A local food innovator has claimed top honours at the Sunshine Coast’s main business awards event.
Noosa Black Garlic was crowned Business of the Year at the 30th Sunshine Coast Business Awards Gala at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on Saturday.
The region’s business community came together to celebrate three decades of excellence, innovation and resilience at the event, which attracted more than 850 guests.
There were 34 category winners and six Hall of Fame inductees in one of the largest celebrations in the program’s history.
Awards chair Jennifer Swaine said this year’s milestone event marked a defining moment for the region’s business community.
“Thirty years on, these awards continue to reflect the incredible breadth and talent of the Sunshine Coast business community, from emerging entrepreneurs to nationally recognised leaders,” she said.
“Our 2025 winners have shown that the Sunshine Coast is not just a great place to live: it’s an extraordinary place to do business.
“They’ve demonstrated excellence, innovation and purpose in a year that’s seen record participation and unprecedented growth.
“Congratulations to every finalist and winner who stood on stage tonight: your success is a credit to your hard work, your teams, and your community.”
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Noosa Black Garlic claimed the Small Food and Agribusiness category and the coveted Business of the Year title, recognised for its pioneering approach to local production and growing national footprint.
“It’s exciting to see a food and agribusiness take out the top honours this year: a recognition of the Sunshine Coast’s position as a leader in this sector thanks to the passion of local producers,” Ms Swaine said.
Other standouts included Advanced Aquarium Technologies, Alex Surf Club, Laguna Pest Control and Sunny Rays Catering who all continued their winning streaks, earning them a place in next year’s Hall of Fame.
This year also saw the introduction of the inaugural Sustainability category, recognising businesses leading the way in environmental responsibility.
Eastwell Farms was named the Small Business winner and Laguna Pest Control the Large Business winner, both applauded for embedding sustainability and innovation into their operations.
The 2025 Gala also celebrated six new Hall of Fame inductees – Maleny Dairies, GreaseBoss, First Light Fabrication, AmazeWorld, Mercure Kawana Waters and Your Brand Crew, which were recognised for achieving three consecutive wins in their respective categories.
“The winners are the result of months of hard work, rigorous judging, and incredible support from our sponsors, judges and volunteers,” Ms Swaine said.
“The Sunshine Coast Business Awards have always been about more than trophies: they’re about connection, growth, and recognising the businesses shaping the future of our region.”
The evening featured local entertainment and a menu championing Sunshine Coast producers.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards winners
- Accommodation (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Airport): Thirlestane Farm
- Advanced Technology (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council): Small – Blue Seas AI Consulting; Large – RAIDER Targetry
- Building, Construction & Engineering (sponsored by Maroochydore City Centre): Small – Complex Consulting Group; Large – Advanced Aquarium Technologies
- Business Services (sponsored by Coraggio): Small – Sparo Studios; Large – Animal Emergency Service Tanawha
- Creative Industries (sponsored by AV Partners): Empire Art Photography & Coaching
- Education & Training (sponsored by Pacific Motor Group): Small – Workplace Performance & Wellbeing Institute; Large – Real Life Skills Support Services
- Experiences (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Airport): Small – Saltwater Eco Tours; Large – Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
- Festival & Events (sponsored by Portable Creations): Australian Wearable Art Festival
- Export (sponsored by RDA Moreton Bay & Sunshine Coast): Advanced Aquarium Technologies
- Food & Agribusiness (sponsored by Turbine): Small – Noosa Black Garlic; Large – Maleny Cheese
- Health & Medical Services (sponsored by Catton & Tondelstrand Family Lawyers): Small – Noosa Junction Chiropractic; Large – Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare
- Hospitality (sponsored by ABHT): Small – Sunny Rays Catering; Large – Alex Surf Club
- Manufacturing (sponsored by Sunquest Signs): Small – Grenof; Large – Helitak
- Personal Fitness & Wellbeing (sponsored by Portable Creations): Switch4Schools
- Professional Services (presented by Sunshine Coast Business Awards): Small – Indepth Accounting; Large – Gregson & Weight Funeral Directors
- Retail (sponsored by Judo Bank): Small – Indie Boho; Large – Knobby
- Social Impact (sponsored by ADFX): Small – Manufacturing Excellence Forum; Large – ECOllaboration Ltd.
- Sustainability (sponsored by Noosa Council): Small – Eastwell Farms; Large – Laguna Pest Control
- Trades & Services (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Business Awards): Small – MJB Bodyworks & Fabrication; Large – Qspec Building Mobility Solutions
- Business of the Year (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council): Noosa Black Garlic
- Hall of Fame (sponsored by Coraggio): Maleny Dairies; GreaseBoss; First Light Fabrication; AmazeWorld; Mercure Kawana Waters; Your Brand Crew
