Amaze World has been crowned 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards Business of the Year in a gala event emceed by comedian, actor and entertainer Shane Jacobson.
Related story: IN PHOTOS: All the winners from business awards gala
The Tanawha tourism attraction headlined 38 winners in this year’s awards, announced at the Sunshine Coast business community’s annual night of night, the Sunshine Coast Business Awards Gala.
Amaze World also took out the Experiences category for Large business for the second year in a row.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards chair Jennifer Swaine said the event this year was a fitting celebration, with 900 members of the business community, including finalists and sponsors, gathering to mark another year.
“The entertainment this year featured talented performers, including young Noosa singer-songwriter Zara, a 50-strong Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir and the awards’ favourite band, Amplify, led by Chad Trent, who together kicked off the night with a very special performance of the song Climb made famous by Miley Cyrus,” Mrs Swaine said.
“The Sunshine Coast Business Awards is all about celebrating the incredible business talent on the Coast, so we are incredibly proud to showcase exclusively local talent at this year’s gala.
“Like our performers, our business winners represent the best of the best of our region and were selected from 137 finalists across 17 different categories.
“Every year the quality of the applications just gets better and better, and this year that was even more evident, which showcases the depth and breadth of the growing Sunshine Coast economy.”
Mrs Swaine said delivering the world-class calibre awards program, now in its 28th year, was a huge job, made possible by the hundreds of hours put in by the volunteer awards committee, volunteer judges and the strong support of the awards sponsors and stakeholders, many of whom return year after year to support the program.
“We would like to congratulate this year’s winners and also thank all 137 finalists as well as the 205 businesses who entered this year,” she said.
This year there were five Hall of Fame inductees – businesses that have won their category in the past three years – which were showcased in a video presentation featuring Damien Glanville from naming-rights sponsor LPE, who also emceed the showcase, accompanying by the band performing Eye of the Tiger.
Under the leadership of husband and wife owners Adam and Robyn Cheshire, Amaze World has grown from its roots as Bellingham Maze into a multi-award-winning destination.
“Receiving the Business of the Year award is an incredible honour for all of us at Amaze World,” Mr Cheshire said.
“To be recognised among the myriad of incredible businesses on the Sunshine Coast is truly humbling.
“This award not only celebrates our dedication but also acknowledges the relentless efforts of our team in crafting an experience that leaves a lasting impression on every guest.”
Amaze World now offers an assortment of mazes, engaging puzzles, mini golf, playground, waterplay and an on-site cafe.
“Our success is a testament to the exceptional team at Amaze World,” Mr Cheshire said.
Among the inductees to the Hall of Fame was Mooloolaba-based personal injury and compensation law firm Travis Schultz & Partners.
Managing partner Travis Schultz said he was honoured with the accolade.
“It’s humbling to be recognised three years running for our work in the Professional Services category, especially amongst so many deserving businesses here on the Coast,” he said.
“We are pleased to now offer our support to other local businesses by sponsoring the Professional Services category of the awards in 2023. We join the SCBA in acknowledging businesses that value community, hard work and integrity.”
Sunshine Coast Business Awards winners 2023
Business of the Year – Amaze World, Tanawha
Hall of Fame inductees: Becker Constructions, Landsborough; Coast2Bay Housing Group, Maroochydore; Travis Schultz & Partners, Mooloolaba; Waste Free Systems, Kunda Park; Wildings Forest School, Burnside
Accommodation (Tourism): Large – Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters, Birtinya; Small – Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville
Advanced Technology: Large – GreaseBoss, Birtinya; Small – Dr App, Sippy Downs
Building and Construction: Large – Advanced Aquarium Technologies, Kunda Park
Business Services: Large – Henzells Agency, Caloundra; Small – Kaizen Marketing, Maroochydore
Clean Technology: Large – Aussie Tiny Houses, Coolum; Small – Mineral Fox, Coolum Beach
Creative Industries: Large – Your Brand Crew, Buderim; Small – Ignite & Write by Roxanna McCarty-O’Kane, Beerwah
Education and Training: Large – The Eighth Mile Consulting, Caloundra; Small – Nikki Fogden Moore The Mojo Maker, Doonan
Experiences (Tourism): Large – Amaze World, Tanawha; Small – Creative Tours, Minyama
Export: Advanced Aquarium Technologies, Kunda Park
Food and Agribusiness: Large – Maleny Dairies, Maleny; Small – Beachtree Distilling Co., Caloundra West
Health and Wellness: Large – Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group, Birtinya; Small – Body & Mind by Leon, Warana
Hospitality: Large – Alex Surf Club, Alexandra Headland; Small – Sunny Rays Catering, Mountain Creek
Manufacturing: Large – The Mattress Company, Yandina; Small – First Light Fabrications, Bells Creek
Professional Services: Large – Catton & Tondelstrand Lawyers, Maroochydore; Small – Habitance Architects, Mapleton
Retail: Large – White’s IGA, Bli Bli; Small – Hooper Ruff, Mountain Creek
Social Impact: Large – SunnyKids, Maroochydore; Small – Stymie, Buderim
Trades and Services: Large – Laguna Pest Control, Noosaville; Small – Chuck’s Electrical, Mountain Creek
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