The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (12:37): I move:

(1)That this House notes that:

(a)Walcha Coffee was announced as the 2025 Business of the Year at the Business NSW State Business Awards, held in Sydney on 29 October 2025;

(b)the business also secured the category Excellence in Micro Business, demonstrating excellence from a small regional enterprise;

(c)founded and based in Walcha in the New England North West region, the company now supplies cafes, supermarkets and retail across rural New South Wales and nationwide, showcasing the region's capability for high‑quality manufacturing and regional entrepreneurship; and

(d)regional director Diane Gray of Business NSW North East said Walcha Coffee's achievement "is an inspiration for rural businesses everywhere" and "it shows that with passion, perseverance and community connection, anything is possible".

(2)That this House:

(a)congratulates Walcha Coffee director Cameron Hayton and the team, and the Walcha business community for their outstanding achievement;

(b)acknowledges the significant contribution of regional small businesses to New South Wales's economy, innovation and communities;

(c)encourages further policy support and infrastructure investment so that more regional enterprises can access the same level of recognition and growth; and

(d)calls on colleagues across the Parliament to recognise the potential of the New England North West region as a hub for regional manufacturing, value-added production and brand export, using Walcha Coffee as a case study of what is achievable.

Motion agreed to.