Winners 2025
Accommodation
Thirlestane Farm is a luxury farm-stay in the Noosa Hinterland, blending heritage charm with modern elegance on 28 serene acres of farmland. Family-owned and lovingly restored, it offers Highland cows, bees, and authentic rural experiences. Guests enjoy farm-fresh produce, curated local treats, and personal service that redefines “switching off in style.” Committed to sustainability and community, Thirlestane delivers an immersive escape that inspires guests and showcases the Sunshine Coast as a premier destination for meaningful travel.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Airport
Advanced Technology
Small: Blue Seas AI Consulting
Blue Seas AI Consulting create human-centred, ROI-driven AI solutions to help Sunshine Coast SMEs thrive. They bring a “1% better every day” mindset to every project and proudly partner with local businesses, non-profits, and chambers. Not just innovating with AI— they are building a stronger, more connected Coast community.
Large: RAIDER Targetry
RAIDER Targetry, a proud Sunshine Coast-based small business, is at the forefront of military training technology, ensuring our warfighters are better prepared for combat. Leveraging cutting-edge advancements in autonomy, robotics, lasers, and AI, our passionate and skilled team, comprising veterans, recent graduates, and engineers from diverse fields, drives innovation. RAIDER proudly showcases world-leading defence technology, demonstrating that global excellence in military training can be found right here on the Sunshine Coast.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Council
Building, Construction & Engineering
Small: Complex Consulting Group
Nyblad Construction is a family-owned Sunshine Coast construction and renovation company, with a solid reputation for excellence dating back to 1999.
Large: Advanced Aquarium Technologies
Born on the Sunshine Coast, AAT is an Australian owned multinational specializing in the design, construction and operation of iconic public aquariums. AAT today employs over 160 people with businesses in the USA, China, the Philippines, Guam and New Zealand.
Sponsored by: Maroochydore City Centre
Business Services
Small: Sparo Studios
Sparo Studios is a Sunshine Coast–based, female-led branding and web design agency with over 60 years of combined experience. They deliver strategy-driven, custom brands and websites to clients across Australia and the world, blending deep brand strategy with standout design. Sparo helps service-based businesses and founders elevate positioning, increase conversions, and communicate value with impact. Their boutique approach pairs world-class creative with local talent, bringing global revenue into the region while showcasing the Sunshine Coast’s thriving creative community.
Large: Animal Emergency Service Tanawha
Animal Emergency Service is the Sunshine Coast’s dedicated 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital, delivering world-class critical care when pets need it most. Locally owned and industry led, AES is recognised for excellence, innovation, and compassion. Their skilled team provide lifesaving treatment with advanced technology. With an open hospital policy, families can remain by their pet’s side during care. More than a hospital, AES is a place of healing, hope, and commitment because every pet matters, and every moment counts.
Sponsored by: Coraggio
Creative Industries
Empire Art Photography & Coaching
Jaya McIntyre is the driving force behind Empire Art Photography & Coaching. A professional photographer, coach, and creative director with a fierce passion for helping clients step into their power. Jaya combines her deep understanding of storytelling, branding, and human behaviour to create transformational experiences both in front of the lens and behind the scenes. As a Master NLP and Timeline Therapy practitioner, she brings a unique edge to personal branding and empowerment sessions blending mindset, visual identity, and strategy.
Sponsored by: AV Partners
Education & Training
Small: Workplace Performance & Wellbeing Institute
Workplace Performance & Wellbeing Institute (WPWI) is a national consultancy based on the Sunshine Coast, helping organisations improve performance, increase retention, and build thriving workplace cultures, all while reducing stress and burnout. Through tailored workshops, strategic programs, and Australia’s first National Workplace Wellbeing Conference, WPWI equips leaders with practical tools to embed wellbeing into business strategy. Their work is transforming how Australia leads, works, and thrives, starting from right here on the Sunshine Coast.
Large: Real Life Skills Support Services
Real Life Skills Support Services (RLSSS) delivers life-changing capacity building programs that empower people with disability to live more independent and connected lives. Our Sunshine Coast headquartered NDIS provider focusses on redefining the community services industry, through innovative programs and support models that build life skills over time, foster confidence and create inclusive spaces where people are seen, heard and truly capable.
Sponsored by: Pacific Ford Motor Group
Experiences
Small: Saltwater Eco Tours
Saltwater Eco Tours is a sustainably driven, eco-tourism business that forges a deeper connection to Australia’s Indigenous culture through unique marine experiences on the Mooloolaba waterways, featuring Kabi Kabi and Torres Strait Islander culture, maritime history, native foods, and live music experiences on board a 117 year old, heritage- listed vessel, Spray of the Coral Coast and in accessible traditional canoes. Their services include Saltwater Experiences at the Wharf Mooloolaba, a booking office and retail store showcasing authentic First Nations products.
Large: Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is more than a destination – it’s an unforgettable experience. With breathtaking Glasshouse Mountain views and rare, hands-on encounters with macaws and black cockatoos, they inspire wonder in every guest. Proudly Sunshine Coast, they drive tourism, support local jobs, and share Queensland’s beauty with the world. With a commitment to eco-tourism, accessibility, and heartfelt hospitality, they connect people to nature in a way that is truly magical!
Presented by: Sunshine Coast Airport
Festivals & Events
Australia Wearable Art Festival
From humble beginnings in Eumundi with just 180 attendees, the Australian Wearable Art Festival has grown into a internationally recognised cultural phenomenon on the Sunshine Coast. Each year, AWAF transforms Venue 114 into a 27-metre runway of imagination, showcasing wearable masterpieces that blend fashion, sculpture and performance. With sold-out shows, immersive experiences and a commitment to sustainability, AWAF provides a platform for emerging and established creatives, inspires audiences and positions the Sunshine Coast as a world-class destination for the arts.
Sponsored by: Portable Creations
Food & Agribusiness
Small: Noosa Black Garlic
Noosa Black Garlic, known as ‘The Truffle of the Garlic World’ transforms locally grown organic garlic into rich, sweet, umami-packed ‘black gold’. In just over 3 years they have become Australia’s largest and most awarded black garlic producer. Their artisan range of black garlic gourmet products has won 4 Champion Trophies in the past year. Noosa Black Garlic supplies premium retailers, restaurants and chefs all over the country, and soon the rest of the world.
Large: Maleny Cheese
Maleny Cheese is a family-owned artisan dairy in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, producing award-winning cheeses and yoghurts with a strong focus on sustainability and ecotourism. At the onsite café, visitors can enjoy and dine on products made at the boutique cheesery, watch products being made and enjoy a unique educational journey celebrating the region’s rich dairy heritage. Exceptional food and beverages, made locally in the region from ingredients grown and produced in the region. Refreshing and full of flavour.
Sponsored by: Turbine
Health & Medical Services
Small: Noosa Junction Chiropractic
Noosa Junction Chiropractic is a health transformation centre in the heart of Noosa, helping individuals & families reclaim vitality, clarity & purpose through personalised Chiropractic Care. Far beyond quick fixes, they restore nervous system function to address root causes of tension, stress & fatigue. Guided by values of Connection, Growth & Excellence, they combine advanced clinical standards with heartfelt care, empowering people to thrive. Today, they serve over 200 patients weekly & inspire a healthier, happier community.
Large: Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare
Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare, through its Brain & Mind Hub Sunshine Coast, delivers neuroscience-led, precision mental health care. It offers world leading integrated services including psychiatry, psychology, advanced brain imaging, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine therapy for depression, lifestyle medicine and AI powered diagnostics. Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare provides personalised expert care all under one roof. This integrated model delivers life-changing outcomes, empowers community wellbeing and cements the Sunshine Coast as a beacon of mental health innovation.
Sponsored by: Catton & Tondelstrand Family Lawyers
Hospitality
Small: Sunny Rays Catering
Sunny Rays Catering offers bespoke event planning & hospitality services for the private dining & corporate catering sectors across the Sunshine Coast region. Offering the highest quality of event management, food & wine, the dedicated team of chefs & sommeliers create unforgettable moments for their clients from weddings, birthdays, anniversaries & corporate celebrations! Excelling the senses of the community, one party at a time!
Large: Alex Surf Club
Situated right on Alexandra Headland beach, Alex Surf Club serves world class food, drinks and entertainment with a view that can’t be matched. Alex Surf Club offers six venues in one, including the Lookout Bistro, Beachside Café, Bluff Bar, Sports Bar and Gaming plus two function spaces. As a not-for-profit, the Club supports the operation of Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club. Alex Surf Club’s friendly team look forward to seeing you in the Best Seat on the Beach soon!
Sponsored by: Australian Business & Hospitality Training
Manufacturing
Small: Grenof
Grenof is a market-disrupting, innovation-led company solving Australia’s sovereign risk in chlor-alkali chemicals. Grenof are challenging a monopoly by building sustainable, localised manufacturing. Grenof allows customers to meet global decarbonisation goals by providing a more reliable, locally made product that avoids high-emission imports. Grenof have successfully secured the Queensland government as an equity partner, demonstrating credibility. Grenof solve the sovereign risk where Australia only has weeks of supply of critical water treatment chemicals, with over 3 billion kilograms imported annually.
Large: Helitak
Helitak designs and manufactures innovative aerial firefighting equipment, including fire tanks, aerial strike buckets, and hover pumps. Trusted worldwide, Helitak enhances firefighting efficiency, safety, and precision for helicopter operators globally.
Sponsored by: Sunquest Signs
Personal Fitness & Wellbeing
Switch4Schools is a research-based digital platform recognised by HundrED and the International Baccalaureate as one of the world’s top 15 wellbeing innovations in education. It combines intuitive check-ins, proven psychological strategies, AI-driven guidance, and fully resourced lesson plans and assessment to reduce teacher workload, improve classroom behaviour, foster emotional intelligence, and build a healthier, high-performing school culture.
Sponsored by: Portable Creations
Professional Services
Small: Indepth Accounting
InDepth Accounting’s relationship-focussed team deliver forward-thinking business advisory, accounting, SMSF administration and taxation services to Sunshine Coast Businesses. Accountants with 25yrs experience, InDepth support businesses to take what they WANT from their business, not just what they NEED, assisting through the entire business cycle and being integral in their growth and achieve exceptional succession outcomes. InDepth are known for building meaningful, long-term partnerships with clients, the team and the broader community, always with a focus on growth, innovation and excellence.
Large: Gregson & Weight Funeral Directors
Gregson & Weight Funeral Directors have been supporting Sunshine Coast families since 1972, with four branches across the Sunshine Coast, Hinterland and Noosa. For over 53 years, they have provided comfort and assistance to almost 45,000 families, ensuring every family is in good hands.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Business Awards
Retail
Small: Indie Boho
Indie Boho is a design-led pet lifestyle brand embraced by dog owners and pet lovers alike for its beautiful, functional products that champion creativity, quality and sustainability. Collaborating with leading Australian artists, Indie Boho has pioneered unique product categories and built a loyal national community. With innovation at its core and animal welfare close to its heart, the brand strengthens the Sunshine Coast economy while proudly supporting SCARS and other local initiatives.
Large: Knobby
Knobby is the Sunshine Coast brand that turned everyday underwear into wearable art. From a dining room table in Birtinya to shipping over one million pairs annually worldwide, Knobby pioneered Australia’s first subscription underwear service and built a bold community around confidence, creativity and fun. With eco-materials, circular design, and global partnerships, including the Australian Olympic Team, Knobby proves a regional business can lead innovation on the world stage.
Sponsored by: Judo Bank
Social Impact
Small: Manufacturing Excellence Forum
The Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) is a grassroots, community-led organisation committed to transforming the Sunshine Coast into Australia’s Silicon Valley of Advanced Manufacturing by fostering connections and creating an inclusive ecosystem. Led by a group of passionate volunteers who “pay it forward” by delivering high-impact programs, pioneering sustainable transport solutions and developing a diverse, future-ready workforce within our community.
Large: ECOllaboration Ltd.
ECOllaboration is a leading environmental charity on the Sunshine Coast with over 30 years of experience, employing over 50 staff and working with over 250 volunteers. Evolving from Maroochy Waterwatch, its mission is to connect people and nature to foster a sustainable future through learning, collaboration, and action. The organisation delivers environmental management, restoration, and education programs, reinvesting all profits into charitable initiatives. This unique approach generates tangible outcomes for both ecosystems and people, building financial independence and resilience.
Sponsored by: ADFX
Trades & Services
Small: MJB Bodywork & Fabrications
MJB Bodywork & Fabrications, the Sunshine Coast’s leading panel shop, renowned for delivering vehicle repair quality that is second to none. With an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, MJB has earned its reputation for excellence by consistently exceeding expectations in both craftsmanship and care. Dedicated to restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition with precision and integrity, MJB Bodywork & Fabrications is a true leader in the industry, making a meaningful impact on both its customers and the community.
Large: Qspec Building Mobility Solutions
Qspec Building Mobility Solutions is dedicated to creating safe and functional homes for people living with disability or ageing. By supporting independence and improving quality of life, Qspec plays a vital role in the community. With strong alignment to government initiatives such as the NDIS and Home Care Packages, Qspec delivers meaningful outcomes that last. Proudly based on the Sunshine Coast, Qspec continues to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact through care, quality, and purpose.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Business Awards
Sustainability
Small: Eastwell Farms
Eastwell Farms is a family owned grass-fed Nguni (n-goo-nee) beef and gourmet mushroom farm business in Kin Kin. Bryant, Susie, and Alex focus on producing and providing chemical-free, sustainable, and delicious foods for the Sunshine Coast community. They offer their products paddock-to-plate, delivering boxed meats directly from their farm to the doors of their customers and restaurants. Valuing the health of the land, animals, and people who roam it above all else, they take great pride in raising their produce.
Laguna Pest Control is a multi-award-winning, family-owned business based in Noosa, leading the way in professional, customer-focused pest management. Known for innovation, integrity, and personalised service, they’re changing the image of pest control – pioneering sustainable pest solutions through their Keen for Green Quest and educating clients and industry peers via their Pestie Profiles podcast. This marks the third year in a row that Laguna has won at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, cementing their reputation as leaders in their field.
Export
Advanced Aquarium Technologies
Born on the Sunshine Coast, AAT is an Australian owned multinational specializing in the design, construction and operation of iconic public aquariums. AAT today employs over 160 people with businesses in the USA, China, the Philippines, Guam and New Zealand.
Sponsored by: RDAMBSC
Business of the Year
Noosa Black Garlic, known as ‘The Truffle of the Garlic World’ transforms locally grown organic garlic into rich, sweet, umami-packed ‘black gold’. In just over 3 years they have become Australia’s largest and most awarded black garlic producer. Their artisan range of black garlic gourmet products has won 4 Champion Trophies in the past year. Noosa Black Garlic supplies premium retailers, restaurants and chefs all over the country, and soon the rest of the world.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Council
