The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:07): I move:

(1)That this House notes that:

(a)the 2025 Business Hunter Awards gala ceremony held at NEX Newcastle on Friday 12 September 2025 was a record‑breaking event, attracting more than 600 guests, over 220 entrants and more than 100 finalists across 19 categories;

(b)Newcastle Airport was the standout on the evening, receiving Business of the Year, Contribution to the Region and Excellence in Sustainability, and with airlines and partnership manager Matthew Borger named Employee of the Year;

(c)other major award winners included:

(i)Prosperity Advisers Group, Excellence in Large Business;

(ii)SAPHI, Excellence in Small Business and Excellence in Innovation;

(iii)Jeremy Brett of Morgan Engineering, Outstanding Business Leader – 21 employees and over;

(iv)James Sneddon of Hyphen Health, Outstanding Business Leader – under 20 employees;

(v)Steph Loadsman of KPMG, Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader;

(vi)Whiteley Corporation, President's Award;

(vii)Showtime Kayaking, Outstanding New Business;

(viii)Note It, Excellence in Micro Business;

(ix)Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, Outstanding Community Organisation;

(x)Omnia, Excellence in International Business;

(xi)A Splash of Colour Swimming, Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion;

(xii)Primary Health Network, Employer of Choice – over 21 employees;

(xiii)Loyalty Management Solutions, Employer of Choice – under 20 employees;

(xiv)Maitland Business Chamber, Outstanding Local Chamber; and

(xv)4WD Tours R US, Outstanding Visitor Experience.

(d)Business Hunter also inducted Mullane, Monteath & Powys and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service into its Honour Roll and awarded Hall of Fame status to Out of the Square Media and the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce; and

(e)the Awards, sponsored by Newcastle Permanent, celebrate excellence, resilience and innovation across the Hunter, with Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes highlighting Newcastle Airport's expanded international capability and Astra Aerolab development as drivers of regional growth and opportunity.

(2)That this House congratulates all winners, finalists, sponsors and organisers of the 2025 Business Hunter Awards.

(3)That this House acknowledges the contribution of Newcastle Airport and other honourees to the Hunter's economy and community and commends the diversity and strength of the region's business sector.

Motion agreed to.