Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
2025 winner, Trailblazing young entrepreneur, Sam Yanderpoel from Rolling with Netherpoel
Behind every Whitsunday business are people creating jobs, training apprentices, supporting families, sponsoring community groups and investing in the place they call home.
That’s what the Whitsunday Business Awards are designed to recognise — not simply business success, but the people and organisations making a contribution to the region.
Now in their second year, the Awards bring together businesses from across the Whitsundays through a joint initiative of the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council.
This year, James Cook University (JCU) is Principal Partner, supporting an event that shares its focus on regional people, skills and opportunity.
“JCU is proud to support the Whitsunday Business Awards and recognise the businesses, leaders and innovators contributing to our region. Supporting local talent, skills and regional communities is an important part of what we do.”
For the Awards organisers, that support reflects the broader role business plays in regional communities.
A strong local economy needs skilled workers, opportunities for young people and businesses that are prepared to invest, grow and employ locally. It also relies on businesses supporting the community around them.
The 2026 nominees reflect that contribution, with categories recognising everything from customer service and emerging talent to community impact, innovation, leadership and long-standing regional contribution.
The Awards partners thank JCU and all sponsors and supporters for helping create an opportunity to stop, recognise the achievements of local business and celebrate the people behind them.
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