The Whitsunday Business Awards 2025 celebrates the outstanding achievements, leadership, innovation, and resilience of businesses and business leaders across the Whitsunday region
This collaborative initiative between the Bowen Chamber of Commerce, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Whitsunday Regional Council will showcase business and individual excellence.
With judging led by respected regional and external experts, and a sundowner Awards Ceremony from 5:30pm Friday 21 November 2025, this is the region’s premier cross-sector business celebration.
Thanks to our Major Partners
2025 Principal Partner
2025 Media Partner
2025 Outdoor Media Partner
Meet the Nominees
Best of the Whitsundays: Business of the Year presented by Australian Radio Network
For an outstanding business that sets the gold standard for excellence, innovation, and leadership in the region.
2025 Nominees:
- Airlie Beach Hotel
- Airlie Beach Tourism
- Birds Fish Bar
- Mana Skin Body & Soul
- Murroona Gardens
- Ocean Rafting
- Whitsunday Life Newspaper
Business Leader of the Year presented by Abbot Point Operations
Recognising an inspiring leader whose vision, dedication, and influence have driven exceptional business and regional success.
2025 Nominees:
- Garry Matthias, Corrsafe Enterprises
- Jenny Rush, Aquatic Rush
- Kellee Fogg, Whitsunday Law
- Robert Congo, Yooribaya Cultural Experience
Rising Star: Employee, Apprentice or Trainee presented by McDonald’s Restaurants (Airlie Beach, Cannonvale & Bowen)
Highlighting an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding growth, dedication, and contribution.
2025 Nominees:
- Aaron Murphy, Down to Earth Whitsundays
- Allen Bauer, Bird’s Fish Bar
- Billy Hinchcliffe, Pilchers Mitre 10 Bowen
- Jessica March-Peach, Women’s Well Co
- Orry Ferguson, Airlie Beach Hotel
- Shontelle Betzel, Bowen Rail Company
Small Business Hero presented by Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
Recognising sole traders and small businesses that make a big impact through ambition, innovation, and resilience.
2025 Nominees:
- Above and Below Gallery
- Airlie Health Hub
- Ambitious Cakes
- Ceremonies by Georgina
- Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday
- Mumabuba
- Oceanic Tales
- Option Insurance Brokers
- Party Cakes Whitsunday
- Principle Movements
- Queen of Clothing
- The Answer is Yes
- Tim Warren Auto Airconditioning & Electrical
- Yooribaya Cultural Experiences
Customer Service Champion presented by LifeLive Pharmacy Airlie Beach
Celebrating businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to create unforgettable customer experiences.
2025 Nominees:
- Airlie Beach Executive Services
- Hogs Breath Cafe Airlie Beach
- Bowen Tourism and Business
- Katrina Williams, Garden Shack Whitsundays
- Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach
- Mana Skin Body & Soul
- Mariah Dean, Frangipani Cleaning Services
- Peninsula Airlie Beach
- Tamarra Robson, Bowen Meals on Wheels
- Whitsunday Sailing Outrigger
Regional Game Changer presented by nbn Co.
Recognising businesses that fuel economic growth, innovation, and community prosperity across the region.
2025 Nominees:
- Bowen Gumlu Growers Association
- Corrsafe Enterprises
- Shiift
- Tin Lid Enterprises
- Whitsunday Life Newspaper
- Whitsundays Property Buyers
Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur presented by TAFE Queensland
Celebrating rising stars (under 25) who are redefining success in start-ups, leadership, or industry innovation.
2025 Nominees:
- Fayith Mitchell, Photography for You
- Mariah Dean, Frangipani Cleaning Services
- Sam Vanderpoel, Rolling with Netherpoel
Community Champion presented by Rotary Club of Airlie Beach
Highlighting businesses making a real difference in the Whitsunday community through meaningful contributions and initiatives.
2025 Nominees:
- Abbot Point Operations, Community Support Program
- Bowen Community Op Shop
- Bowen Meals on Wheels
- Murroona Gardens
- Bowen Tourism and Business
- Club Whitsunday
- Creative Connections Whitsunday
- Tassal
- Tin Lid Enterprises
- Whitsunday Housing Co Ltd
Eco Excellence presented by Green Energy Technologies
Showcasing businesses that are leading the way in sustainability, environmental responsibility, and green innovation.
2025 Nominees:
- Airlie Health Hub
- Bubble Soap Co
- Coral Sea Marina
- Pilchers Recycling
- Whitsunday Segway Tours
- Zero Waste Solutions
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.
2025 Nominees:
- Abbot Point Operations
- Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach
- Nathan Fleming, Airlie Beach Tourism and Ocean Rafting
- Tim Warren Auto Airconditioning & Electrical
Join us for the Awards event
Tickets: On sale now and includes roaming feast, entertainment, networking and two drinks (then cash bar).
- Early Bird tickets (23-31 October): $50 each
- Standard tickets (from 1 November): $69 each
- Group Package (from 1 November): Five tickets for $295
When: 5:30pm-8:30pm Friday 21 November 2025
Venue: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
Thanks to our partners & get involved
The 2025 Whitsunday Regional Awards are proudly supported by Principal Partner Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine.
We are also grateful to the number of regional businesses who have partnered with us to sponsor individual categories.
Additionally, Mackay and Whitsunday Life are this year’s Media Partner, Bishopp Outdoor Advertising is the Outdoor Media Partner, and Telstra Regional Australia and Option Insurance Brokers have joined as Award Supporters.
There are a number of sponsorship and in-kind partnership opportunities available. Please contact the Whitsunday Business Awards administration team for a prospectus via admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au
