Sunshine Coast businesses shine

Coolum based business, Noosa Black Garlic, claimed the Small Food and Agribusiness category and the coveted Business of the Year title at the 30th Sunshine Coast Business Awards Gala on Saturday, 8 November.

The region’s business community came together to celebrate three decades of excellence, innovation and resilience at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, which attracted more than 850 guests.

There were 34 category winners and six Hall of Fame inductees in one of the largest celebrations in the program’s history.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was a night to celebrate the incredible talent, drive and innovation that makes our region shine.

"From passionate startups to thriving enterprises, these awards showcased the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the Sunshine Coast forward," Mayor Natoli said.

"It’s more than recognition; it’s a reflection of the future being built together for the next generation.

"Congratulations to all the finalists and winners — your success stories inspire us all!"

Sunshine Coast Business Awards chair Jennifer Swaine said this year’s milestone event marked a defining moment for the region’s business community.

“Thirty years on, these awards continue to reflect the incredible breadth and talent of the Sunshine Coast business community, from emerging entrepreneurs to nationally recognised leaders,” Ms Swaine said.

“Our 2025 winners have shown that the Sunshine Coast is not just a great place to live: it’s an extraordinary place to do business.

“They’ve demonstrated excellence, innovation and purpose in a year that’s seen record participation and unprecedented growth.

“Congratulations to every finalist and winner who stood on stage tonight: your success is a credit to your hard work, your teams, and your community.”

Sunshine Coast Business Awards winners

• Business of the Year (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council): Noosa Black Garlic.
• Accommodation (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Airport): Thirlestane Farm.
• Advanced Technology (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council): Small – Blue Seas AI Consulting ; Large – RAIDER Targetry.
• Building, Construction & Engineering (sponsored by Maroochydore City Centre): Small – Complex Consulting Group ; Large – Advanced Aquarium Technologies.
• Business Services (sponsored by Coraggio): Small – Sparo Studios ; Large – Animal Emergency Service Tanawha.
• Creative Industries (sponsored by AV Partners): Empire Art Photography & Coaching.
• Education & Training (sponsored by Pacific Motor Group): Small – Workplace Performance & Wellbeing Institute ; Large – Real Life Skills Support Services.
• Experiences (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Airport): Small – Saltwater Eco Tours ; Large – Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World.
• Festival & Events (sponsored by Portable Creations): Australian Wearable Art Festival.
• Export (sponsored by RDA Moreton Bay & Sunshine Coast): Advanced Aquarium Technologies.
• Food & Agribusiness (sponsored by Turbine): Small – Noosa Black Garlic ; Large – Maleny Cheese.
• Health & Medical Services (sponsored by Catton & Tondelstrand Family Lawyers): Small – Noosa Junction Chiropractic ; Large – Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare.
• Hospitality (sponsored by ABHT): Small – Sunny Rays Catering ; Large – Alex Surf Club.
• Manufacturing (sponsored by Sunquest Signs): Small – Grenof ; Large – Helitak.
• Personal Fitness & Wellbeing (sponsored by Portable Creations): Switch4Schools.
• Professional Services (presented by Sunshine Coast Business Awards): Small – Indepth Accounting ; Large – Gregson & Weight Funeral Directors.
• Retail (sponsored by Judo Bank): Small – Indie Boho ; Large – Knobby.
• Social Impact (sponsored by ADFX): Small – Manufacturing Excellence Forum ; Large – ECOllaboration Ltd.
• Sustainability (sponsored by Noosa Council): Small – Eastwell Farms ; Large – Laguna Pest Control.
• Trades & Services (sponsored by Sunshine Coast Business Awards): Small – MJB Bodyworks & Fabrication ; Large – Qspec Building Mobility Solutions.
• Hall of Fame (sponsored by Coraggio): Maleny Dairies ; GreaseBoss ; First Light Fabrication ; AmazeWorld ; Mercure Kawana Waters ; Your Brand Crew .

Sunshine Coast Council has proudly supported the awards from the very beginning. 

The program delivers on a key action in the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy which supports business excellence through competitive recognition and creates pathways to national and international awards.