A record number of Noosa businesses were finalists at the 30th annual Sunshine Coast Business Awards, including Noosa Black Garlic, which took out top honour, Business of the Year.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said 22 Noosa businesses were finalists in the prestigious awards, with seven winning their categories.
"It's a credit to the Noosa businesses community, which was well represented in these awards, recognising business excellence across the broader Sunshine Coast region," Cr Wilkie said.
Noosa Black Garlic also won the Food & Agribusiness (Small) category, advancing its reputation as a standout local producer.
"Being named finalist was amazing, but we're ecstatic to have won, not just in our category but also to be named Business of the Year," said Teneille Newton, who co-founded Noosa Black Garlic with husband Tony.
"To win this award is something we have aspired to."
Mayor Wilkie, who attended the gala presentation at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on Saturday, said the awards highlighted the skills and diversity of Noosa businesses.
"From sustainable farming and pest control to health services, accommodation, and manufacturing, our local winners reflect the diverse and innovative nature of Noosa's economy.
"Noosa Council is a proud sponsor of the awards and the Sustainability category so it's particularly pleasing to see Noosa businesses take out both of the sustainability awards," the Mayor said.
Noosa's Laguna Pest Control took out the Sustainability (Large Business) category.
"We're absolutely thrilled — not only to have taken home a win for the third year in a row, but also to receive the inaugural large Sustainability Award. This recognition means the world to us," owner Nicky Turner said.
"Since 2017, we've been committed to transforming the pest control industry — rethinking how products are applied and championing eco-friendly, more organic solutions. To now be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year, and as the first ever in the Trades & Services category, is a true honour."
Kin Kin's Eastwell Farms won the Sustainability (Small Business) category.
"To be the recipient of the 2025 SCBA Sustainability Award fills each of us with nothing but joy," said Owner/Manager Alex Thompson-Welch.
"We take environmental stewardship seriously and commit the majority of our life to our Kin Kin farm. To be recognised for our regenerative agriculture efforts through this award means the community is seeing what we're doing, and responding with a 'yes, keep going!'
"We believe our practices of carbon sequestration, ecosystem regeneration, and chemical-free operation is the only way forward for not only maintaining our land but affecting real change within the wider world. This award will carry us forward with great momentum into furthering the efforts to promote better land management locally, nationally, and globally," Mr Thompson-Welch said.
Other Noosa winners include Thirlestane Farm, winner of the Accommodation award, Noosa Junction Chiropractic, winner of the Health & Medical Services (Small Business) award, HELITAK, winner of the Manufacturing (Large Business) award and Gregson & Weight Funeral Directors, winner of the Professional Services (Large Business) award.
"A big congratulations to all the winners for their hard work, passion and commitment to excellence — you're helping to shape a vibrant and resilient local economy," Mayor Wilkie said.
This year's awards recognised 34 category winners, with Noosa businesses once again proving their excellence and innovation on the regional stage.
Picture: Mayor Frank Wilkie presents Eastwell Farm's Bryant and Susie with their Sustainability award.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie discusses the Sunshine Coast Business Awards:
Mayor-Frank-Wilkie-Sunshine-Coast-Business-Awards.mp3
