Walcha Coffee has been crowned the 2025 Business of the Year at the Business NSW State Business Awards, adding to its win for Outstanding Micro Business in a night of major recognition for business excellence in the New England North West region.
The awards, held in Sydney on 29 October, saw two local champions take home top state titles, with the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry also recognised as Outstanding Local Chamber for its leadership, advocacy and strong community collaboration.
For Walcha Coffee founder and Managing Director Cameron Hayton, the double win came as a complete surprise.
“It was massive,” Mr Hayton said. “I didn’t even realise we were in the running for Business of the Year, and so it was, gosh, what an unexpected honour.”
Mr Hayton’s journey with Walcha Coffee began after moving to Walcha with his family, where he started roasting coffee at home for himself. Walcha Coffee is now available across rural NSW and along the east coast, shipping nationwide to homes, supermarkets and cafés – with demand likely to take off with this massive recognition.
“We frequently send coffee up to far north, Queensland and even Western Australia. Broome Darwin, geographically, about as far as you can get in Australia,” Cameron said.
Mr Hayton said the win reflected the hard work of his small family team and the community that supports them.
“My wife and I are often bagging coffee till midnight,” he said. “It’s a whole family effort, and the community, our suppliers and our customers are all part of what makes it happen.”
Regional pride and community spirit
Diane Gray, Regional Director of Business NSW New England North West, said Walcha Coffee’s achievement was an inspiration for rural businesses everywhere.
“Small rural businesses like Walcha Coffee humbly achieve so much,” Ms Gray said.
“To take out the award of all awards is an extraordinary accomplishment and an inspiration to all businesses, no matter their size or location.
“It shows that with passion, perseverance and community connection, anything is possible.”
Mr Hayton said the recognition was about more than just his business, it was an opportunity to shine a light on the talent and innovation thriving across the New England.
“What I hope it’ll do is just bring a spotlight to business in the region,” he said.
“Walcha specifically, the whole New England, has a lot of just amazing businesses.”
“Showing off the region to a broader stage is certainly what we hope this award will do,” he said.
He also credited the Walcha Business Group, of which he is Vice President, with strengthening the local business network.
“Walcha has faced its fair share of challenges over the past few years,” he said. “So having a support network for small businesses makes a big difference.”
Ms Gray said the New England North West’s strong showing at the awards reflected the resilience and innovation of regional business.
“We are so proud of our regional winners and finalists who continue to drive growth, opportunity and innovation across the NENW,” she said. “Their achievements reflect the talent, collaboration and resilience that make the New England North West such a vibrant and inspiring place to do business.”
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