Whitsunday Business Award Winners

Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee
This award highlights an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding growth, dedication, and contribution.
 
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aaron Murphy, Down to Earth Whitsundays
At just 19, Aaron embodies the spirit of a true Rising Star. Arriving in the Whitsundays knowing no one, he embraced his apprenticeship with enthusiasm and determination, quickly becoming a valued member of his team. Aaron has shown remarkable growth, mastering skills across construction, landscaping, and pool installation while mentoring new starters and lifting team morale through his positivity and reliability.
 
WINNER: Shontelle Betzel, Bowen Rail Company
Shontelle is a rising star at Bowen Rail Company, known for her technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to inclusion. From apprentice to respected signalling specialist, her journey reflects resilience, innovation, and purpose. As the only woman in her team, she drives change—improving operations, mentoring others, and shaping a more inclusive culture. A strong advocate for equity, her lived experience has influenced Bowen Rail’s diversity and recruitment approach.
 
 
Small Business Hero
This award recognises sole traders and small businesses that make a big impact through ambition, innovation, and resilience.
 
WINNER: EDGE Dance Studio Whitsunday
EDGE Dance Studio is more than a business—it’s a mission. Founded to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for children of all abilities, EDGE now serves over 235 students across two regional locations. In just 3.5 years, it has introduced innovative programs like Ready Set Dance, grown enrolments by 441%, created leadership pathways, and maintained a 95% retention rate with 100% five-star reviews.

Customer Service Excellence
This award celebrates businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to create unforgettable customer experiences.
 
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Katrina Williams, Garden Shack Whitsundays 
Katrina is the heart of Garden Shack Whitsundays, turning every customer interaction into a memorable experience. In just 18 months, she’s mastered plants, pool care, and landscaping, building trust and rapport with the community. Her warmth, resilience, and dedication make her a true Customer Service Champion.
 
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mana Skin Body & Soul 
MANA puts customers at the heart of everything, creating personalised, memorable experiences. Over the past year, the team has enhanced consultations, aftercare, and service recovery, delivering spa-quality service with warmth and care. Recognition as a Customer Service Champion celebrates their dedication, skill, and commitment to the Whitsundays community.
 
WINNER: Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach 
At Magnums, exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything they do. Every interaction is guided by empathy, respect, and a commitment to making guests feel valued. From resolving travel disruptions to adding thoughtful touches, the team anticipates needs and delivers solutions with warmth.
 

Eco Excellence
This award showcases businesses that are leading the way in sustainability, environmental responsibility, and green innovation.
  
HIGHLY COMMENDED Whitsunday Segway Tours
Whitsunday Segway Tours exemplifies sustainable tourism, innovation, and community engagement. As an Eco Tourism Certified business, they deliver accessible, high-quality experiences while reducing environmental impact and educating visitors on responsible tourism.

WINNER: Coral Sea Marina
Coral Sea Marina is committed to creating memorable experiences that leave visitors inspired and connected to the Whitsundays’ natural beauty. Serving thousands of visitors annually, it prioritises sustainable operations and sets industry-leading standards in environmental stewardship. The marina actively promotes responsible boating, sustainable tourism, and regional pride.
 
 
Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur
This award celebrates rising stars (under 25) who are redefining success in start-ups, leadership, or industry innovation.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Mariah Dean, Frangipani Cleaning Services
At a young age, Mariah launched a cleaning business, overcoming doubts about her experience through professionalism, consistent results, and community impact. Her journey proves that age is no barrier to entrepreneurship, inspiring others, highlighting the value of small businesses in the Whitsundays, and demonstrating leadership and positive change.
 
WINNER: Sam Vanderpoel, Rolling with Netherpoel
At just 17, Sam has demonstrated exceptional courage, skill, and determination in building Rolling with Netherpoel, a family business specialising in roller and panel door repairs, servicing, and motor installs, alongside handyman services. Homeschooling allowed him to develop practical skills, independence, and hands-on experience with local rollerdoor companies, earning him the nickname “roller door guru.”
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Community Champion
This award highlights businesses making a real difference in the Whitsunday community through meaningful contributions and initiatives.
 
HIGHLY COMMENDED Bowen Old People's Home Society (Murroona Gardens).
Murroona Gardens, Bowen’s community-owned aged care provider, has cared for locals for over 40 years. Offering residential, home care, and independent living, they keep seniors close to family while employing 165 locals. Built through community generosity, our focus remains on dignity, connection, and respectful, locally grounded care.
 
WINNER: Bowen Tourism and Business
Bowen Tourism and Business is a not-for-profit Local Tourism Organisation operating the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and Front Beach Information Booth. At its heart, they are about community—welcoming visitors, sharing the region’s highlights, and promoting Bowen, Collinsville, and the wider Whitsundays. Supported by 18 dedicated volunteers, Bowen Tourism and Business has achieved record visitation, 9% growth above the state average, and expanded services including Driver Reviver and the Bowen Audio Guide.
 
 
Regional Game Changer
This award recognises businesses that fuel economic growth, innovation, and community prosperity across the region.

 
HIGHLY COMMENDED to Bowen Gumlu Growers Association
The Association drives innovation and sustainability in the Whitsundays’ $650 million horticulture industry, supporting over 3,500 jobs. Through initiatives like the Bowen Food Futures Precinct and Smart Data Decisions, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association transforms surplus produce, champions ag-tech adoption, strengthens governance, and advocates on critical issues, ensuring long-term prosperity for growers and the community.
 
WINNER: Whitsunday Life Newspaper 
At a time when many publications were closing, Life Publishing Group proved that local print media is still deeply valued in regional communities. Their flagship title, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, launched following the closure of 14 regional newspapers in Queensland. Life Publishing Group produce free weekly newspapers and lifestyle magazines across North Queensland from their Whitsunday headquarters.
 
 
Business Leader of the Year
This award recognises an inspiring leader whose vision, dedication, and influence have driven exceptional business and regional success.
 
HIGHLY COMMENDED Garry Matthias, Corrsafe Enterprises.
Garry, founder of Corrsafe Enterprises, has transformed safety training in the Whitsundays since 1999. By bringing nationally recognised high-risk work and safety training locally, he has saved businesses time and money while keeping workers safe and employed. His vision has strengthened industry, families, and community resilience.
 
WINNER: Kellee Fogg, Whitsunday Law
Under Kellee’s leadership, Whitsunday Law has become a cornerstone of the Whitsunday region, driving local employment, regional investment, and community development. She mentors and develops local talent, ensuring staff thrive professionally. Kellee prioritises local suppliers, keeping operational expenditure within the region, and actively engages in community sponsorships and initiatives.
 

Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year
For an outstanding business that sets the gold standard for excellence, innovation, and leadership in the region.

WINNER: Bowen Old People's Home Society (Murroona Gardens)
Murroona Gardens has proudly served Bowen for over 40 years, delivering “locals looking after locals” through a full continuum of care: residential aged care, home care packages, and independent living units. As a community-owned, not-for-profit provider and one of Bowen’s largest employers, they reinvest in local jobs, training, and services. Expanding dementia-specific homes, embracing digital care, and sustainable initiatives, Murroona Gardens strengthens both the community and economy.
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Business Legends of the Whitsundays: Hall of Fame
Celebrating businesses, or individuals, that have achieved long-term success and made an enduring impact.

WINNER: Abbot Point Operations
The North Queensland Export Terminal at the Port of Abbot Point has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s coal export industry for 40 years. As Australia’s northernmost deep-water coal terminal, they efficiently connects mines in the Bowen and Galilee Basins to global markets, serving 17 countries during 2023-24. Operated by Abbot Point Operations, the Terminal supports more than 320 local jobs, underpins regional economic growth, and has invested over $2.15 million in community programs.

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