauld House - Lismore 
• Joel Jensen Constructions - Lismore
• Maclean Medical - Clarence Valley
• McGloin Baker - Tweed
• Mega Office Supplies - Tweed
• Pasta'bah by Woodland Valley Farm - Tweed 
• Pjs Fruit and Veg - Lismore
• Solid Kitchens 'n' Cabinets - Ballina 
• Terania Consulting - Lismore
• The RodnReel Hotel & Brewery - Richmond Valley
• Village Fresh Fruit and Veg - Alstonville
• Virtus Heritage - Tweed

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.

Entry criteria

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

• Corbetts - Clarence Valley Direct
• Newton Denny Chapelle - Lismore
• Northern Rivers Health - Alstonville
• Richmond Valley Aquatics - Richmond Valley
• SEE Civil - Tweed
• Southern Cross Credit Union - Ballina  
• TSA Riley - Ballina 
   

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 Lennox Head - Ballina
• Business Lismore - Lismore
• Business Murwillumbah - Tweed
• Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce - Byron 
• Maclean District Chamber of Commerce - Clarence Valley

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

• 187 Cantina - Lismore
• Byron Inside Out Magazine - Byron Bay
• Byron Wildlife Sanctuary - Ballina
• Casino Beef Week - Richmond Valley
• Contained in Nimbin - Lismore 
• Grafton Jacaranda Festival - Clarence Valley
• Home Alstonville - Alstonville
• Invercauld House - Lismore 
• Pedals and Picnics - Tweed
• Richmond Valley Aquatics - Richmond Valley

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

• Byron Visitor Centre & Byron Maps - Byron Bay
• Grafton Jacaranda Festival - Clarence Valley
• Yamba Community Improvement District Project (YCID) - Clarence Valley

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}

No finalists in this category for 2025

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}

2025 Finalists

• Contained in Nimbin Accommodation - Lismore 
• Coolamon Station - Tweed
• Gaia Retreat & Spa - Ballina
• Grafton Jacaranda Festival - Clarence Valley
• Vision Walks - Eco Tours - Byron Bay

Entry criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months.

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for 12 months or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2024
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2025 Business Awards program

2025 Finalists

• Alstonville Quality Meats - Alstonville
• DIMATTIA & CO - Clarence Valley
• Dr. Moose - Ballina
• Equinity - Horse and Rider Emporium - Tweed
• Fetch Pet Resort - Richmond Valley
• Hemp Collective - Byron Bay
• PJs Fruit & Veg - Lismore
• Studioeleven Hair & Beauty - Tweed
• The Levee Lounge and Bar - Lismore 

Entry criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months.

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for 12 months or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2024
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2025 Business Awards program

• APRACS - Richmond Valley
• Avid Constructions & Contracting - Ballina
• Corbetts - Clarence Valley
• Highline All Electrical - Tweed
• Joel Jensen Constructions - Lismore 
• Norco Co-operative - Lismore 
• Oak and Ocean Building - Tweed 
• Plateau Tyres - Alstonville
• SEE Civil - Tweed
• Solid Kitchens 'n' Cabinets - Ballina

Entry criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months.

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for 12 months or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2024
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2025 Business Awards program

• Attwood Marshall Lawyers - Tweed 
• Boost My Business 247 - Lismore 
• Buzz Business Boosters - Clarence Valley 
• ClubIT - Alstonville
• Collins Hume - Ballina
• Compass Buyers Agency - Tweed 
• Connect Business Solutions - Richmond Valley
• Elite Brands - Clarence Valley
• McGloin Baker - Tweed
• Newton Denny Chapelle - Lismore
• South Lismore Post Office - Lismore
• Southern Cross Credi Union - Tweed

Entry criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months.

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for 12 months or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2024
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2025 Business Awards program

• Honey Bee Homes - Byron Bay
• Lotus Psychology - Alstonville
• Mahi Health Club - Byron Bay
• Northern Rivers Health - Ballina 
• Rainbow Roos - Lismore
• Richmond Valley Aquatics - Richmond Valley
• Saavy Beverages - Byron Bay
• St Andrew’s - Ballina
• Sugar Beach Ranch - Ballina 
• Verela and Swift Pharmacy - Tweed
• Wild Organic Ways - Tweed
• Your Choice Support Services Clarence Valley - Clarence Valley

Entry criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months.

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for 12 months or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2024
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2025 Business Awards program

• HoneyBee Hives - Clarence Valley
• Mountain Blue - Lismore
• Provenance Propagation - Clarence Valley
• Richmond Mushrooms - Richmond Valley
• Tweed Real Food - Tweed
• Woodland Valley Farm - Tweed

Entry criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months.

Award eligibility check box 

• This business has been trading for 12 months or more and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.
• A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2024
• A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2025 Business Awards program

• Byron Bay International Film Festival - Byron Bay
• Casino Artisan Giftshop - Richmond Valley
• Creative Road - Byron Bay
• Dr Moose - Byron Bay
• M|Arts Precinct - Tweed
• Monique Feain Ballet Coaching - Alstonville
• Original Sound Lounge - Clarence Valley
• Silt Studio - Lismore
• Songlines Art, Culture, Education - Tweed
• The Levee Lounge and Bar - Lismore

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 employes by their current employer for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.

Additional T&C's
In addition to the general T&C's the following apply to this category:

Should the entrant leave the organisation before the Regional or State Gala event, they will be eligible to receive an award. 

2025 Finalists

• Bethany Smith - T's Hair - Clarence Valley
• Cody Thornton - Highline All Electrical - Tweed
• Cooper Bloor - Potager - Tweed
• Daniel Winkler-Maloney - Newton Denny Chapelle - Lismore
• Kirra Connell - Collins Hume - Ballina
• Kya Gaiter - Fresh Image - Richmond Valley 
• Oscar Murchison - Reimann Electrical - Alstonville

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.