Noosa and hinterland businesses have demonstrated their strength, innovation and community spirit, shining brightly at the thirtieth annual Sunshine Coast Business Awards. A record 22 local businesses were named finalists this year, with seven taking home major category wins and one claiming the night’s top honour.
Noosa Black Garlic was crowned Business of the Year, cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting and accomplished producers. The company also won the Food and Agribusiness (Small) category. “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.”
Laguna Pest Control secured the Sustainability (Large Business) category, marking its third consecutive win. “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.”
Eastwell Farms of Kin Kin won the Sustainability (Small Business) category. Owner and manager Alex Thompson-Welch said receiving the 2025 award filled the team with joy. “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!’, he said.
“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.”
Other Noosa winners included Thirlestane Farm for Accommodation, Noosa Junction Chiropractic for Health and Medical Services (Small Business), HELITAK for Manufacturing (Large Business) and Gregson and Weight Funeral Directors for Professional Services (Large Business).
Mayor Wilkie congratulated all winners, saying their dedication and excellence were helping build a vibrant and resilient local economy.
PTSD Dogs Australia was named a finalist in both The King’s Trust Awards and the Sunshine Coast Business Awards. Co-founder and director Roger Weeks said the acknowledgements were deeply meaningful and reflected the team’s commitment to supporting veterans and first responders through the healing partnership of assistance dogs. “These acknowledgements are incredibly meaningful,” said Roger. “They not only reflect our commitment to supporting veterans and first responders but also provide an opportunity to share the powerful stories of courage, hope, and healing we witness every day.” PTSD Dogs Australia has announced its Train Your Own program will now expand beyond veterans and first responders, opening to anyone who may benefit from the companionship and support of a trained assistance dog. The organisation continues to advocate for the life-changing power of the bond between humans and dogs, described by Roger as changing lives “one dog, one person, one family at a time”.
Mayor Frank Wilkie, who attended the gala at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, praised the calibre of Noosa’s finalists and winners. He said the awards showcased the diversity and capability of businesses across the region, from sustainable farming and pest control to health, accommodation and manufacturing.
“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,” Mayor Frank said.
This year’s awards recognised 34 category winners across the region, with Noosa businesses once again proving their excellence on the Sunshine Coast stage.