Community & Business
20 May, 2025
Teahouse tops the Tablelands awards
LAKE Barrine Teahouse was the Champion Business Award-winner at this year’s Tablelands Business Excellence Awards ceremony held on Saturday night.
The popular business was lauded by a solid crowd of nominees, sponsors and guests, who gathered to toast the winners and finalists of the annual event, which recognises the region’s outstanding business operators and not-for-profit entities.
“Local businesses play a crucial role in small communities by providing jobs, stimulating economic growth and fostering a sense of community pride,” Mayor Rod Marti said.
“They are an integral part of who we are as a community and we value their contribution to the region.
“It was fantastic to see 37 businesses and organisations nominated across the 10 categories, and to receive 2,030 votes for the People’s Choice category.”
Think Tank Coaching took out this category with 320 votes, followed, in order of votes, by Malanda Collective, Cowgirl Country, Walkamin Caravan Park, and Herbert River Produce.
“Thanks to all our sponsors for their support of the event, and our community for recognising the efforts of local businesses and organisations,” Mayor Marti said.
Award finalists and winners of the 2025 Tablelands Business Excellence Awards were:
Champion Business sponsored by Mangoesmapping.
Award winner – Lake Barrine Teahouse
Finalists – Cowgirl Country; LJ Hooker Atherton, Malanda and Mareeba; Smart Bookkeeping FNQ; and The Millstream General Store and Cafe.
Community Contribution Excellence sponsored by Kaban Green Power Hub.
Award winner – Atherton Tablelands Agriculture Society Inc.
Finalists – Ashley Cupitt Boxing Academy, i’ara Specialist Support Coordination, and Kidner Contracting Pty Ltd.
Customer Service Excellence – Professional Services sponsored by Elders Insurance Tablelands.
Award winner – Loan Select Tablelands
Finalists – Andrea’s Counselling Services and Think Tank Coaching.
Customer Service Excellence – Trade, Retail and Services sponsored by Malanda Seafood.
Award winner – The Crystal Caves
Finalists – Far North Office Choice, Malanda Collective, Sharlynn by the River Bed and Breakfast, and Winter and Mann.
Employer of Choice sponsored by Black Star Radio.
Award winner – Healthwise Physio
Food and Agribusiness Excellence sponsored by NAB Regional and Agribusiness.
Award winner – FNQ Honey and Bees, and Herbert River Produce.
Finalists – Crater Mountain Coffee, Golden Oak Produce, Natural Living Co., and Tablelands Better Beef Open Day.
New and Emerging Business sponsored by Healthwise Physio.
Award winner – Millstream Meadows
Finalists – EcoK9 Consulting
Sustainability Environmental Contribution Excellence sponsored by Tablelands Hardware.
Award winner – Hair By Eva
Finalists – The Country Mile Cafe
Technology and Innovation Impact sponsored by Launch Y(E)P Tropical Innovation Festival.
Award winner – Mangoesmapping
Finalists – Telpara Hills Brangus and UltraBlacks
People’s Choice sponsored by nbn Local.
Award winner – Think Tank Coaching (320 votes)
Finalists – Malanda Collective (295 votes), Cowgirl Country (288 votes), Walkamin Caravan Park (208 votes), and Herbert River Produce (123 votes).
