Advanced Aquarium Technologies crowned business of the year
More than 850 attendees gathered at the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards to applaud local business leaders, with Advanced Aquarium Technologies winning business of the year.
Business
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The Sunshine Coast business community celebrated excellence last night at the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards Gala, where Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) earned top honours as Business of the Year.
AAT, renowned for its public aquarium projects worldwide, and previously awarded Best Business in 2021, also took home awards for Export and Building and Construction (large business) categories, solidifying its reputation as a leader in aquarium development across various regions, including the UAE, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
About 850 attendees gathered to celebrate the achievements of 130 finalists, drawn from 239 entries, as 38 awards were presented.
The gala featured a lively program with MC Shane Jacobson, performances by 7 Sopranos and Amplify, and a memorable collaboration on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The event also highlighted Sunshine Coast’s culinary offerings with locally grown food and the region’s first Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Bar, showcasing Mooloolaba prawns, Peachester limes, and more.
Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine highlighted the importance of this year’s event, expressing gratitude for the sponsors, judges, and volunteers whose contributions made the nine-month program possible.
“Last night was a tremendous success and a fantastic chance for the Sunshine Coast to recognise and reflect on our diverse and growing business community,” Ms Swaine said.
“Many businesses have faced a tough year, battling cost-of-living pressures and other external challenges, so these awards provide a vital platform to celebrate excellence across multiple sectors.”
Ms Swaine also acknowledged the tough circumstances of the past year, with rising interest rates affecting both operations and consumer spending.
“However, with the recent election behind us and a new year approaching, the outlook is looking more optimistic, especially with recent commentary pointing to stability in interest rates.”
She said that about 50 per cent of entries each year come from businesses participating for the first time.
“These remarkable businesses are making a significant impact on our region, and most are moving forward with a hopeful outlook for the future.”
As part of the evening’s highlights, four businesses were inducted into the Hall of Fame for winning their categories over three consecutive years - White’s IGA, Narrows Escape, Aussie Tiny Houses, and Stymie.
Swaine expressed her pride in the winners, stating, “Our finalists, winners, and Hall of Fame inductees are a testament to the innovation, resilience, and success that defines our local economy”.
The Sunshine Coast and Noosa mayors joined in congratulating the honorees, with Ms Swaine noting that the awards will celebrate their 30th anniversary next year, marking another milestone in recognising local business excellence.
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