THE BALLINA SHIRE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2026

An Unforgettable Night of Excellence

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

The Ballina Shire business community came out in spectacular style on Saturday, July 11th at the Ballina RSL Auditorium! We want to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who attended, championed our local commercial scene, and dressed up so beautifully for the occasion. You truly made it a glittering “Night of Nights” to remember.

An event of this scale would not be possible without the generous support, corporate leadership, and partnership of our local sponsor network. Our deepest gratitude goes out to all of our 2026 sponsors who made this celebration of regional success viable.

Special congratulations are due to our amazing category finalists, highly commended recognitions, and the major winners who continuously drive our regional economy forward.

OFFICIAL 2026 AWARD RESULTS

MAJOR RECOGNITIONS

Business of the Year Ballina Shire: ENV Group

• Business of the Year Alstonville: Plateau Tyres

• Business of the Year Lennox Head: DR. MOOSE

CATEGORY WINNERS & HIGHLY COMMENDED

Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under

• 🏆 Winner: Sistability

• ✨ Highly Commended: Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels Inc

Employer of Choice – 21 Employees and Over

• 🏆 Winner: Biala Support Services

• ✨ Highly Commended: ENV GROUP PTY LTD

• ✨ Highly Commended: Ballina RSL

Excellence in Agriculture & Primary Industries

• 🏆 Winner: ENV GROUP PTY LTD

Excellence in Business & Professional Services

• 🏆 Winner: ENV GROUP PTY LTD

Excellence in Creative Industries

• 🏆 Winner: ISM Ballina

• ✨ Highly Commended: Wave Publishing

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

• 🏆 Winner: Sistability

Excellence in Health, Care & Wellness Industries

• 🏆 Winner: Biala Support Services

• ✨ Highly Commended: Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels Inc

• ✨ Highly Commended: Sistability

Excellence in Innovation

• 🏆 Winner: ENV GROUP PTY LTD

• ✨ Highly Commended: Lock Out And Live

Excellence in Large Business (100+ Employees)

• 🏆 Winner: St Andrew’s Community Aged Care Ltd

Excellence in Medium Business (21-99 Employees)

• 🏆 Winner: ENV GROUP PTY LTD

• ✨ Highly Commended: Biala Support Services

• ✨ Highly Commended: Southern Cross Credit Union

Excellence in Micro Business (5 Employees and Under)

• 🏆 Winner: DR.MOOSE

• ✨ Highly Commended: Plateau Tyres

Excellence in Retail and Personal Services

• 🏆 Winner: Plateau Tyres

• ✨ Highly Commended: DR.MOOSE

Excellence in Small Business (6-20 Employees)

• 🏆 Winner: Sistability

• ✨ Highly Commended: Avid Constructions & Contracting

Excellence in Sustainability

• 🏆 Winner: ENV GROUP PTY LTD

Excellence in Trade, Construction & Manufacturing

• 🏆 Winner: Avid Constructions & Contracting

• ✨ Highly Commended: Plateau Tyres

Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing

• 🏆 Winner: Sistability

Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under

• 🏆 Winner: Rhys Carmichael – Avid Constructions & Contracting

• ✨ Highly Commended: Anthea Scott – Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels Inc

Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over

• 🏆 Winner: Todd Yourell – St Andrew’s Ballina

• ✨ Highly Commended: Claire Tyson – Ballina RSL

Outstanding Community Organisation

• 🏆 Winner: Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels Inc

• ✨ Highly Commended: Ballina RSL

Outstanding Employee

• 🏆 Winner: Scott Redford – Ballina RSL

• ✨ Highly Commended: Olivia Guy – Sistability

Outstanding New Business

• 🏆 Winner: Noah’s Mini Golf

• ✨ Highly Commended: Byron Digital

Outstanding Visitor Experience

• 🏆 Winner: HOME Alstonville

Outstanding Young Business Leader

• 🏆 Winner: Chris Photiou – the Trident Fish & Grill

• ✨ Highly Commended: Craig Wallace – The Olive Branch Support and Wellness

2026 PARTNER ROLL

Our deep thanks and appreciation to the following event supporters and partners!

• Gold Partner: Ballina RSL

• Silver Partners: Ballina Fair, ClubIT, Biala

• Bronze Partners: Cherry Sports Group, Ballina Jockey Club, Value Imagery, Hartley’s

• Award Partners: Marcon Consulting, Business Lennox Head, Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce

• Supporting Partners: Business NSW, Spaceman

• Official Media Partner: Paradise FM