The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:13): I move:

(1)That this House notes that:

(a)the 2025 New England North West Business Awards were held at the Armidale Ex Services Club on Friday 19 September 2025, drawing more than 250 attendees from across the region and recognising the "extraordinarily high calibre" of local businesses;

(b)this year's awards attracted a record 91 businesses and 39 individuals, with winners in 19 categories earning the opportunity to represent the region at the upcoming NSW State Business Awards in Sydney on 29 October 2025;

(c)the awards showcased excellence across the region, with major winners including:

(i)Business of the Year, Sierra Tek Global;

(ii)Outstanding Business Leader (21 plus employees), Berdine Warne (Little Birdie Enterprises and The Alternate Root);

(iii)Outstanding Business Leader (20 employees and under), Michael Broekman (Namoi Valley Bricks);

(iv)Outstanding Young Business Leader, Michael Broekman (Namoi Valley Bricks);

(v)Outstanding Employee, Juliann Merrick (Many Fabrication);

(vi)Outstanding New Business, The Bolt Inn;

(vii)Excellence in Sustainability, The Alternate Root;

(viii)Excellence in Innovation, Sierra Tek Global;

(ix)Excellence in International Business, Sierra Tek Global;

(x)Excellence in Large Business, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service;

(xi)Excellence in Small Business, Focus on Function;

(xii)Excellence in Micro Business, Walcha Coffee;

(xiii)Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, Costa Guyra Glasshouses;

(xiv)Employer of Choice (under 20 employees), Espire Occupational Therapy;

(xv)Employer of Choice (21 plus employees), Central Hospitality Group;

(xvi)Outstanding Community Organisation, Tamworth Meals on Wheels;

(xvii)Outstanding Visitor Experience, CH Boutique Hotel and Apartments; and

(xviii)Outstanding Local Chamber, Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

(d)highly commended recipients included:

(i)Ben's Falls Retreat (Outstanding Visitor Experience);

(ii)Slack Smith Partners (Employer of Choice, 21 plus employees); and

(iii)Jack Thomas of Nutrien Harcourt Tenterfield (Young Business Leader).

(e)Regional Director Dianne Gray praised the event as an "incredible night of nights" and highlighted the need to re‑establish an Armidale Business Chamber, given the evident pride and momentum within the New England business community.

(2)That this House congratulates all winners, finalists, and organisers of the 2025 New England North West Business Awards, recognises the leadership and innovation of regional businesses in driving jobs, sustainability, and community wellbeing, and extends best wishes to the region's representatives as they proceed to the NSW State Business Awards in October.

Motion agreed to.