THE COASTLINE Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards celebrated the region’s leading businesses, professionals and community organisations at a gala event that showcased the strength and diversity of the local economy.
Now in its 19th year, the awards recognised excellence across a wide range of industries and highlighted the innovation, resilience and leadership that continued to drive business success throughout the region.
Leading the honours was Birdon, which claimed Business of the Year after also winning Excellence in Large Business, Industry, Manufacturing and Engineering, and Excellence in Innovation.
Business Port Macquarie Executive Officer Kylie Morris said the awards night reflected the very best of the local business community.
“The 2026 Business Awards were an incredible celebration of local business excellence, resilience and achievement,” Ms Morris said.
“While I’ve already shared a dedicated note on the awards, I do want to acknowledge again the overwhelming sense of support, pride and connection that filled the room.
“It reflected exactly what we’re working to build together through Business Port Macquarie.”
Other major winners included Billabong Zoo, which secured Excellence in Medium Business, Tourism and Attractions, and Employer of Choice (21 Employees and Over), while Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic collected multiple awards including Health and Wellbeing, Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Small Business.
“We are beyond proud of our incredible team,” said Billabong Zoo operations manager Blake Stone.
“These awards belong to every keeper who arrives in the early morning to care for our animals, every café team member serving visitors with a smile, every grounds and administration staff member, and every person who pours their heart into making Billabong Zoo such a special place,” he said.
Linked Community Services won both Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing and Outstanding Community Organisation, while Magnified was recognised as Employer of Choice (20 Employees and Under).
Individual achievements were also celebrated. Stacey Morgan of Port Macquarie Performing Arts won Woman in Business, Ben Waters of PC Pitstop received Man in Business, Blake Stone of Billabong Zoo was named Outstanding Young Business Leader, and Sandra Magann of Magnified claimed the Outstanding Business Leader Award.
Other category winners included Panthers Port Macquarie, Yulo Kopa, Aussie Port Macquarie, Sunset Framing and Gallery, Port News, Shoreline Glass Fencing, Mid North Coast Hydro Clean, Frankie’s Café and Catering, Berry Financial Services and Hot, Foggy & Fabulous.
By Sis HIGGINS
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