The best of the region’s business community has been revealed, with 92 businesses and individuals across the New England North West named finalists in this year’s Business NSW awards, ahead of a gala night in Quirindi.
Business NSW has announced the finalists for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards, run in major partnership with Joblink Plus, recognising businesses and individuals across 21 categories spanning Tamworth, Narrabri, Uralla, Walcha, Gunnedah, Inverell and the wider Liverpool Plains.
Two new categories have been introduced this year, Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing and Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, reflecting what organisers say is the growing diversity of the region’s business base.
Business NSW New England North West Regional Director Stephanie Cameron congratulated all finalists on their achievement.
“Being named a finalist in the New England North West Business Awards is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work, commitment and innovation demonstrated by businesses and individuals across our region,” Ms Cameron said.
“The calibre of applications this year has been incredibly encouraging and showcases the strength of our business community and the people behind it.
“To everyone who entered, thank you for sharing your story and achievements. To our finalists, congratulations, we look forward to celebrating your success with you at the Gala Dinner.”
All entries were independently assessed by a panel of experienced judges. The 2026 Gala Dinner will be held at Club Quirindi, bringing businesses and community leaders together in the Liverpool Plains to celebrate the region’s business community. Tickets go on sale soon.
The full list of 2026 finalists:
Outstanding Community Organisation, presented by Liverpool Plains Shire Council
- Connecting With Bricks Inc.
- Homes North Community Housing
- Sora Community Services
- Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service
- Tamworth Meals On Wheels
- The Plains Inc.
- Uralla Community Neighbourhood Centre
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, presented by Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS)
- Bamara
- Northaven
- Nurse Next Door
- Pause Allied Health
- Sage Services Group
Excellence in Sustainability, presented by Andromeda Industries
- axxis
- Code 1 Coffee Co
- The Alternate Root
Excellence in International Business
- Andromeda Industries
Outstanding New Business, presented by PRD Tamworth, Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah
- Callie Pilates
- Donna Harris Thermomix Consultant
- Empowering Together
- Taurus Rural
Excellence in Micro Business (0-5 employees), presented by Santos
- Creating Focus
- Integr8y
- Nash Goodwin Photography
- Red Hill Cottage Walcha
- The Cardhub Inverell
- The Coffee Window
Excellence in Small Business (6-20 employees), presented by BEST Employment
- Andromeda Industries
- Espire Occupational Therapy
- Little Birdy Enterprises
- Lloyd Sign Co
Excellence in Medium Business (21-99 employees), presented by WIN Network
- Many Fabrication and Engineering
- Partner Now Property
- Sage Services Group
- The Alternate Root
Excellence in Large Business (100+ employees)
- Tamworth City Toyota
Outstanding Local Chamber, presented by Business NSW
- Liverpool Plains Business Chamber
- Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce
- Tamworth Business Chamber
- Uralla Shire Business Chamber
- Walcha Business Group
Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing, presented by EML Mutual
- Centrepoint Tamworth
- Holistic Recovery Work Health and Safety
- Many Fabrication and Engineering
- Partner Now Property
- Pause Allied Health
Excellence in Innovation, presented by University of New England
- axxis
- Callie Pilates
- Lloyd Sign Co
- Pause Allied Health
- The Drug Detection Agency Mid/North Coast New England and Northwest NSW
Outstanding Visitor Experience, presented by Tamworth City Toyota
- Austin Tourist Park
- Ben’s Falls Retreat
- New England Motor Lodge
- Quirindi Silo Art, Light and Sound Show
Outstanding Visitor and 24-Hour Economy Collaboration
- 24 Hours in Narrabri, Kamilaroi Country
Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, presented by Fiona’s Transport Solutions
- Artshack @ Wilgabah
- Ben’s Falls Retreat
- Wood We Create
Employer of Choice, 20 employees and under
- Moin Morris Schaefer Lawyers
- Pause Allied Health
- Valor ‘K
Employer of Choice, 21 employees and over
- Holistic Recovery
- Hunter New England Central Coast PHN
- New England Support Services
- Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service
Outstanding Employee
- Grace Hull, The Alternate Root
- Kathie Williamson, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service
- Timothy Chandler, Walcha Council Apsley Riverview Residential Aged Care
- Tahlia Ward, Sage Services Group
Outstanding Young Business Leader, presented by Tim Coates
- Addam Lewis, Sage Services Group
- Amy Davis, Temptations Intimate Photography
- Chantelle Corby, Callie Pilates
- Josh Turner, JT Photographic Studios, The Above and Beyond Media Co, Ironleaf Creative
Outstanding Business Leader, 20 employees and under
- Ashleigh Foy, Nurture and Nourish Collective
- Jeremy Bainbridge, GJ Gardner Homes Tamworth
- Payal Patel, Pause Allied Health
- Stephanie Slavin, Steph’s Dog Grooming and Retreat
Outstanding Business Leader, 21 employees and over
- Xander Peters, axxis
- Berdine Warne, Little Birdy Enterprises, The Alternate Root and The Rustic Fig
- Gary Sills, Many Fabrication and Engineering
- Jacqui Powell, Partner Now Property
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