2025 Central Highland Business Excellence Awards

Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) established this biennial initiative in 2013. While the Awards have grown in scope and scale over the years, their core mission remains unchanged: to reflect on achievements, showcase best business practice and celebrate the businesses that make the Central Highlands a great place to live, work and grow.

We want our region’s small and medium businesses to not only survive, but thrive. The Awards are not just about the glitz and glamour of the Gala Dinner in September. They’re about helping businesses self-assess and improve the planning and processes they put in place to ensure their commercial success and longevity.” says Ashleigh Vann, Business Facilitator at CHDC.

In 2023, 143 businesses were nominated across 10 categories, including two of Tieri’s own entrepreneurs: Jamie-Lee O’Reilly of Koa Hair Studio for the Sole Trader and Emerging Business categories, and Jodie McKenzie of Aurora Beauty Parlour for the Beauty, Health & Lifestyle category and the Sole Trader category…which she went on to win!

“I’ve been operating my business since 2016, but I had never entered a local award before. I entered the Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards in 2023 to celebrate the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my business as a sole trader,” explains Jodie.

“The process was empowering, and winning the award not only affirmed the quality of my services but also provided invaluable exposure and education on ways I could improve my business operations.

On a personal level, it gave me a boost of confidence, knowing that my efforts were being recognised by the community. It has opened doors for new opportunities, increased brand awareness, and given my clients an added sense of trust in my work.

The experience has been positive for my business, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. I definitely encourage other businesses to take the leap and apply – you never know what doors it might open!”

AWARD CATEGORIES
There are 11 award categories that the community can nominate a business for, or a business can self-nominate. Once nominated, businesses have the opportunity to complete the entry process by answering the criteria questions. This year’s categories are:

• Agribusiness
• Beauty, Health & Lifestyle
• Emerging Business
• Not-for-Profit
• Manufacturing, Construction & Trades
• Mining Equipment, Technology & Services (METS)
• Professional & Business Services
• Regional Corporate
• Retail
• Sole Trader Business
• Tourism & Hospitality

Once all nominations have been received, a rigorous review process is carried out during April and May to identify the finalists. During this time, all nominees are encouraged to attend a series of workshops covering a wide range of business topics, from AI in Business, to Creating Content for Social Media and recruitment and retention of staff. They’re also able to access mentors from Queensland Government’s Mentoring for Growth program.
Category finalists will be announced in June, and invited to attend further workshops, including one on public speaking to help prepare them in the event they win.

“Now is your chance to show the region what a great town Tieri is,” says Ashleigh. “I strongly encourage the Tieri community to nominate their favourite business or encourage them to get involved. Or if you’re a local business owner, don’t be shy – put yourself forward, you’ve got nothing to lose but lots to gain!”