The region’s leading businesses were recognised at the annual Business Hunter Awards celebration, held earlier this month at NEX.
Bringing together a diverse assembly of 550 guests, the awards acknowledged individuals and organisations that have made a remarkable impact on the region’s business landscape.
Business Hunter CEO, Bob Hawes said there were incredibly tight margins in many of the categories this year, so all finalists and award winners should be incredibly proud of their efforts.
“These awards celebrate individuals who have set new standards of excellence with their remarkable contributions. The outstanding finalists and winners tonight demonstrate that we are heading towards an exceptionally promising and dynamic future,” Bob said.
Bob said the Awards were an important opportunity for celebration and reflection, particularly as tough headwinds continue to impact multiple sectors across the region.
“Some of our region’s businesses are enduring multiple back-to-back years of tough conditions. This has demanded courage, adaptability and innovation, especially among those small to medium businesses operating in hospitality, tourism, retail and construction.”
“It’s encouraging to see so many businesses thriving and sharing their success, despite these tough operating conditions. Tonight was an opportunity to come together as a community to connect, celebrate and reflect on all the challenges and opportunities that come our way,” Bob said.
A total of 127 finalists across 21 categories were recognised, including a new category, Outstanding Visitor Experience, awarded to coastal adventure tourism outfit, Coast XP.
Innovative manufacturing businesses reigned supreme on the night, with pioneering energy systems leader, Ampcontrol, taking out the prestigious President’s Award, while global medical supply leader, Whitely, netted one of the night’s biggest awards – Business of the Year.
Business Hunter President, Lauren Eyles also recognised the contributions Daracon, Orica and Marcia Chapman, former CEO of Jenny’s Place, have made to the region, recognising them in a discrete honour role.
Outgoing long serving Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser took out the Outstanding Business Leader >21 employees award, whilst Rob Dawson of Myrtec, took out the Outstanding Business Leader <21 employees award.
Bronte Williamson of Nourished Not Deprived took out the prestigious Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader award, bestowed in honour of former Business Hunter CEO Kristen Keegan. Out of the Square Media once again took home the Contribution to the Region award in a hotly contested category.
The list of finalists, winners and merit awards features high-quality entrants across the private, government and not-for-profit sectors in a diverse range of business and industry areas, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, mining, professional services and many more.
Here is the full list of winners:
- Outstanding Community Organisation: Home in Place
- Hunter Love Water: Baiada
- Excellence in Micro Business: Little Windmill Clothing Co
- Excellence in Small Business: SAPHI
- Excellence in Large Business: 8 at Trinity
- Excellence in International Business: Whiteley
- Outstanding New Business: Telethrive Pty Ltd
- Excellence in Innovation: Hyphen Health
- Excellence in Sustainability: SAPHI
- Employer of Choice (under 20 employees): Hyphen Health
- Employer of Choice (over 21 employees): Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network
- Outstanding Local Chamber: Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
- Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Star Club Equestrian Program Inc
- Contribution to the Region: Out of the Square Media
- Outstanding Visitor Experience: CoastXP
- Outstanding Employee: Chelsea Day, Mai-Wel Group
- Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader: Bronte Williamson – Nourished Not Deprived
- President’s Award: Ampcontrol
- President’s Honour Roll Recognition:
• Daracon
• Orica
• Marcia Chapman - Outstanding Business Leader (<20 employees): Rob Dawson – Myrtec
- Outstanding Business Leader (>21 employees): Kay Fraser, Mayor Lake Macquarie Council
Business Hunter proudly partnered with the University of Newcastle to present the Business Hunter Awards. The program and event was also supported by more than 21 category sponsors from the regional business community. We thank – The University of Newcastle, AGL, CPA Australia, Glencore, Hunt Hospitality, Hunter Water, IMB Bank, Mai-Wel, Newcastle Herald, NGM Group, NSW Minerals Council, Port Authority of NSW, Port of Newcastle, Quarry Mining, Spirit Super, Umwelt, Hyp, Molly Morgan Wines, and Whiteley.
IMAGE | Hunter Business Awards winners celebrated
