Winners / 2026

31st Hunter Business Awards

2026 winners

See photos from the 2026 gala →

Business Leader of the Year
Jeremy Brett, Morgan Engineering
Highly Commended: Xavier King, Earth and Elm Studio; Lindsay Guy, Guy's Karate School
Business Woman of the Year
Sarah-Jane Dunford, Riskology
Highly Commended: Tori Leeke, Newcastle Counselling Service
Business of the Year
The Mutual Bank
Customer Service (Individual)
Pettina Smith, Hunter Valley Flooring Xtra
Highly Commended: Kim Whitehead, Flamingos Live
Customer Service (Whole Business)
Bridgestone Select Tyre and Auto Huntlee
Highly Commended: Hunter Valley Tours
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Jake Rooney and Lucas Dagg, Wick Boys
Highly Commended: Alice Farrelly, Reformed Bookkeeper
Access & Inclusion
24/7 Care Disability Services and Activity Hub
Highly Commended: Zen Wellness Centre
Financial & Real Estate Services
The Mutual Bank
Highly Commended: Beam Bookkeeping
General Business
Dragonfly Cakes
Highly Commended: Coal & Wine Creative; Kissofire Hunter Valley Butterscotch
Health Services
MSK Podiatry Plus
Highly Commended: Transformational Institute
Home Based
Just ROLL with it Huntlee
Highly Commended: Outback Jess
Hospitality & Tourism
McCaffrey's Estate
Highly Commended: Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
New Start
Bridgestone Select Tyre and Auto Huntlee
Highly Commended: Just ROLL with it Huntlee
Not-For-Profit
Hume Community Housing
Highly Commended: The Groundswell Collective
Online Based
Springhill Beef Co
Highly Commended: Jezweb
Personal Services
Evolution Hair Co
Highly Commended: Bespoke Hair Artistry
Professional Services
Acrobat Removals and Storage
Highly Commended: Tailored HQ
Trades & Industry
Morgan Engineering
Highly Commended: Precision Fencing Newcastle

2026 Finalists

The 95 businesses named as finalists in the 31st Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards.

All years