The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (12:32): I move:

(1)That this House acknowledges that:

(a)on 11 August 2025, the 2025 Port Stephens Examiner Local Business Awards, held at the Soldiers Point Bowling Club, brought together the community to celebrate the achievements of small and medium enterprises across the region, recognising their contribution to local employment, innovation and community spirit;

(b)the awards program, led by founder and Precedent Productions managing director Steve Loe, emphasised that local business owners play a vital role in the lives of their communities, with a sellout gala event attended by families, staff and local dignitaries;

(c)Hunter Homes was named Business of the Year and also won the Outstanding Service and Trade category, reflecting the strength and diversity of the Port Stephens business community;

(d)other notable winners included Dowling Property Medowie, recipient of the Outstanding Real Estate Agency award, with finalist Montana Olding recognised with the Youth Award for her leadership and professional excellence; and

(e)the awards were made possible through the ongoing support of major and local partners, including NOVA Employment, Port Stephens Homemaker, Salamander Bay Square and Bx Networking, alongside the hospitality of Soldiers Point Bowling Club, which hosted the event.

(2)That this House congratulates all winners of and nominees for the 2025 Port Stephens Local Business Awards on their outstanding achievements and recognises the vital role of local enterprises in sustaining the economic, social and cultural life of the Port Stephens region.

Motion agreed to.