Celebrating Excellence at the 2024 Best in Business Awards
Posted on December 2nd, 2024
The 2024 Best in Business Awards, held on Friday, 29th November at the newly reopened Keppel Bay Sailing Club conference centre, was a resounding success, with a sold-out crowd of 230 guests.
Jointly hosted by Capricorn Enterprise and the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrated the remarkable achievements of local businesses and individuals.
Television personality Kimberley Busteed captivated the audience with her signature charm, seamlessly guiding the evening’s proceedings. Guests later took to the dance floor to enjoy the soulful beats of Gold Coast band 33 Red, ensuring the festivities continued well into the night.
The prestigious event welcomed distinguished guests, including newly elected State Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton, State Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry,
Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot, Deputy Mayor Pat Eastwood, Councillor Andrea Friend, new CEO Terry Dodds, and Councillor Shane Latcham of Rockhampton Regional Council.
Nine independently judged awards were presented alongside the highly anticipated People’s Choice Award, which garnered nearly 2,400 votes to crown Vector Health and Performance as this year’s winner.
Our Space at Stockland Rockhampton took home the coveted Best Overall Business title, while Levi Briggs of Weigh Auto Group was honoured in the Best Apprentice/Trainee category.
The full list of award winners is below:
Best New Business – Support Local Rockhampton
Best Community Enterprise – Our Space
Best Sustainable Business – AdventureTec
Best Medium and Large Business – Vector Health and Performance
Best Small Business – My Place Hair and Beauty
Best Apprentice/Trainee – Levi Briggs, Weigh Auto Group
Best Employee – Nick Edwards, Dr M’s Quizzology
Best Manager/Owner – Margie Scharer, My Place Hair and Beauty
Best Overall Business – Our Space
People’s Choice Award – Vector Health and Performance
The evening also highlighted the region’s generosity, with proceeds supporting CQShines Foundation and Fitzroy Community Hospice. Each charity received a $6,000 donation, presented during the event.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll applauded all winners and nominees, proud to see our local community continuing to develop and evolve.
“Congratulations to all winners and nominees—you are the heart of what makes the region such a vibrant place to live, work, and invest,” Mary said.
“Everyone who attended the 2024 Best in Business Awards represents the best of what our community has to offer, and it was an honour to celebrate local achievements from across our region.”
“We are also incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their unwavering support, which makes events like the Best in Business Awards possible,” Mary said.
Sponsors included: Capricorn Coast Eco Destination, Elite Real Estate, Evans Edwards, IPA by Synergie, JRT Group, Keppel Eats, McDonald’s Family Restaurants, Stanwell Corporation, Tanners Bitumen and Asphalt, Vector Health and Performance, Reef Distillers, and SCA.
Capricornia Chamber of Commerce President Jason Foss expressed his pride in the fourth annual awards, acknowledging the high calibre of this year’s nominees.
“The quality of this year’s nominees has been outstanding, reflecting the incredible dedication and innovation of our local businesses,” Jason said.
“These awards have become a highlight on our calendar, and I’m immensely proud to see them continue to grow and showcase the exceptional talent within our region.”
One of the independent judges, Jennifer McGuire from AusIndustry, reflected on the judging process, which included shortlisting finalists, conducting Zoom interviews, and evaluating winners.
“The judging process was both rigorous and inspiring, as we had the privilege of witnessing the incredible stories and achievements of our local businesses,” Jennifer said.
“It was no easy task to select the winners, given the exceptional talent across all categories, and on behalf of the judging panel, we extend our congratulations to all nominees, finalists and winners.”
The judging panel included Elize Hattin from Elize Hattin Business Coaching Group, Jennifer McGuire from AusIndustry, Rees Banks from Regional Development Australia, and Mick Allen from Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
