Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
2025 Winner of the legends of the Whitsundays hall of fame, Abbot Point Operations
The Whitsunday Business Awards shine a light on local businesses and the people behind them – but an event celebrating regional business also relies on regional businesses getting behind it.
The 2026 Awards are supported by organisations from across the Whitsundays and wider region, each helping recognise a different part of the local business community.
James Cook University is the 2026 Principal Partner, supporting the Awards’ focus on regional people, skills, innovation and opportunity.
StarFM is supporting Business of the Year, recognising businesses making a strong contribution to the Whitsunday economy and community.
Abbot Point Operations is sponsoring Business Leader of the Year. Its mission, “Grow Local”, is a natural fit for an award recognising the people leading regional businesses.
“That's why we're proud to support the Whitsunday Business Awards and celebrate the businesses, leaders and teams who help drive our region's success,” Abbot Point Operations said.
“Recognising business excellence is important to Abbot Point Operations because strong local businesses create jobs, support families and contribute to a thriving regional economy.”
TAFE Queensland is supporting Rising Star, recognising employees, apprentices and trainees building their careers and contributing to the region’s future workforce.
LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach is supporting Customer Service Excellence, celebrating the businesses and people who make looking after customers part of their everyday work.
McDonald’s Restaurants Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Bowen is backing Community Champion, recognising businesses and organisations making a difference beyond the workplace.
Bishopp Outdoor Advertising is supporting Think Big, celebrating ambitious ideas and businesses prepared to look beyond the expected.
Mackay and Whitsunday Life is the Awards’ print media partner, helping share the stories of the nominees, sponsors and winners with the wider community.
Whitsunday Transit is supporting the event’s transport, helping nominees and guests travel to and from the Awards ceremony.
Sponsorship is about more than putting a logo on an event. It provides an opportunity for businesses to actively support the people, organisations, and ideas that contribute to the region.
The Awards partners thank all sponsors and supporters for getting behind the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards.
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