From Tamworth to Walcha, 92 businesses and individuals are finalists in this year’s regional business awards. See the full list and find out who’s in the running.
Awards
Posted inArmidale, Awards, Education, Good News
Armidale hairdresser named NSW’s top apprentice
Armidale hairdresser Nikita Wells was crowned New England’s Apprentice of the Year earlier this year has now gone one better, taking out the title across the whole of NSW and earning a shot at the national stage in November.
Posted inArmidale, Awards, Business
Armidale’s Gojee named world’s best small business app by Xero
An Armidale software company built inside a family earthmoving business has been named the best small business app in the world, beating some of the biggest names in the global Xero ecosystem.
Posted inAwards, Hillgrove, Sport
Hillgrove teen wins Tahs scholarship
Hillgrove’s Rocco Eastwood, 15, has landed the Waratahs Ian Campbell Scholarship and a training stint with a Sydney Premier club.
Posted inArmidale, Awards
Ella Baché Armidale named ‘The Gold Ella’ National Salon of the Year
Ella Baché Armidale has taken out the top honour at the 2026 Ella Awards, winning ‘The Gold Ella’ National Salon of the Year as the skincare brand celebrates its 90th anniversary.
Posted inArmidale, Awards, Business, Technology
Armidale software company named among world’s best four by Xero
An Armidale software company built inside a local earthmoving business is one of just four finalists worldwide for Xero’s top small-business app award, up against some of the biggest names in the game.
Posted inAwards, Local News
New England communities celebrate RFBI Showcase Awards recognition
New England aged care workers and volunteers are among those recognised in RFBI’s annual Showcase Awards, celebrating excellence and dedication across the sector.
Posted inAwards, Narrabri
Narrabri Shire honoured for turning vandalism into art
A vandalism hotspot turned into public art, and it worked so well the tagging stopped. Narrabri Shire has picked up two Local Government Week awards, its fourth year running.
Posted inAwards, NSW Politics, Tenterfield
Saffin wins national Human Rights award
Tenterfield’s state member has won Labor’s top human rights honour. Nearly 72 and still “skiing down the hill on one ski,” Janelle Saffin’s fight has spanned four decades, Timor-Leste and Myanmar.
Posted inAwards, Business, Good News, Uralla
The Alternate Root cleans up at Business Uralla Awards
The Alternate Root was the big winner at the Business Uralla Awards on Friday night, with the host venue and its team collecting a string of major honours.