The Sunshine Coast’s business of the year has been revealed at an annual awards night that attracted about 850 people.
Aquarian construction company Advanced Aquarium Technologies was acknowledged with the major gong at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at Novotel Twin Waters.
There were 38 trophies presented, 130 finalists and 239 entries.
SCBA chair Jennifer Swaine thanked sponsors, judges, volunteers and business operators and supporters.
“The night was a tremendous success and a fantastic chance for the Sunshine Coast to recognise and reflect on our diverse and growing business community,” she said.
“Many businesses have had a tough year competing with cost of living pressures and other external factors so the awards provide an important platform to celebrate excellence across multiple sectors.
“Each year, the awards get bigger and better and we look forward to next year which will mark 30 years of the program. which runs over nine months and includes multiple networking opportunities for businesses.”
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli and Noosa mayor Frank Wilkie were on hand to congratulate the winners with emcee Shane Jacobson and entertainers 7 Sopranos and Amplify adding energy to in the room as they collaborated in performing Queen’s global hit “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
This year’s gala event had an increased focus on locally-grown and produced food and beverage with the awards’ first ever Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Bar and a menu featuring Mooloolaba prawns, Sunshine Coast saltbush, Peachester limes and more.
Advanced Aquarium Solutions also took out the awards for Export and Building and Construction (large business).
They design, build and operate major public aquariums worldwide and are recognised as a leader in the public aquarium development industry.
AAT works with national, state and local governments, world-leading architects and private investors on the design, construction and operation of aquariums that become internationally-renowned assets for cities, regions and organisations.
Meanwhile, four businesses were inducted into the Hall of Fame, recognised for winning their categories over three consecutive years.
The new inductees were White’s IGA, Narrows Escape, Aussie Tiny Houses and Stymie were recognised on stage.
“The Sunshine Coast Business Awards celebrates our thriving business community, showcasing local talent and recognising businesses whose efforts help shape our region,” Ms Swaine said.
“Our finalists, winners and Hall of Fame inductees are a testament to the innovation, resilience, and success that defines our local economy” Swaine concluded.
Sunshine Coast Business Award winners
Accommodation, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Airport
- Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters (large)
- Glen Eden Beach Resort (small)
Advanced Technology, sponsored by Sumup
- GreaseBoss (large)
- Inform Ag (small)
Building and Construction, sponsored by Walker Corp
- Advanced Aquarium Technologies (large)
- Nyblad Constructions (small)
Business Services, sponsored by Coraggio
- Digital Nomads HQ (large)
- Noosa4Sale (small)
Clean Technology, sponsored by Noosa Council
- CDC Solar and Electrical (large)
- Mineral Fox (small)
Creative Industries, sponsored by AV Partners
- Your Brand Crew
Education and Training, sponsored by Pacific Ford
- Neurodivergent Empowered (large)
- The Eighth Mile Consulting (small)
Experiences, sponsored by Opals Down Under
- Amaze World (large)
- Saltwater Eco Tours (small)
Food and Agribusiness, sponsored by Turbine
- Maleny Dairies (large)
- Green Valley Fingerlimes (small)
Health and Wellness, sponsored by SunCentral
- Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group (large)
- Activate Body – Physio, Health and Fitness (small)
Hospitality, sponsored by Portable Creations
- Alex Surf Club (large)
- Sunny Rays Catering (small)
Manufacturing, sponsored by Sunquest Signs
- The Mattress Company (large)
- First Light Fabrication (small)
Professional Services, sponsored by Travis Shultz & Partners
- Animal Emergency Service Tanawha (small)
- InDepth Accounting (large)
Retail, sponsored by JudoBank
- En Mina Leather (small)
- Kawana Flooring (large)
Social Impact, sponsored by ADFX
- ECOllaboration (small)
- SunnyKids (large)
Trades and Services, sponsored by Catton & Tondelstrand Family Lawyers
- Laguna Pest Control (small)
- MOXY Services (large)
Export, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council
- Advanced Aquarium Technologies
Sunshine Coast Business of the Year, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council
- Advanced Aquarium Technologies
Hall of Fame, sponsored by Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast
- White’s IGA
- Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
- Aussie Tiny Houses
- Stymie
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