Business
14 November, 2026
Business greats receive acclaim
EDGE Hill businessman Bob Fowler has taken out the ‘legacy award’ at the annual Cairns Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
The 81-year-old, who still goes into the office each week, received the prestigious legacy award, which is not open for nomination but carefully selected by a special judging panel.
The chamber said “the award recognises an individual, family or business whose long-term achievements and community contributions have had an enduring impact on the Cairns region”.
It honours more than 50 years of business since Mr Fowler founded the Fowler’s Group in 1972.
“One local businessman, who has made an extraordinary contribution to the Cairns community, building not only a successful business, but also a legacy of generosity, leadership and compassion,” the chamber said.
The annual gala ball on Friday last week honoured the movers, shakers and changemakers of the region.
Chamber chief executive officer Patrica O’Neill said “we celebrated and acknowledged the exceptional finalists across 10 award categories as well as announcing an exceptionally worthy recipient of the prestigious 2026 legacy award at this year’s ‘night of nights’ for our business community”.
“These prestigious awards reflect the very best of Cairns’ vibrant businesses, shining a spotlight on the innovators and leaders driving growth, prosperity, community spirit and transformation across Far North Queensland, putting Cairns firmly on the map as a dynamic and forward-thinking region,” she said. “The atmosphere was electric as we, as a business community came together to celebrate the strong, resilient and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Cairns.
“The genuine support for each other and the camaraderie demonstrated on the night is what defines us as a region. It was heartwarming and fantastic.
“The awards are about recognising the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in our region, acknowledging them for their hard work, exceptional business acumen and remarkable contributions to the Cairns community.”
The other awards were:
Emerging leader excellence award – Clinton Bowden
Business resilience excellence award – Banora International Group
Community contribution excellence award – Cairns Meals on Wheels
Customer service excellence award (professional services) – Elite Executive
Customer service excellence award (trade, retail and services) – Clifton Beach Butchery
Indigenous business excellence award – Red Ochre Republic
Innovation excellence award – Cairns South Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
Marketing and communications excellence award – Tourism Tropical North Queensland
People management excellence award – Senior Helpers Far North Queensland
Sustainability and environmental excellence award – Cairns Airport.
