Congratulations to the 2026 Business Excellence Award Recipients and FInalists!

Acting Mayor Dave Bilney with Champion Business Award Winners, The team from Fresh St Market IGA, and Gail Barton on the right end from Award Sponsors, Elders Insurance © John de Rooy

Congratulations to 2026 Tablelands Business Excellence Award Winners

The region’s outstanding business operators were recognised last night (Saturday evening, 30 May) at the Tablelands Business Excellence Awards gala ceremony, attended by nominees, sponsors and guests.

‘The awards celebrate the vital contribution local businesses make to our region, both economically and as part of our community,’ said Acting Mayor Dave Bilney.

‘It was fantastic to see so many great Tablelands businesses and organisations nominated for this year’s awards, and almost 1600 votes for the People’s Choice category!’.

‘Thanks to all our sponsors for their support of the event, and our community for recognising the efforts of local businesses and organisations’ said Acting Mayor Bilney.

The award winners and finalists for the 2026 Tablelands Business Excellence Awards were:

Community Contribution Excellence sponsored by Black Star Radio

Award winner — Fresh St Market IGA.
Finalists — Barron Valley Hotel, Foggy Dew Candle Co, Healthwise Physio and Tableland Community Link Association Inc.

Customer Service Excellence sponsored by Priors Creek Parklands

Award winner — Smart Elec.
Finalists — Cowgirl Country, Little Eden, Malanda Collective, Malanda Hardware and Smart Bookkeeping Payroll & BAS.

Employer of Choice sponsored by WIN Television Channel 9 Cairns

Award winner — i’ara Specialist Support Coordination.
Finalists — Elders Real Estate Tablelands and LJ Hooker Property Plus.

Food and Agribusiness Excellence sponsored by Costa Group

Award winner — Tablelands Farm to Fork.

New and Emerging Business sponsored by Healthwise Physio

Award winner — Tablelands Landscape Supplies.
Finalists — Altitude 700 Rural Retreat and Burra Bakehouse.

Technology and Innovation Impact sponsored by Kaban Green Power Hub

Award winners — Think Tank Coaching.
Finalist — StartUp and Innovation Tablelands.

Tourism Business Excellence sponsored by The Crystal Caves

Award winner — Winter and Mann.
Finalists — Altitude 700 Rural Retreat, Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway Inc and Little Eden.

People’s Choice sponsored by nbn Local

Award winner — Bud n Bloom Florist.

Champion Business sponsored by Elders Insurance Tablelands

Award winner — Fresh St Market IGA.

Business Person of the Year sponsored by Blueprint Career Development

Award winner — Anna Winter.

‘Local businesses play a crucial role in small communities by providing jobs, stimulating economic growth and fostering a sense of community pride’ Acting Mayor Bilney said. ‘They are an integral part of who we are as a community and we value their contribution to the region,’

Thank you and congratulations to all the award recipients and finalists of the Tablelands Business Excellence Awards 2026!