The Whitsunday region came together in style on Friday evening to celebrate the talent, innovation, leadership, and community contribution of local businesses at the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards, held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.
More than 200 guests attended the sold-out event, delivered in partnership by Whitsunday Regional Council, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Bowen Chamber of Commerce.
The Awards recognised excellence across seven categories. Following an initial assessment, 46 businesses and individuals progressed to the nominee stage and final judging, with winners selected by an independent panel of regional industry experts.
James Cook University was the 2026 Principal Partner, providing valued support for the Awards and their focus on recognising the people, skills, innovation and regional leadership that contribute to a strong Whitsundays business community. JCU’s commitment to regional education, skills development and opportunity made it a fitting partner for an event celebrating the people helping shape the region’s future.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Awards provided an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations making a difference across the region:
Tonight is about celebrating the people behind our local businesses who have backed themselves, created opportunities and helped make the Whitsundays such a great place to live, work and do business.
What I love about these Awards is the mix of businesses and people being recognised, from those who have served our communities for decades to the next generation having a crack and building something special right here in our region.
Congratulations to every winner, highly commended recipient and nominee.
You should all be proud of what you contribute, not just to our economy, but to the strength and character of our communities across the Whitsundays.
Jo Shepherd, Bowen Chamber of Commerce committee member, said:
Our region’s strength lies not only in our major industries and investments, but in the determination of the people behind our local businesses. Every business that takes a chance, creates a job, or invests in its future contributes to our region’s prosperity.
These awards give us the opportunity to recognise that commitment and celebrate the achievements of businesses across all industries.
But recognition is only part of the story. We must continue to back our local businesses, invest in our people, share opportunities and work together across our towns and industries. Our region has enormous potential, and it is up to all of us to turn that potential into lasting opportunities for the next generation.
Allan Milostic, President of the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said:
As business owners and operators, we know what it takes to keep moving forward — the long days, challenges, decisions and opportunities, and the people who make it all possible.
Our region is home to an incredible diversity of industries and businesses, from tourism and hospitality, trades and construction to agriculture, professional services, retail, health and technology.
We may take different paths, but we share a common role in making the Whitsundays a great place to live, work and do business.
I’m proud these Awards give us an opportunity to shine a light on our efforts and bring our business community together.
2026 Whitsunday Business Awards Winners
Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year
Presented by StarFM Mackay and the Whitsundays
Recognising the Business of the Year that sets the benchmark for excellence, innovation, and leadership.
Small Business Winner: NQ Aerovation
Highly Commended: Belle Property Whitsundays
Medium to Large Business Winner: Bowen Rail Company
Highly Commended: Magnums Unique Accommodation
Business Leader of the Year
Presented by Abbot Point Operations
Recognising inspiring leaders whose vision, dedication, and influence have driven exceptional business and regional success.
Winner: Emma Whybird – Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday
Highly Commended: Hayley Moran – Airlie Health Hub
Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee
Presented by TAFE Queensland
Highlighting exceptional employees, apprentices, and trainees who have demonstrated outstanding growth, dedication, and contribution.
Winner: Giulian Grasso – Whitsunday Law
Highly Commended: Soumya Santosh – Tassal
Customer Service Excellence
Presented by LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach
Celebrating businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
Small Business Winner: Bright Patch Café
Highly Commended: Coastal Brush
Highly Commended: Hog’s Breath Cafe Airlie Beach
Medium to Large Business Winner: Mark Milligan – Pilcher’s Mitre 10
Community Champion
Presented by McDonald’s Restaurants (Airlie Beach, Cannonvale & Bowen)
Recognising businesses and organisations making a meaningful difference through community contributions and initiatives.
Winner: Whitsunday Counselling & Support
Highly Commended: Bowen Community Op Shop
Think Big
Presented by Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
Recognising businesses or individuals demonstrating bold vision and turning opportunity into action through innovation, expansion, investment, and future-focused thinking, including opportunities connected to Brisbane 2032.
Winner: GRB Mining
Business Legends of the Whitsundays: Hall of Fame
Presented by Whitsunday Regional Council
Celebrating businesses or individuals that have achieved long-term success and made an enduring impact on the region.
Winner: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre
Winner and highly commended profiles are included below.
Acknowledgements
The 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards were proudly supported by:
Principal Partner: James Cook University
Category Sponsors: Abbot Point Operations, Bishopp Outdoor Advertising, LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach, McDonald’s Restaurants, StarFM Mackay and the Whitsundays, and TAFE Queensland.
Print Media Partner: Mackay and Whitsunday Life
Transport Partner: Whitsunday Transit
Event Partners: Infront Security Services, Coastal Food Design, Sea and Stone Grazing, 74 Islands, Shivoo, and Whitsunday Party Hire.
Awards Supporter: Amanda Camm MP
The Whitsunday Business Awards are delivered in partnership by Whitsunday Regional Council, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Bowen Chamber of Commerce.
2026 Winner and Highly Commended Profiles
Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year
Presented by StarFM
Small Business Winner – NQ Aerovation
Founded in Bowen almost a decade ago, NQ Aerovation has evolved from a specialist beneficial insect drone operation into a regional commercial drone business. The company provides drone sales, repairs, training, licensing, aerial operations and ongoing support, helping industries including agriculture, mining, ports, renewables and infrastructure adopt technology safely, productively and sustainably.
Highly Commended Small Business – Belle Property Whitsundays
Established in late 2024, Belle Property Whitsundays has rapidly built a reputation for expert advice, tailored marketing and strong client service, combining innovative technology with a personalised approach while achieving significant growth across sales and property management.
Medium to Large Business Winner – Bowen Rail Company
Founded in 2020 and fully operational from 2022, Bowen Rail Company has grown into a 24/7 six-train operation supporting the region’s resources sector. In FY26, the company employed more than 206 people, delivered 1,620 services and moved 11.2 million tonnes, while investing in local jobs, training, technology and operational innovation.
Highly Commended Medium to Large Business – Magnums Unique Accommodation
Magnums Unique Accommodation has evolved from a backpacker hostel established on its current site in 1986 into an independently operated, award-winning accommodation business. The Hackett family has built its reputation around service, value, local knowledge, sustainability and providing visitors with a genuine Whitsundays experience.
Business Leader of the Year
Presented by Abbot Point Operations
Winner – Emma Whybird, Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday
Emma Whybird has led Edge Dance Studio through significant growth, increasing student numbers from 115 to 289, employees from three to nine and weekly classes to 88. She continues to teach 22 classes each week while investing in professional development, developing emerging leaders and building an inclusive team culture focused on opportunity and growth.
Highly Commended – Hayley Moran, Airlie Health Hub
Hayley Moran identified a gap in the local market for healthy, organic and package-free food and turned the idea into two purpose-driven retail concepts. Airlie Health Hub now works with local producers and Australian suppliers, offering more than 400 plastic-free bulk products while supporting local agriculture, sustainability and community wellbeing.
Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee
Presented by TAFE Queensland
Winner – Giulian Grasso, Whitsunday Law
Giulian Grasso joined Whitsunday Law in 2022 in an administrative role and progressed to personal assistant before completing his law degree, practical legal training and practising certificate while working full-time. Now a solicitor, he has taken responsibility for the firm’s criminal practice and continues to build his career while contributing to the local community.
Highly Commended – Soumya Santosh, Tassal
Soumya Santosh has progressed from technician to Site Manager at Tassal’s Proserpine prawn hatchery since joining in 2021. With a master’s degree in marine biology, she leads two facilities across production, welfare, biosecurity and safety, while driving improvements in technology, resource use and operational performance.
Customer Service Excellence
Presented by LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach
Small Business Winner – Bright Patch Café
Since opening in October 2025, Bright Patch Cafe has built its reputation around creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive experience for families and individuals. The café focuses on personalised service, accommodating dietary needs and making customers feel seen, with its commitment to customer experience already recognised through the 2026 Australian Good Food Guide Readers’ Choice Awards.
Highly Commended Small Business – Coastal Brush
Coastal Brush has built its painting and decorating business around clear communication, reliable service and quality workmanship. Detailed quotes, regular updates, project walkthroughs and aftercare help deliver a consistent customer experience, supported by strong word-of-mouth referrals, repeat clients and positive feedback.
Highly Commended Small Business – Hog’s Breath Cafe Airlie Beach
Under new ownership since July 2024, Hog’s Breath Cafe Airlie Beach has focused on genuine human interaction and full table service. Strong staff training, consistent standards and customer feedback have helped build a loyal following, including more than 300 five-star reviews in its first two years.
Medium to Large Business Winner – Mark Milligan, Pilcher’s Mitre 10
With more than 20 years’ retail experience and four years at Pilcher’s Mitre 10, Mark Milligan has built a reputation for trusted advice, product knowledge and genuine customer relationships. His solutions-focused approach helps tradies and DIY customers find the right products and practical solutions, contributing to the business’s strong year-on-year performance.
Community Champion
Presented by McDonald’s Restaurants (Airlie Beach, Cannonvale & Bowen)
Winner – Whitsunday Counselling & Support
Whitsunday Counselling & Support has provided specialist domestic and family violence and sexual violence services across the Whitsunday region since 1990. The organisation provides free, confidential support including counselling, refuge, court assistance, children’s programs and outreach. In the past year, it supported 1,866 people through a team of 21 staff across the region.
Highly Commended – Bowen Community Op Shop
The Bowen Community Op Shop is a community social enterprise supported by 33 volunteers, with funds retained locally to support initiatives including the food bank, homelessness services and soup kitchen. The purpose-built shop reopened in April 2025, providing affordable goods and inclusive volunteering opportunities for the Bowen community.
Think Big
Presented by Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
Winner – GRB Mining
Founded in the Whitsundays in 2021, GRB Mining is developing an integrated regional mining services ecosystem combining technology, training, equipment and capital. Its 90-acre site between Proserpine and Bowen represents an estimated $22 million investment and includes plans for a training facility and digital platform designed to build regional capability.
Business Legends of the Whitsundays: Hall of Fame
Presented by Whitsunday Regional Council
Winner – Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre
With roots dating back to 1986, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has supported the community for more than 35 years. Its volunteer-governed organisation delivers family support, emergency relief, food security, early childhood and community programs, supported by 16 staff and 54 volunteers. In 2025, its work generated more than $5.5 million in community value.
Regional Queensland Needs More Workers, Not Fewer