Shining the spotlight on local businesses
Published on 19 May 2026
Attendees representing and supporting businesses from across the region came together on Friday night to celebrate at the 2026 Cassowary Coast Local Business Awards.
The evening recognised outstanding local businesses across eight award categories, celebrating hardworking operators helping drive the region forward.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate the businesses that help shape the region’s identity and strengthen local communities.
“Local businesses are the heart of the Cassowary Coast, and these awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the passion, resilience and dedication shown by businesses right across our region.”
“From long-standing local family run businesses to exciting new businesses, the calibre of finalists and winners this year was exceptional.”
“These businesses not only contribute to our economy, but they help create vibrant communities, local jobs and a strong sense of place.”
2026 Cassowary Coast Local Business Award winners
• Rising Star Award: JK Rocket Fuel
• Outstanding Business Award: Mission Beach Dive
• Customer Service Excellence: House of Valmai
• Environmental Sustainability Award: Aus Fish Coral Pty Ltd
• Leading Employer: Tropical Vets
• Community Engagement: Silkwood Hotel
• Trade, Retail and Services Excellence: O'Brien's Electrical Innisfail
People’s Choice Business of the Year
One of the biggest moments of the evening was the announcement of the People’s Choice Business of the Year Award, with community voting delivering an incredibly close result between all of the Top 5!
After a strong show of community support and hundreds of votes, the 2026 People’s Choice Business of the Year was awarded to Hair Manor, Innisfail.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Nicolle Kelly said the awards were a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the important role small businesses play in regional communities across Queensland.
“Queensland Small Business Month is about celebrating the incredible contributions of small businesses in our communities, and the Cassowary Coast Local Business Awards is a great example of this,” Ms Kelly said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and events like these shine a well-deserved spotlight on the hardworking individuals and teams who go above and beyond to create jobs, drive innovation, and make our regions thrive.”
“It’s inspiring to see the passion and dedication of local business owners here on the Cassowary Coast, and I congratulate all the finalists and winners for their outstanding achievements.”
Outstanding Business Award winner Jade Parsonage from Mission Beach Dive said the recognition was a proud moment for the team and a reflection of the strong support shown across the local business community.
“We were absolutely chuffed to be finalists in four award categories, including the People’s Choice Award. To take home the Outstanding Business Award feels really special,” Ms Parsonage said.
“It was fantastic to be recognised alongside so many incredible local businesses and to feel the support from Council and the wider business community across the region. The night itself had a great atmosphere and was a wonderful celebration of local business on the Cassowary Coast.”
Mayor Teresa Millwood also acknowledged the efforts of Council’s Economic Development team for delivering the event as part of Queensland Small Business Month.
“The Local Business Awards are about recognising the people behind the businesses. The operators who continue to invest in our communities, support local jobs and contribute so much to making the Cassowary Coast the most liveable tropical community,” Mayor Millwood said.