Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards 2024 finalists revealed
Businesses and business people across the Fraser Coast have been named as finalists in 23 award categories for the 2024 Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards, to be be announced in November.
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Finalists for 23 categories of the 2024 Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards to be held next month have been revealed.
The ceremony at the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre on Friday, November 8, will be an “opportunity for local business and tourism enterprises to be recognised amongst peers as the most successful in the region”, a statement on the Awards’ website reads.
“The awards play a significant role in ensuring our businesses, our tourist visitation and our signature events continue to develop and grow,” it said.
A panel of nine judges from across the Fraser Coast will select winners from diverse award categories such as Trade and Manufacturing, Events Management and Education Providers.
The night will also include hall of fame inductions for two well-known businesses in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
Head to the Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards’ website for more information on ticketing, entertainment and transport from the ceremony.
The full list:
1. TRADE AND MANUFACTURING
This category recognises businesses excelling in the production and supply of goods in areas like manufacturing, construction, engineering, or skilled trades. It enables nominees to demonstrate their contribution to the Fraser Coast’s economic growth, including job creation.
Finalists:
Neumann Steel
Allweld Manufacturing Pty Ltd
Pure Driveways Concreting
2. PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND AGRIBUSINESS
This category is suitable for primary industry businesses which provide quality primary industry services within the Fraser Coast or goods for export. Primary industries may include agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry and agribusiness.
Finalists:
Turfworks Group
Brother Brother Organics
3. RETAIL
This award is designed to encourage the development of higher standards in retailing and general services. A genuine effort to sell Australian-made goods is desirable. This category is open to all Fraser Coast operators with a retail shopfront.
Finalists:
Kawungan Quality Meats
World Treasure Designs
Pastry Creations
4. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
This category celebrates outstanding professionals across a wide spectrum of service industries, from architects and lawyers to beauty therapists and plumbers. Nominees showcase their dedication to client satisfaction and achieving exceptional results in their field.
Finalists:
Zebra Aesthetics
Alert Smoke Alarm Compliance
SK:N FOCUS
One Agency Fraser Coast
5. SMALL BUSINESS
This category recognises Fraser Coast businesses with 10 or more employees making a substantial contribution to the region’s economic landscape. Nominees showcase their leadership, innovation and commitment to building a sustainable and successful business.
Finalists:
Flame Studios Hervey Bay
World Treasure Designs
RAD Rolled Ice Cream
Migaloos Seafood Market
6. MEDIUM AND LARGE BUSINESS
This category recognises Fraser Coast businesses with 10 or more employees making a substantial contribution to the region’s economic landscape. Nominees showcase their leadership, innovation and commitment to building a sustainable and successful business.
Finalists:
JR Marketing Group
Maryborough Service Centre
Allweld Manufacturing Pty Ltd
7. HOSPITALITY – CAFÉ, BAR & CASUAL DINING
– Sponsor Richard Transport Pty Ltd
This category recognises excellence in cafes, bars and casual dining establishments which focus on either beverages or serving light or familiar menus, with counter or mixed counter and table service at an affordable price. Scores based on written submission (80%) and TripAdvisor rating (20%).
Finalists:
Su Jus Bar
Aquavue Beachfront Bar & Eatery
Migaloos Seafood Market
Badger and Browns’s Burgerie.
8. HOSPITALITY – RESTAURANT
This category celebrates exceptional cuisine, impeccable service and memorable dining experiences, with establishments generally offering full table service. Scores are based on written submission (80 percent) and TripAdvisor rating (20 percent).
Finalists:
Banksia Seafood and Grill
La Familia Pizzeria and Restaurant
9. ACCOMMODATION – GENERAL
This category caters for caravan parks, camping grounds, motels, self-contained cabins and backpackers – establishments focusing on providing a clean, comfortable and convenient stay in region. Entrants showcase their clean, comfortable facilities, commitment to customer satisfaction and appeal to the budget-conscious traveller. Scored based 80% on written submission and 20 percent TripAdvisor rating.
Finalists:
Magnolia Village Hervey Bay
Gootchie Creek Escape
Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat
10. ACCOMMODATION – Premium
This category is for establishments providing luxury or boutique hotel accommodation, resorts or holiday rentals with exceptional facilities and services. The focus is on a high level of comfort with premium amenities and services such as gyms and recreational activities, fine dining and personalised concierge services. Scored based on written submission (80 percent), TripAdvisor rating (20 percent).
Finalist:
K’Gari Beach Resort
11. TOURISM – ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES
This category celebrates businesses offering unforgettable experiences and attractions on the Fraser Coast and is open to tour operators, museums and entertainment venues. Nominees highlight their unique offerings, exceptional service and contribution to the region’s tourism industry.
Finalists:
K’gari Explorer Tours
Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum
12. TOURISM – MARINE
This award is open to all operators offering marine-based tours providing excellence in product, marketing and customer service. These businesses enhance the visitor experience to the region. Scoring: 80 percent written submission; 20 percent TripAdvisor Ranking.
Finalists:
Whalesong Cruises
Pacific Whale Foundation Eco Adventures Australia
Fraser Island Boat Charters
Salty Safaris Hervey Bay
13. EVENTS AND EVENTS MANAGEMENT
This category recognises regional events held on the Fraser Coast in the past year that have delivered innovation and organisation excellence, creating memorable experiences for attendees. Judges also note the event’s economic contribution to the region.
Finalists:
Maryborough City Progress Association
Macabre Theatre Company
Dunga Derby Fraser Coast
14. EDUCATION PROVIDER
This category celebrates educational institutions that inspire and empower students. Nominations are accepted from schools, training providers and early childhood education centres, showcasing dedication to student success, innovative teaching methods and contributing to the development of the future Fraser Coast workforce.
Finalists:
Goodstart Early Learning Point Vernon
Riverside Christian College
St Mary’s Primary School and St Mary’s College, Maryborough
15. HEALTH PROVIDER
This category recognises excellence in healthcare services on the Fraser Coast provided by a medical practice, hospital or allied health service. Nominees highlight their commitment to patient well-being, innovative treatments and making a positive impact on the community health.
Finalists:
ProMelius
St Stephen’s Hospital
Bay Osteopathy and Injury Rehabilitation
16. NOT-FOR-PROFITS, COMMUNITY AND CHARITIES
This category honours establishments having a positive social impact on the Fraser Coast, with nominations accepted from charities, volunteer groups and community service organisations. Entrants highlight their commitment, innovative programs and how they are making a real difference in people’s lives.
Finalists:
Cloud 129
Rally for a Cause
Meals on Wheels Fraser Community
17. INNOVATION
This category celebrates businesses at the forefront of innovation – those developing groundbreaking products, implemented a creative new service or revolutionizing their industry approach? Judges look for examples of ingenuity and the ability to adapt and drive positive change.
Finalists:
Hyne Timber
Botanical Skincare Lab
Riviera Resort Hervey Bay
18. MARKETING
This category recognises businesses with exceptional marketing strategies, including excellence in developing brand awareness, customer engagement, and achieving outstanding results through marketing campaigns. Nominees showcase their creative approach, ability to measure success and driving business growth.
Finalists:
Gould Marketing
Lakeside Dental Spa
JR Marketing Group
19. CUSTOMER SERVICE
This award celebrates businesses that prioritise exceptional customer service, consistently exceeding customer expectations, building strong relationships and creating memorable experience. Entrants showcase their customer satisfaction, training programs and fostering a service-oriented culture.
Finalists:
Whalesong Cruises
Pie & Pastry Paradise
Riviera Resort Hervey Bay
20. BEST NEW FRASER COAST BUSINESS
This award recognises outstanding businesses that have been operating for a maximum of 24 months. These business may show start-up success, be achieving rapid growth and taking an innovative approach – all leading to great potential for long-term success.
Finalists:
Mini Golf Hervey Bay
RAD Rolled Ice Cream`
Go Further Finance
21. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
This award acknowledges the achievements of a young entrepreneur (aged under 35) engaged in business on the Fraser Coast. It is open to all industry sectors. Judges consider an individual’s career progression and in particular the activities and contributions the individual has made beyond the expectations of traditional job roles and the steps taken to develop their career path in their chosen industry.
Finalists:
Hannah Ramage (XO Hannah)
Dean Nixon (DJ Nixon)
Joshua Linwood (Allweld Manufacturing)
22. VERENA FLETCHER SERVICE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
This award recognises initiatives and activities that demonstrate excellence in customer service. It is open to those in direct customer contact on a continuous basis.
Finalists:
Kelli-Anne Webster (Kelli Webster Hairstylist)
Michelle Lislie (Pie & Pastry Paradise)
Sian Penman (Su Jus Bar)
23. HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES (winner three consecutive years 2021, 2022, 2023)
Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Award winners judged the best in f their category on three consecutive years are automatically entered into the Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Hall of Fame.
Inductees:
Pie & Pastry Paradise (Retail)
Portside Café & Restaurant (Restaurant, Café and Hospitality)
24. JOHN CRAIG-GARDINER MEMORIAL AWARD
This award recognises the long-term achievements by an individual to the Fraser Coast’s business and tourism industry. Judges consider the activities and contribution the nominee has made to their business sector and to the region in general.
ANNOUNCED ON NIGHT
25. CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S AWARD
The Chamber Presidents’ Award is presented to a business that best demonstrates the values associated with success in business, including service, commitment, leadership, endurance, courage, innovation, performance, persuasion and generosity.
ANNOUNCED ON NIGHT
26. BEST FRASER COAST BUSINESS 2024
This award is presented to the business determined by the judges to be the overall best business selected from the category winners in the 2024 Business and Tourism Awards, based on their submission, scores and influence on their industry.
ANNOUNCED ON NIGHT
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