The Business NSW Awards have recognised the state’s most creative and forward-thinking businesses, which featured several businesses local to the Shoalhaven.
Finalists from a diverse range of sectors — from construction in Ulladulla to a winery in Berry and a tourism company in Jindabyne — gathered at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Wednesday night.
They were joined by Premier Chris Minns, Small Business Minister Steve Kamper, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and the who’s who from the state’s business community.
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said the awards were more than just a celebration of success; they highlighted the incredible resilience of businesses navigating a challenging landscape.
“In the face of adversity, our finalists have demonstrated that resilience and innovation go hand in hand,” he said.
“2024 has tested our businesses with rising costs, staff shortages, red tape, and high interest rates. Yet, our winners are not just surviving; they are thriving and setting new benchmarks in excellence.
“The Business NSW Awards really are the Oscars of Business, so it is only very fitting that the best of the best in business get to stroll the red carpet and enjoy the spotlight on them.”
This year’s coveted Business of the Year award went to Whitely Manufacturing Facility in the Hunter, which was also recognised for its Excellence in International Business.
Other standout winners included:
- Cumulus Visual Effects in Ballina for Excellence in Large Business
- Ladbroken Distilling Co in Tumbarumba for Excellence in Micro Business, and
- SAPHI Engineering in Mayfield West for Excellence in Small Business.
Mr Hunter praised the incredible talent found in the state’s regional areas.
“The resilience of our state’s 865,000-plus businesses is especially commendable as they tackle rising insurance costs, energy challenges, and the complexities of the housing crisis,” Mr Hunter said.
“This year’s awards highlight that, despite challenges, innovation is alive and well throughout NSW.”
2024 NSW BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS – SHOALHAVEN (ILLAWARRA REGION)
Outstanding Young Business Leader: Jack Dinnie, Bumpy Road Catering Events, Bangalee (Shoalhaven/Illawarra Region)
Excellence in Sustainability: Silos Estate, Berry (Shoalhaven/Illawarra Region)
Employer of Choice – 21 Employees and Over: Zauner Construction, Ulladulla (Riverina/Illawarra Region)
2024 NSW BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS
Business of the Year – Whiteley, Tomago (Hunter)
Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under: Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Port Macquarie
Employer of Choice – 21 Employees and Over: Zauner Construction, Ulladulla/Riverina
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Social Futures, Lismore, Northern Rivers
Excellence in Innovation: Hyphen Health, Thornton (Hunter)
Excellence in International Business: Whiteley, Tomago (Hunter)
Excellence in Large Business: Cumulus Visual Effects, Ballina
Excellence in Micro Business: Ladbroken Distilling Co, Tumbarumba (Riverina Murray)
Excellence in Small Business: SAPHI Engineering, Mayfield West (Hunter)
Excellence in Sustainability: Silos Estate, Berry (Shoalhaven)
Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under: Stacey Morgan, Port Macquarie Performing Arts, Port Macquarie
Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over: Michael Hampson, Norco Co-operative, Lismore
Outstanding Community Organisation: Marathon Health, Bathurst
Outstanding Employee: Alan Nye, The Physio Movement, Woolgoolga (Mid North Coast)
Outstanding Local Chamber: Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, Northern Rivers
Outstanding New Business: Curezma Pharmaceutical Solutions Pty Ltd, North Sydney
Outstanding Young Business Leader: Jack Dinnie, Bumpy Road Catering Events, Bangalee (Shoalhaven/Illawarra)
Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the NSW Tourism Industry: Janet Mackay, TRC Tourism, Jindabyne
Excellence in Sustainable Tourism: Sydney By Kayak, Sydney
Outstanding 24-Hour Economy Collaboration: ‘Origami Folding Light & Sound Festival’ FunHaus Factory, Gosford
Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration: The Big Chill Festival, Armidale Regional Council, Armidale
Outstanding Visitor Experience: Potager, Carool (Northern Rivers)
About Business NSW
Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826. We represent almost 50,000 businesses.
MEDIA CONTACT: BEN PIKE – 0429 993 822
