The Whitsunday business community will come together next month to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community spirit at the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards, recognising 70 outstanding nominees across ten award categories.
Delivered in partnership between Whitsunday Regional Council, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Bowen Chamber of Commerce, the Awards shine a spotlight on the people and enterprises driving growth across the region.
This year’s event is proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine as Principal Partner, highlighting its commitment to building stronger, more connected communities through business support.
Mayor Ry Collins said the Whitsundays’ business sector continues to set a benchmark for regional excellence, innovation, and resilience.
“The Whitsundays has always been a place where local businesses punch well above their weight by combining creativity, community pride and the kind of tropical spirit that keeps people coming back,” Mayor Collins said.
“From Bowen to Collinsville, and from Proserpine to Airlie Beach, our business community is the beating heart of our economy.
“Council is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Chambers and local business leaders as we continue to build a thriving, diverse and sustainable economy that’s ready for the next decade of growth leading into 2032 and beyond.”
Alan Milostic, President of the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said “These Business Awards are an opportunity to recognise the businesses and individuals going above and beyond.”
“We know that when we celebrate our businesses, we inspire others to grow, create jobs, and build a stronger regional economy for everyone. We look forward to celebrating everyone at the event in November.”
Jo Shepherd from the Bowen Chamber of Commerce said the Whitsunday Business Awards are more than just recognition, they are a celebration of resilience, innovation, and community spirit.
“They offer our region a unique window into the journeys behind local success stories, shining a light on the determination, challenges, and growth that help shape our business community. Congratulations to all nominees.”
The 2025 Awards will feature ten categories including Business of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Small Business Hero, and Eco Excellence, culminating in the prestigious Business Legends of the Whitsundays: Hall of Fame presented by Whitsunday Regional Council.
Tickets are now on sale for the gala event to be held Friday 21 November 2025, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, featuring entertainment, networking, roaming feast, and a night of celebration.
“This is a great night out for our region and a chance to celebrate success, share stories, and acknowledge how far we’ve come,” Mayor Collins said.
“Our business community is a key part of the Whitsundays story and these awards remind us that behind every great local business is a great local person making it happen.”
2025 Whitsunday Business Awards – 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach
Celebrating businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to create unforgettable customer experiences.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Abbot Point Operations, Community Support Program
- Bowen Community Op Shop
- Bowen Meals on Wheels
- Bowen Tourism and Business
- Club Whitsunday
- Creative Connections Whitsunday
- Murroona Gardens
- Tassal
- Tin Lid Enterprises
- Whitsunday Housing Co
Eco Excellence – presented by Green Energy Technologies
Showcasing businesses that are leading the way in sustainability, environmental responsibility and green innovation.
- 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.
- Abbot Point Operations
- Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach
- Nathan Fleming, Airlie Beach Tourism and Ocean Rafting
- Tim Warren Auto Airconditioning & Electrical
Event Details
Tickets: On sale now.
Event Date: Friday 21 November 2025
Venue: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
Time: 5:15pm for 5:30pm – 8:30pm (includes roaming feast, entertainment, networking and two drinks)
Proudly presented by: Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council.
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