The Hunter region's most outstanding businesses and business leaders have been recognised at the prestigious 31st Hunter Regional Business Excellence Awards, held on Friday 29 May 2026 at Ben Ean, Pokolbin. The gala event brought over 400 businesses together celebrating innovation, resilience, leadership, and outstanding contribution to the regional economy.
Hosted by Hunter Region Business Hub, the awards honour excellence across a diverse range of industries and sectors.
Chair of Hunter Region Business Hub, Kavita Payall, said the calibre of entries this year reflected the strength, ambition, and determination of businesses across the Hunter.
"This year, we received over 190 nominations, resulting in 135 exceptional finalists. Each has undergone a rigorous judging process, evaluated across leadership, innovation, customer experience, and overall business performance. That alone is an outstanding achievement," Ms Payall said.
The awards recognise businesses and individuals who continue to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute positively to the Hunter region despite ongoing economic and operational challenges.
General Manager of Hunter Region Business Hub, Alena Pople, said the awards were an important opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of local businesses and leaders.
"These awards are about recognising resilience, innovation, determination, and the extraordinary achievements of the successful businesses who invested in their business and achieved finalist status. It is about celebrating the people who continue to lead, create opportunities, employ others, and contribute so much to our region despite the challenges around us," Ms Pople said.
The 31st Hunter Regional Business Excellence Awards showcased businesses that are setting new benchmarks in customer service, sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence, reinforcing the Hunter's reputation as one of Australia's most dynamic regional economies.
2026 Award Winners
- Access & Inclusion: Winner, 24/7 Care Disability services and activity hub. Highly Commended, Zen Wellness Centre.
- Financial & Real Estate Services: Winner, The Mutual Bank. Highly Commended, Beam Bookkeeping.
- General: Winner, Dragonfly Cakes. Highly Commended, Coal & Wine Creative. Highly Commended, Kissofire Hunter Valley Butterscotch.
- Health: Winner, MSK Podiatry Plus. Highly Commended, Transformational Institute.
- Home Based: Winner, Just ROLL with it Huntlee. Highly Commended, Outback Jess.
- Hospitality & Tourism: Winner, McCaffrey's Estate. Highly Commended, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
- New Start: Winner, Bridgestone Select Tyre and Auto Huntlee. Highly Commended, Just ROLL with it Huntlee.
- Not For Profit: Winner, Hume Community Housing. Highly Commended, The Groundswell Collective.
- Online Based: Winner, Springhill Beef Co. Highly Commended, Jezweb.
- Personal Services: Winner, Evolution Hair Co. Highly Commended, Bespoke Hair Artistry.
- Professional Services: Winner, Acrobat Removals and Storage. Highly Commended, Tailored HQ.
- Trades & Industry: Winner, Morgan Engineering. Highly Commended, Precision Fencing Newcastle.
- Customer Service, Individual: Winner, Pettina Smith, Hunter Valley Flooring Xtra. Highly Commended, Kim Whitehead, Flamingos Live.
- Customer Service, Whole Business: Winner, Bridgestone Select Tyre and Auto Huntlee. Highly Commended, Hunter Valley Tours.
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Winner, Jake Rooney and Lucas Dagg, Wick Boys. Highly Commended, Alice Farrelly, Reformed Bookkeeper & Alice May Web Design.
- Business Woman of the Year: Winner, Sarah-Jane Dunford, Riskology. Highly Commended, Tori Leeke, Newcastle Counselling Service.
- Business Leader of the Year: Winner, Jeremy Brett, Morgan Engineering. Highly Commended, Xavier King, Earth and Elm Studio and Wellness Services. Highly Commended, Lindsay Guy, Guy's Karate School.
- Business of the Year: Winner, The Mutual Bank.
Hunter Region Business Hub congratulates all finalists and winners for their outstanding achievements and contribution to the continued success and prosperity of the Hunter region.
Alena can be contacted on alena@huntervalleyhub.com.au. For media enquiries, please contact 02 4936 2557.