BIRDON has been named the 2026 Mid North Coast Business of the Year, leading a diverse field of winners recognised at this year’s Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards in Coffs Harbour.
The global maritime engineering company capped off a successful evening by also receiving the Excellence in Large Business award.
The awards celebrated the achievements of businesses, organisations and business leaders from across the Mid North Coast region.
There were a record 282 entries this year, a significant increase on 189 in 2025.
Linked Community Services was among the evening’s biggest winners, receiving Outstanding Community Organisation and Excellence in Innovation.
Linked Community Services CEO Carlie Comer was also named Outstanding Business Leader for organisations with 21 employees or more.
Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic collected four awards, winning Excellence in Small Business, Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing.
Clinic director Dr Kristy Kostalas was also recognised as Outstanding Business Leader for organisations with 20 employees or fewer.
The Big Banana Fun Park enjoyed a standout evening, receiving Excellence in Sustainable Tourism and Outstanding Visitor Experience in recognition of its continuing contribution to the region’s visitor economy.
The awards highlighted the strength, ambition and diversity of the Mid North Coast business community, Business NSW Regional Director Rod Barnaby said.
“These awards celebrate businesses and individuals who are making a significant contribution to our region through innovation, leadership, job creation and community impact,” Mr Barnaby said.
“This year’s record entries demonstrate the growing strength, ambition and confidence of the Mid North Coast business community.
“Every winner has shown an unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re proud to recognise their achievements on the regional stage.”
The Mid North Coast’s collaborative spirit was also recognised, with the Coffs Coast Aviation Partnership and Regional Visitor Economy Collective receiving the Outstanding Visitor and 24-Hour Economy Collaboration award.
Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber was named Outstanding Local Chamber, with the Camden Haven and Wauchope chambers and Business Port Macquarie among the regional finalists in the category.
The winners will now represent the Mid North Coast at the 2026 State Business Awards in Sydney on October 30, competing against regional and metropolitan finalists from across New South Wales.
2026 Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards winners were:
Business of the Year: Birdon Group.
Outstanding Business Leader, 21 Employees and Over: Carlie Comer, Linked Community Services.
Outstanding Business Leader, 20 Employees and Under: Dr Kristy Kostalas, Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic.
Outstanding Young Business Leader: Tiga Cross, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.
Excellence in International Business: Planet Lighting.
Excellence in Sustainable Tourism: The Big Banana Fun Park.
Outstanding Community Organisation: Linked Community Services.
Excellence in Sustainability: Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: ETC.
Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing: Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic.
Outstanding Visitor Experience: The Big Banana Fun Park.
Outstanding Visitor and 24-Hour Economy Collaboration: Coffs Coast Aviation Partnership and Regional Visitor Economy Collective.
Excellence in Innovation: Linked Community Services.
Outstanding New Business: Remote Infrastructure Group.
Outstanding Employee: Nathan O’Connor, Mid North Coast Allied Health.
Employer of Choice, 20 Employees and Under: Magnified.
Employer of Choice, 21 Employees and Over: Billabong Zoo.
Excellence in Micro Business: The Social Flip.
Excellence in Small Business: Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic.
Excellence in Medium Business: AMIA.
Excellence in Large Business: Birdon Group.
Outstanding Local Chamber: Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber,
By Luke HADFIELD
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