Community & Business
10 June, 2026
Businesses celebrate excellence
THE region’s outstanding business operators were recognised recently at the Tablelands Business Excellence Awards gala ceremony.
Ten awards were presented including the People’s Choice awards which attracted almost 1600 votes.
The Champion Business award went to popular Atherton supermarket, Fresh St Market IGA which also picked up a win in the Community Contribution Excellence category.
“The awards celebrate the vital contribution local businesses make to our region, both economically and as part of our community,” Acting Mayor Dave Bilney said.
“It was fantastic to see so many great Tablelands businesses and organisations nominated for this year’s awards, and almost 1600 votes for the People’s Choice category.
“Local businesses play a crucial role in small communities by providing jobs, stimulating economic growth and fostering a sense of community pride.
“They are an integral part of who we are as a community and we value their contribution to the region.”
The award winners and finalists for the 2026 Tablelands Business Excellence Awards were:
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION EXCELLENCE:
Award winner – Fresh St Market IGA.
Finalists – Barron Valley Hotel, Foggy Dew Candle Co, Healthwise Physio and Tableland Community Link Association Inc.
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE:
Award winner – Smart Elec.
Finalists – Cowgirl Country, Little Eden, Malanda Collective, Malanda Hardware and Smart Bookkeeping Payroll & BAS.
EMPLOYER OF CHOICE:
Award winner – i’ara Specialist Support Coordination.
Finalists – Elders Real Estate Tablelands and LJ Hooker Property Plus.
FOOD AND AGRIBUSINESS EXCELLENCE:
Award winner – Tablelands Farm to Fork.
NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS:
Award winner – Tablelands Landscape Supplies.
Finalists – Altitude 700 Rural Retreat and Burra Bakehouse.
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IMPACT:
Award winners – Think Tank Coaching.
Finalist – StartUp and Innovation Tablelands.
TOURISM BUSINESS EXCELLENCE:
Award winner – Winter and Mann.
Finalists – Altitude 700 Rural Retreat, Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway Inc and Little Eden.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE:
Award winner – Bud n Bloom Florist.
CHAMPION BUSINESS:
Award winner – Fresh St Market IGA.
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR:
Award winner – Anna Winter.
