An organisation that builds and operates world-renowned aquariums has been recognised as the Sunshine Coast Business of the Year.
Kunda Park-based Advanced Aquarium Technologies was acknowledged for its efforts at the annual Sunshine Coast Business Awards, held at Twin Waters.
It was applauded as a world leader in the design, construction and operation of landmark public aquariums.
AAT has delivered aquariums in more than 25 countries including Den Bla Planet Denmark, the Oman Aquarium, the Cube Oceanarium in China and the Ocean Park Grand Aquarium in Hong Kong, as well as special aquariums inside the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, and the Heart of the Reef aquarium at the Whitsunday Airport.
The business was among 29 category winners and two Hall of Fame recipients at the function, which was held at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre and attended by about 850 members of the local business community.
Hall of Fame inductees included COYO and Kangaroo Bus Lines.
COYO creates delicious food for healthy folk and a happy planet.
All of COYO’s certified organic, dairy free coconut products are made with 100 per cent natural ingredients and are plant based, gluten free, preservative free, kosher certified and teeming with a unique blend of plant powered probiotics, clinically proven to contribute to a healthier, happier world.
Meanwhile, Kangaroo Bus Lines is a family owned and operated organisation that provides an integral contribution to the Passenger Transport Industry in Queensland.
The company’s expertise is in moving people and connecting communities through complete, personalised transport solutions tailored to specific needs.
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Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said the application and judging process was rigorous, with 187 entries and 131 finalists.
“This year’s entries were again of a very high calibre, which reflects the diversity, depth, and strength of the Sunshine Coast business community, particularly given the effects of COVID-19 over the past two years,” she said.
The event, largely sponsored by LPE, was hosted newsreader Rob Brough and it included performances by Cirque Bon Bon, Chris Williams, Burlesque L’Amour and music by Amplify.
“We are excited to get together for a great celebration – the 26th year of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards – particularly after the cancellation of last year’s awards program due to COVID-19,” Ms Swaine said.
Award winners
- Sunshine Coast 2021 Business of the Year: Advanced Aquarium Technologies.
- Hall of Fame inductees: COYO, Kangaroo Bus Lines.
- Accommodation (Tourism): Large – RACV Noosa Resort at Noosa, Small – Narrows Escape Rainforest Estate at Montville.
- Building and Constriction: Large – Advanced Aquarium Technologies at Kunda Park, Small – Becker Constructions at Landsborough.
- Clean Technology: Large – Aussie Tiny Houses at Coolum, Small – Waste Free Systems, Maroochydore.
- Creative Industries: Large – IN Publishing at Noosa, Small – 4 Ingredients at Moffat Beach.
- Education and Training: Large – Wildings Forest School at Burnside, Small 0 The Eighth Mile Consulting at Glenview.
- Experiences (Tourism): Large – The Ginger Factory at Yandina, Small – Red Lock Escape Rooms at Maroochydore.
- Export: Advanced Aquarium Technologies at Kunda Park.
- Festivals and Events (Tourism): Sunshine Coast Lightning at Sippy Downs.
- Food and Agribusiness: Large – Good Harvest Organic Farm at Coolum, Small – Global Boss International at Eerwah Vale.
- Health and Wellness: Large – Sunny Street at Maroochydore, Small – Stymie at Birtinya.
- Hospitality: Large – Bella Venezia Group at Mooloolaba, Small – Kaali Gourmet Indian Restaurant at Noosa.
- Manufacturing: Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment at Noosa.
- Professional Services: Large – Travis Schultz & Partners at Mooloolaba, Small – HRM Contracting & Consulting at Maroochydore.
- Retail: Large – White’s IGA at Bli Bli, Small – Pleasant State at Coolum.
- Social Impact: Large – Coast2Bay Housing Group at Maroochydore. Small – Food and Agribusiness Network at Buderim.
- Trades and Services: Large – Office HQ at Buderim, Small – Ms Monaco Hair Society at Sippy Downs.
To find out more about the Awards visit sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au/
