Whitsunday Business Award Nominees

And the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards Nominees are:

Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year – presented by Australian Radio Network (StarFM)
For an outstanding business that sets the gold standard for excellence, innovation, and leadership in the region.
• Airlie Beach Hotel
• Airlie Beach Tourism
• Birds Fish Bar
• Mana Skin Body & Soul
• Murroona Gardens
• Ocean Rafting
• Whitsunday Life Newspaper

Business Leader of the Year – presented by Abbot Point Operations
Recognising an inspiring leader whose vision, dedication and influence have driven exceptional business and regional success.
• Garry Matthias, Corrsafe Enterprises
• Jenny Rush, Aquatic Rush
• Kellee Fogg, Whitsunday Law
• Robert Congo, Yooribaya Cultural Experience

Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee – presented by McDonald’s Restaurants (Airlie Beach, Cannonvale & Bowen)
Highlighting an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding growth, dedication and contribution.
• Aaron Murphy, Down to Earth Whitsundays
• Allen Bauer, Bird’s Fish Bar
• Billy Hinchcliffe, Pilchers Mitre 10 Bowen
• Jessica March-Peach, Women’s Well Co
• Orry Ferguson, Airlie Beach Hotel
• Shontelle Betzel, Bowen Rail Company

Small Business Hero – presented by Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
Recognising sole traders and small businesses that make a big impact through ambition, innovation and resilience.
• Above and Below Gallery
• Airlie Health Hub
• Ambitious Cakes
• Ceremonies by Georgina
• Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday
• Mumabuba
• Oceanic Tales
• Option Insurance Brokers
• Party Cakes Whitsunday
• Principle Movements
• Queen of Clothing
• The Answer is Yes
• Tim Warren Auto Airconditioning & Electrical
• Yooribaya Cultural Experiences

Customer Service Champion – presented by LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach
Celebrating businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to create unforgettable customer experiences.
• Airlie Beach Executive Services
• Hogs Breath Cafe Airlie Beach
• Bowen Tourism and Business
• Katrina Williams, Garden Shack Whitsundays
• Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach
• Mana Skin Body & Soul
• Mariah Dean, Frangipani Cleaning Services
• Peninsula Airlie Beach
• Tamarra Robson, Bowen Meals on Wheels
• Whitsunday Sailing Outrigger

Regional Game Changer – presented by nbn Co
Recognising businesses that fuel economic growth, innovation, and community prosperity across the region.
• Bowen Gumlu Growers Association
• Corrsafe Enterprises
• Shiift
• Tin Lid Enterprises
• Whitsunday Life Newspaper
• Whitsundays Property Buyers

Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur – presented by TAFE Queensland
Celebrating rising stars (under 25) who are redefining success in start-ups, leadership, or industry innovation.
• Fayith Mitchell, Photography for You
• Mariah Dean, Frangipani Cleaning Services
• Sam Vanderpoel, Rolling with Netherpoel

Community Champion – presented by Rotary Club of Airlie Beach
Highlighting businesses making a real difference in the Whitsunday community through meaningful contributions and initiatives.
• Abbot Point Operations, Community Support Program
• Bowen Community Op Shop
• Bowen Meals on Wheels
• Bowen Tourism and Business
• Club Whitsunday
• Creative Connections Whitsunday
• Murroona Gardens
• Tassal
• Tin Lid Enterprises
• Whitsunday Housing Co

Eco Excellence – presented by Green Energy Technologies
Showcasing businesses that are leading the way in sustainability, environmental responsibility, and green innovation.
• Airlie Health Hub
• Bubble Soap Co
• Coral Sea Marina
• Pilchers Recycling
• Whitsunday Segway Tours
• Zero Waste Solutions

Business Legends of the Whitsundays: Hall of Fame – presented by Whitsunday Regional Council
Celebrating businesses or individuals that have achieved long-term success and made an enduring impact.
• Abbot Point Operations
• Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach
• Nathan Fleming, Airlie Beach Tourism and Ocean Rafting
• Tim Warren Auto Airconditioning & Electrical

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