Townsville Chamber of Commerce reveal 2025 business award nominees

The Townsville Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 2025 Business Awards, with popular coffee spots, our famed wildlife park and emerging business leaders among those in the running.

Business awards artwork for story

The Townsville Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 2025 Business Awards, celebrating excellence and impact across a broad cross-section of the region’s thriving business community.

First held in 1998, the Chamber awards recognise outstanding achievements across micro to multinational businesses, with a focus on celebrating excellence and community contribution.

This year saw a record number of applications, highlighting the strength, diversity, and momentum of the business sector.

Billabong Sanctuary has been nominated for business of the year. Snappy Tom, the first croc at the park, gets his special meat treat from wildlife curator Ray Stevens. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville Chamber CEO Heidi Turner CEO said she loved the opportunity to celebrate and elevate their members who were excelling.

“The volume and quality of entries this year were exceptional it says so much about the energy and talent in our local business community,” she said.

Due to the overwhelming response, the Chamber expanded its judging panel to ensure every entry was thoroughly reviewed. Eighteen volunteer judges from the business community and local leaders assessed submissions under a strict code of conduct and confidentiality, with three judges reviewing each category.

Whaites + Co principal Jess Whaites (second left) with staff members Lily Riley, Lucas Syer-Sailor and Steven Marsilio. Jess has been nominated for young business person of the year. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I’m honestly humbled by the calibre of our volunteer judges and so grateful for their time, care and thoughtfulness they brought to the process,” Ms Turner said.

“To our 2025 finalists congratulations! Just getting to this stage in such a competitive field is an incredible achievement, and we can’t wait to celebrate you properly on 8 August.”

Finalists span industries including health, retail, engineering, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, professional services and social enterprise.

Coffee Presto espresso manager Sophie Sprigings with managing director Luke Guazzo. Coffee Presto has been nominated for best micro business of the year. Picture: Evan Morgan

Ms Turner also offered encouragement to those who submitted entries but weren’t named finalists this year.

“To everyone who applied, thank you. I hope the process gave you a moment to reflect on just how far you’ve come. Your stories matter, and your impact on our region is valued.”

Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Night on Friday 8th August, which promises to be an inspiring evening of celebration, connection and community pride.

FINALISTS

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR- Sponsored by Pickerings Group of Companies

– Billabong Sanctuary

– Cbar the Strand

– Dentist at Healthlink

– Harcourts Kingsberry Townsville

– Lamberts Fresh Produce

Winner of the Lamberts Produce Biggest Meat Tray, Colin Cussen of Kirwan with Nth Qld Cowboys ambassadors, Jason Taumalolo, Valentine Holmes and Lamberts owner Michael Burge. Lamberts has been nominated for business of the year.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR- Sponsored by QSG

– ANV Painting

– Cohen Legal

– Dentist at Healthlink

– GetBranded

– Townsville Office Safety Supplies

MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

– Advantage Project Solutions Pty Ltd

– Bartlett Master Jewellers

– Coffee Presto

– Hello Health

– Whaites + Co

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION- Sponsored by Ringers Western

– AEP Engineering

– Dentist at Healthlink

– selectability

– The Metropole Hotel

– Tiny Mountain Brewery

Paula Pool with supplies for Fuel for Schools. Fuel for Schools is nominated in the social responsibility section. Picture: Evan Morgan

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR- Sponsored by Malpara Florist Design Studio

– AEP Engineering

– Apricus Health

– Belle Property Townsville

– Coutts Redington Chartered Accountants

– St Patrick’s College Townsville

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR- Sponsored by James Cook University

– Jess Whaites from Whaites + Co

– Johan Erickson from Empowered Recruitment

– Jordan Jilg from Rummage Technical

– Justin Bolgrer from JB’s Diesel Mechanical

– Peter Mulligan from Channel Empowered Recruitment

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR- Sponsored by Optus

– Alana Hopkins from Workforce Abundance

– Kristy Dawes from Belle Property Townsville

– Peta Mitchell from Cbar the Strand

– Rebecca Hoffensetz from The Ville Resort-Casino

RAISING REGIONS- Sponsored by The Ville Resort Casino

– Explore Property Munro Co

– Powerlink Queensland

– Sealink

– STEM Changemakers

Archie Arenson, Danny Watkin, Bethany Ross, Dannii McMurrich. Archie has been nominated for young employee of the year.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY- Sponsored by Powerlink

– Alliance Clinics

– Explore Property Munro Co

– Fuel for Schools

– Ronald McDonald House

– Towards Better

YOUNG EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR- Sponsored by CQUniversity

– Archie Arenson from ARN Radio

– Elissa Alferez from Alliance Clinics

– Monique Searle from The Ville Resort Casino

– Shane Dempsey from AEP Engineering

– Telissa Timpone from the Make up Mirror

Originally published as Townsville Chamber of Commerce reveal 2025 business award nominees