Winners 2022
Congratulations to all Finalists and Winners of the 27th Sunshine Coast Business Awards. Whether you were crowned a category winner or not, you now sit amongst the very best of the best businesses on the Sunshine Coast. We are incredibly proud of who you are and what you do for this great region. Read more about our winners below.
Accommodation
Large: MERCURE SUNSHINE COAST KAWANA WATERS
The 4 1/2 Star Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters Hotel is located on picturesque Lake Kawana within the health, sport and entertainment precinct of Birtinya. The perfect base for a Sunshine Coast stay, conveniently located opposite Sunshine Coast University Hospital(s), walking distance to NightQuarter and just a few minutes from the SC Stadium. A full-service hotel, open 24/7, offering 81 accommodation rooms, on-site restaurant and event facilities. Added to this, guests enjoy complimentary on-site parking and unlimited Wi-Fi.
Small: NARROW ESCAPE RAINFOREST RETREAT
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat is luxury boutique accommodation (TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award 2021 – Most Romantic Hotel in the World) situated in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. We have six villas nestled in pristine rainforest that borders the Kondalilla National Park. The success of our business relies on a combination of our marketing strategy, high attention to detail, excellent personalized customer service, continual property upgrades, working with our local community, being advanced eco-certified with a focus on making each and every guest experience amazing.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Airport
Advanced Technology
Large: GREASEBOSS
Through hard work and collaboration, GreaseBoss developed a grease management system to address critical gaps in the heavy machinery industry, with technology and hardware. GreaseBoss strategically chose Sunshine Coast for lifestyle and its business innovation. Its products remain 100% Australian-made and owned, with a wholly Australian supply chain. The GreaseBoss business has customer success at the core. They are improving the economic, environmental and safety outcomes of customers – locally, nationally and globally. Focussed on rapid growth, GreaseBoss is just as intent on giving back and showcasing that anything is possible – especially here on the Sunshine Coast!
Small: CÉRGE
Cérge is a companion app for customers with disability, parents, carers & support workers to find accessible venues and be assured of an inclusive experience. Imagine having your own personal disability advocate in your pocket. For business, Cérge is a marketing platform to promote their accessible features and a communications platform to provide an inclusive experience to customers with disability. The Cérge mission is to reduce the fear, anxiety & discrimination that individuals with disability endure as customers. Thereby improving community participation. Cérge is improving outcomes and placing downward pressure on budgets by creating inclusive communities. Cérge, Promote Access + Deliver Inclusion.
Sponsored by: LPE
Building & Construction
Large: QSPEC BUILDING MOBILITY SOLUTIONS
Qspec Building Mobility Solutions are a mobility specific building company that specialise in both minor and major home modifications for people with mobility and access needs. The Qspec team delivers on the clinical prescriptions of Health Professionals and create safe and independent solutions for clients on a daily basis. Qspec’s goal is to enhance the independence and livelihood of the Sunshine Coast community, and strive to make the region a happier, more accessible place.
Small: BECKER CONSTRUCTIONS
As a 2021 National Finalist for Master Builders “Medium Density up to 3 Storeys“, Becker Constructions is a family owned and operated business proud to represent the Sunshine Coast on the national stage. Becker Constructions showcases the qualities of integrity and excellence throughout all areas of their building and construction business and is identified by the industry as a valued contributor and representative.
Sponsored by: Walker Corporation
Clean Technology
Large: AUSSIE TINY HOUSES
Aussie Tiny Houses are passionate about tiny living and providing alternatives to the current housing market. Their team of industry experts has been designing and building Tiny Houses in Australia since 2017. They specialise in optimizing small spaces and designing beautiful, practical and affordable living solutions. Every Tiny House in their wide range of models is designed then built according to the Australian building standard practices. They work closely with all their customers to ensure their needs are met and options explored, bringing their Tiny House dream to life.
Small: WASTE FREE SYSTEMS
At Waste Free Systems we are a social enterprise and have reimagined the way waste is organised in SME’s. We supply businesses with smart bin systems to separate waste before it leaves the premises and Repurpose the waste resources wherever possible, saving 90 % of waste from landfill. Our success is driven by innovation and finding solutions to usage of waste resources, we have created our own Social Circular Economy. We lead by education, world first solutions and linking where possible to our local economy and community, our benefit to the environment and our social impact.
Sponsored by: Noosa Council
Creative Industries
Large: YOUR BRAND CREW
YOUR BRAND CREW delivers Marketing and Media Production services with one goal: make you and your business succeed! The crew, a multicultural team with many talents, becomes YOUR crew, an extension of your business working tirelessly to reach your goals and helping YOU focus on what you do best. Innovation and freshness are guaranteed with this bunch of curious team members that thrive working together and bring a unique point of view to the work that they do. Strategic and critical thinking, creativity and craziness are some of our core ingredients to bring your business to the next level.
Small: RAW LENS MEDIA
Raw Lens creates meaningful photography and video content for businesses. They specialise in listening, getting to the heart of a brands ‘why’ and delivering captivating content to the intended audience. The mission of Raw Lens, is to be brave, to connect, to bring joy and to share. As Maya Angelou said, “People will never forget how you made them feel.” Raw Lens makes people not only feel comfortable about being on camera and being a little vulnerable at times – but feeling special and ultimately proud of who they are and what they do.
Sponsored by: COYO
Education & Training
Large: WILDLINGS FOREST SCHOOL
Wildlings Forest School leads adventurous play experiences for children within the natural, untouched wild spaces of South East Queensland. At Wildlings children have the complete freedom to explore wild bushlands and use “risky” hand tools such as saws, pocket knives, ropes & fire. Children are encouraged to rediscover their interests and lead their own learning at Forest School, where they play and develop social, emotional and survival skills under the watchful eye of Forest School leaders. Wildlings Forest School was co-founded in 2017 by High School Teachers, Homeschooling Mothers & Children’s Play Advocates Nicki Farrell & Vicci Oliver.
Small: NIKKI FOGDEN-MOORE THE MOJO MAKER
Nikki Fogden-Moore, The Mojo Maker©, is an internationally recognised author, global leadership coach and founder of The Mojo Maker Academy – a fully integrated, online education and training company focused on the ultimate trifecta of health, wealth and mindset and promoting radical self-belief. For over 2 decades, Nikki has worked with global brands, CEOs and distinguished leaders, delivering high performance coaching, mentoring, content, online programs and workshops, conferences and events. Nikki founded the Boardroom Retreat©, The Vitality Road Map© and Radical Self Belief, The Mojo Maker Podcast and her work across 7 countries is sharing the Sunshine Coast with the world.
Sponsored by: Pacific Ford Sunshine Coast
Experiences
Large: AMAZE WORLD
In the midst of the subtropical Sunshine Coast hinterland, you’ll find a magical land. An enchanted world bursting with wonder and amazement. While you solve the puzzles, riddles, tricks and twists you come across on your adventure, find comfort in knowing if there’s one place in the world you want to get lost, it’s here in the magical Amaze World. Take a step into our world…. As a family owned and operated business, Amaze World has been reborn with vibrancy featuring a huge living hedge maze, timber maze, mini golf, immersive augmented reality experiences, nature playground including water-play and more.
Small: CREATIVE TOURS
Creative Tours delivers amazing local experiences on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. They focus on local stories, local produce and hidden gems, with experienced tour guides who give guests an authentic and genuine local experience. Visit the amazing local food & drink trails of the region or indulge and relax with luxury and premium tour options. Creative Tours are the experts in creating bespoke local experiences for groups of any size.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance
Festivals & Events
Large: SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING
Sunshine Coast Lightning is a professional sporting club in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League. Established in 2016 as a joint venture between University of the Sunshine Coast and the Melbourne Storm Group (owners of the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club), Sunshine Coast Lightning cemented itself as the Coast’s first national, professional sporting team, and still holds this title today. Despite the Club’s short history, Lightning has achieved outstanding success, and remains the most successful club in SSN history – winning back-to-back Premierships in its first two seasons.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Business Awards
Food & Agribusiness
Large: MALENY DAIRIES
Maleny Dairies is an award-winning, family-owned and operated business committed to sustainability for people, place and products. Located in the picturesque hills of Maleny on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Maleny Dairies consistently produces top-quality, delicious, natural and healthy dairy products for Australians. In 2020, the iconic Queensland business adopted a national first as it transformed its operations to become more environmentally sustainable and Queensland’s first carbon-positive dairy.
Small: GLOBAL BOSS INTERNATIONAL
Global Boss International, under the leadership of 5th generation farmer Danny Hood, has embarked on countless environmental initiatives that place the health of our planet and its people first and foremost. The company continues to reach out by way of education, mentoring and by establishing projects based on industries that are struggling to continue within the constraints of industrial agriculture. His unwavering vision aims at a sustainable environment where every child has access to healthy nutritious food.
Sponsored by: Stockland
Health & Wellness
Large: SUNNY STREET
Sunny Street is an award winning health service based on the Sunshine Coast, providing equitable, accessible healthcare to Australian’s experiencing homelessness, vulnerability and poverty. In the last 4 years, Sunny Street has had over 35,000 conversations and consultations and positively impacts the health and lives of our local communities. Founded by Dr Nova Evans and Sonia Martin in 2018, Sunny Street continues to break down barriers across the state, and works within a philosophy of kindness to create multigenerational change in the lives of others.
Small: PSYCHHELP
PsychHelp is an innovative telehealth psychology practice which provides support to clients all across Australia. The PsychHelp model provides our clients and psychologists with flexibility. Just because you have mental health issues shouldn’t mean life stops and so care needs to be flexible and responsive. Our model is also set up to support our psychologists. We know that in order to care for others you first need to be cared for, so we provide our psychologists with the ability to work when and where they want which allows them to provide the highest quality care to our clients.
Sponsored by: Buderim Private Hospital
Hospitality
Large: BELLA VENEZIA GROUP
Bella Venezia is a Sunshine Coast dining institution and is the Coast’s longest established “a la carte” restaurant – operating for nearly 40 years on the Mooloolaba Esplanade since 1983. Operating 7 days and nights a week, employing over 50 staff. We consistently deliver delicious modern Italian cuisine and outstanding service to over 75,000 customers this past year. Bella Venezia has won many awards and has grown dramatically year on year in profit, value and growth. Bella Venezia was voted “Number 1 Restaurant in Australia” – Trip Advisor Best of Best Award – Traveler’s Choice 2021 – Top 1% in the World!
Small: KAALI GOURMET INDIAN RESTAURANT
Iconic Award Winning authentic Indian restaurant on Hastings Street tantalizing the taste buds with ” Best Curry Ever” since 2009!!!!!!!!
Sponsored by: Portable Creations
Manufacturing
Large: SHIPPING CONTAINER POOLS
Shipping Container Pools manufactures revolutionary, lightweight, all-in-one above-ground swimming pools. Based on repurposed shipping containers in 6 and 12 metre sizes, our SCP pools are designed and manufactured in the Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and transported to all Australian states and territories. Our swimming pools are unique in the market, combining unmatched practicality with a modern industrial aesthetic. They are the best swimming pool solution for the steeply-sloping and limited-access blocks common on the Sunshine Coast and elsewhere, they are quick and simple to install, and they are fully self contained. SCP is a genuine Sunshine Coast success story.
Small: FIRST LIGHT FABRICATION
First Light Fabrication, custom marine & outdoor fabrication specialist, right here on the Sunshine Coast! FLF offers the latest in custom design fabrication & marine products for all of your outdoor needs; boating, fishing, 4WD. FLF use the latest CAD programming for all designs to optimise precision and efficiency. FLF are the Minn Kota & electric motor installation specialists, the one stop shop for instal, modifications, batteries & electrics. FLF offer a range of fishing products including; bait boards, gaffs, rod holders, de hookers & iki spikes & snapper raks. All are customisable, anything is possible with the passionate & innovative team at FLF!
Sponsored by: Sunquest Signs
Professional Services
Large: TRAVIS SCHULTZ & PARTNERS
Travis Schultz & Partners are compensation lawyers with compassion, offering cutting edge expertise without the price tag. Their team is made up of highly regarded lawyers including six Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialists. Travis Schultz has been working and giving back to the Sunshine Coast community for more than 25 years, since establishing this firm he has cultivated a team that is passionate and driven to make a difference to the lives of their clients and the wider community. TSP services clients across Queensland with their head office, proudly based on the Sunshine Coast.
Small: THE ORGANISED CREATIVE
The Organised Creative is a boutique marketing and public relations firm that helps businesses know and share their brilliance. The high-energy team, led by Lizzie Henebery, is passionate about achieving high-level results. They work with local, state and national organisations across strategic planning, copywriting, PR, digital marketing, traditional marketing, branding and education. They place a big focus on health, happiness and sparkle to ensure their team and clients have a life they love in and out of work. The Organised Creative is used to catapulting their clients into the spotlight…so tonight they’re getting a taste of their own medicine.
Sponsored by: The End Game
Retail
Large: WHITE’S IGA
The White’s IGA story began 29 years ago with a small convenience store in Maroochydore. Roz and Michael White bought their very first store in 1993; a humble 7-day-a-week Nightowl. With a small but hardworking team of just 3 employees, it was their first taste at the world of retail, fresh food and groceries. Needless to say it would not be their last. White’s IGA now encompasses 5 unique, market leading, retail-tainment destinations employing 400 local people located at Peregian Beach, Mt Coolum, Bli Bli, Baringa and Mooloolah with a new store opening later this year at Forest Glen.
Small: AMPLITUDE
Amplitude is here for electrical workers who are dissatisfied with confusing product options with no expert knowledge. They provide innovative, market leading tools, equipment and safety solutions that saves you time, offer value for money, all without compromising quality and safety. Unlike traditional brand hoarding resellers and wholesalers, their products and knowledge give you the confidence that you will be able to work efficiently and return home safely.
Sponsored by: Judo Bank
Social Impact
Large: COAST2BAY HOUSING GROUP
Coast2Bay Housing Group is an independent, not-for-profit company committed to providing affordable, safe and appropriate homes to individuals and families throughout the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Moreton Bay, Redcliffe and Gympie regions. Coast2Bay has attained national and international recognition for their work including 5 prestigious awards in 4 years from the Australasian Housing Institute. In the last year Coast2Bay has started 3 new Foundations including RISE 2 which will see 8 new homes built for women and children affected by domestic and family violence 2022 has been a huge year for Coast2Bay with a capital programme of over $60 million launched
Small: STYMIE
Stymie is a child protection tool that provides anonymous online reporting, for young people in schools and foster care settings. Stymie empowers young people to take action when they feel alone, or if they see or experience harm. They can ask for help, or make a notification as a bystander for someone else. Stymie believes in a world where young people get the help they need. Always. All. Ways.
Sponsored by: ADFX
Trades and Services
Large: THE LAUNDRY LADY
The Laundry Lady is now Australia’s fastest-growing mobile laundry service, with 80 Laundry Ladies and Lads working across the country. Headquarted in Baringa on the Sunshine Coast, Laundry Lady is all about providing flexibility in people’s lives – for it’s range of clients (busy families, sporting teams, NDIS customers, beauty salon owners, property managers) and team of contractors. Laundry Lady offers a low-cost startup laundry business opportunity for mums, dads and career-changers. Celebrating ten years in business in 2022, Laundry Lady continues to go from strength to strength under the direction of CEO Susan Toft, and its passionate team.
Small: SI ORGANICS
Si Organics is the leading hair and wellness destination, based on Noosa River, specialising in premium organic and biodynamic haircare, styling and treatment services. Founded by Artistic Director, Samantha Pittendrigh, Si Organics defies and disrupts industry norms by fearlessly investing in world renowned, environmentally friendly products and techniques to ensure that together, with her market leading team, they deliver an experience that not only makes their clients look and feel amazing, nourished and happy but cares for the planet at the same time.
Sponsored by: Omnia Legal
Export
HELITAK FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Noosa Shire based Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment designs, manufacturers and exports a range of aerial firefighting tanks installed on Helicopters to help control and extinguish Bushfires in Australia and Wildfires around the World.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Council
Hall of Fame
THE GINGER FACTORY
The Ginger Factory, home of Buderim Ginger, Australia’s iconic ginger processor and marketer, has been delighting local, regional, interstate and international visitors for more than 35 years. Attracting around 300,000 visitors annually, it is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular tourist attractions, having received numerous awards over the years. Open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm, The Ginger Factory offers visitors the factory tour & tastings, live bee show & tastings, fun rides, boutique shopping, café and ice creamery all set in lush sub – tropical gardens with a focus on all things ginger and local food tourism.
FOOD & AGRIBUSINESS NETWORK
Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN) is a collaborative ecosystem that empowers its members and industry to grow. Established by the industry for the industry, FAN is a not-for-profit food and beverage cluster that has been operating for five years. FAN will grow the industry by creating an ecosystem that supports collaboration, accelerates innovation and drives trade locally and globally. Today FAN has 300+ members from across the food value chain in the Greater Sunshine Coast region (Gympie, Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay) and is recognised as a leading Australian cluster organisation. Members include growers, manufacturers, retailers, foodservice operators and affiliated services and suppliers.
RACV NOOSA RESORT
RACV Noosa Resort is nestled on six hectares in the tranquil surrounds of Noosa Heads. 5-star RACV Noosa Resort stylish and spacious one, two and three-bedroom self-contained apartments. Luxury Villas offer their own private pool or rooftop spa. The Resort offers facilities including two heated pools, water slides and splash park, restaurant and sunset bar with wood-fired pizza, a day spa with six treatment rooms, games room, retail shop, gym, flood-lit tennis court, playground and on-site car and bike hire.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Council
Business of the Year
TRAVIS SCHULTZ & PARTNERS
Travis Schultz & Partners are compensation lawyers with compassion, offering cutting edge expertise without the price tag. Their team is made up of highly regarded lawyers including six Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialists. Travis Schultz has been working and giving back to the Sunshine Coast community for more than 25 years, since establishing this firm he has cultivated a team that is passionate and driven to make a difference to the lives of their clients and the wider community. TSP services clients across Queensland with their head office, proudly based on the Sunshine Coast.
Sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Council