20 game-changing Capricornia businesses named

Many Rockhampton, Emerald and Yeppoon’s top businesses have been recognised over the weekend for their hard work. Here are the winners:

Lachlan Berlin

3 min read

November 29, 2021 - 4:00AM

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Businesses are being pushed to become more innovative, creative and customer-friendly with rapidly changing conditions with technology, the economic market and Covid-19.

Capricorn Enterprise and Capricorn Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Business Gala was held on November 27 to recognise some of these best businesses in the region.

There were 240 guests who attended Kortes Resort in Parkhurst to celebrate the local businesses that have created opportunities this year.

Of the 92 nominations that were received, there were eight winners of different categories awarded on the night.

Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll presented five tourism operators with a Best of Queensland Certificate.

They received a perfect result in the last round, in a program that recognises businesses that deliver a high-quality visitor experience.

These businesses include Capricorn Caves, Discovery Parks – Coolwaters, Yeppoon, Discovery Parks – Rockhampton, Fisherman’s Beach Holiday Park and Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

“I would like to thank everyone who has purchased tickets for tonight’s event, to all those who took the time to nominate, to all Best in Business winners, and of course, our marvellous sponsors who have helped to make the night possible,” Ms Carroll said.

“What a great opportunity to celebrate our destination’s truly outstanding business talent.”

Chamber president Phil Henry was pleased at the success of the event and award process.

“We could not provide such a high-calibre of awards without our cohort of experienced judges and our sponsors, together with both the teams from Capricornia Chamber of Commerce and Capricorn Enterprise, and we are extremely grateful to all nominating businesses for the high quality of their applications,” he said.

Central Highlands Development Corporation CEO Arjan Bloemer was one of the judges and was impressed by the entries.

“Our independent team engaged in a rigorous and intense judging process to shortlist finalists, before proceeding to zoom interviews, scoring and winner selection,” he said.

“We quickly uncovered the incredible passion and broad depth of business acumen this region offers, and all nominees, finalists and category winners should be extremely proud of their enduring achievements.

“Some categories were incredibly close, in particular the ‘Best Response to the COVID-19 Business Environment’ category, where we awarded two winners, as it came to splitting hairs for these two very different businesses who both adapted rapidly and precisely to their industry’s forced changes.”

A tribute was given to 40 long-standing businesses that have operated for more than 20 consecutive years.

The People’s Choice category was chosen through an online poll, which had thousands of votes cast over four weeks.

Director of RDA regional development Tony Gambling, CQU associate vice president for Rockhampton Kim Harrington, Central Highlands Development Corporation CEO Arjan Bloemer and AusIndustry CQ regional manager Adrienne Rourke were the judges.

Best New Business (sponsored by Stanwell)

Winner – Shiralee Clydesdales & Farm Stay

Finalists – Central Queensland Media Pty Ltd, Shiralee Clydesdales and Farm Stay, Tropical Luxury Cars Yeppoon

Best Small to Medium Business (sponsored by Hughes et al)

Winner - Aquatic Pool & Spa Services

Finalists – Aquatic Pool & Spa Services, Art by Sophia, Yeppoon Small Motor Service

Best Medium to Large Business

Winner – Kennas Chartered Accountants & Kennas Financial Planners

Finalists – CQG Consulting (CQ Environmental), Empire Apartment Hotel, Kennas Chartered Accountants &

Kennas Financial Planners