Business
13 October, 2025
Best practice in spotlight
THE Cairns Chamber of Commerce has announced dozens of finalists for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards (BEX).
The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses and emerging leaders across the Cairns region.
From startups to long-standing enterprises, the finalists represent the best of Cairns’ business community – those who are thinking outside the box, going above and beyond the ‘business as usual’ status quo and demonstrating excellence in their respective fields.
Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Patrica O’Neill said the judges were highly impressed by the calibre of submissions.
“Every year, they are blown away by the passion and dedication of our local businesses and 2025 is no exception,” she said.
“These finalists are, not only driving economic growth, but they’re also shaping the future of our region.”
The awards span 10 categories, including business resilience, community contribution and the emerging leader excellence award.
“The emerging leader category is especially close to our hearts,” Ms O’Neill said.
“It’s inspiring to see young professionals stepping up and making a real impact,” she said.
They are Amy Patterson, Amy Schultz, Bryce Coe, Christian Fay, Emily Poole, Millie Lowcock, Sarah Debono, Shayla Sheen and Trish Wadey.
The winners will be announced at a gala ball on Friday 17 October at the Cairns Convention Centre. The finalists are:
Business resilience excellence award – Freshwater Small Engines, NORSTA Maritime, Signature Staff, Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef.
Community contribution excellence award – All At Once Consulting, Allied Moving Services Cairns, Aspire Cairns Community, Cairns Italian Festival, Cairns Meals On Wheels, Cairns RSL Sub Branch, Far North Queensland Legacy Club, Hilton Cairns, Hook and Sail Catering, i’ara Specialist Support Coordination, KinKera Community, The Distributors Queensland Cairns, Thrive and Connect, Wheels of Wellness
Customer service excellence award (professional services) – Cairns Bank, Harding Property Law, Inspired Coaching Group, KHI Insurance Services, Londino Project Services, Rivers Insurance Brokers, Senior Helpers FNQ, UP North Group, Zory Financial Solutions
Customer service excellence award (trade, retail and services) – Crystalbrook Collection, AirBridge Networks, Bu Lash Cairns, Cairns Car Brokers, Cairns Spit Roast Catering, CCW Cabinet Works, Coffee Buoy, Easy Cool Air & Electrical, Eggplant & Poppy, First Aid Academy, GOtech Customised Security, Kiss My Hide - Australia, Simply Hampers ...Simply the Best, The Red Pepper Wood Fired Pizzeria
Indigenous business excellence award – Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, The Female Co, Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation
Innovation excellence award – Blooming Keepsakes Australia, Chat2, Every Moment Photography, Hansen Yuncken, Mindesigns, Wallfly
Marketing and communications excellence award – Adllins Media, Cairns Convention Centre, COS, Drive Queensland, Little Tuna/ East Coast Tuna Co
People management excellence award – ADhesive Communication, Cairns Taxis, Jims Mowing Parramatta Park
Sustainability and environmental excellence award – Cairns Adventure Group, Crystalbrook Collection, Heightened Services Group, North Marine, Small World Journeys.
