Chambers Go Social as Awards Season Kicks Off
Ballina & Plateau Businesses Encouraged to Celebrate Their Success
It’s awards season across the Ballina Shire — and local businesses are being encouraged to step into the spotlight and celebrate their achievements with two exciting opportunities to shine.
For the first time in over a decade, businesses on the Alstonville Plateau will have their own dedicated awards night, with the Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce hosting its inaugural Plateau Business Awards at Summerland Farm on Saturday, July 26.
Businesses on the Plateau can choose to enter either (or both!) the Ballina Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards or the Plateau Business Awards, giving everyone a chance to be recognised for their hard work, innovation, and community impact.
Ballina Chamber Goes Social at Ballina Fair
The Ballina Chamber kicked off its awards campaign this week with a networking event at Ballina Fair, bringing together local leaders and entrepreneurs to celebrate the spirit of business.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader used the event to announce Council’s push to appoint a dedicated Economic Development Officer, a move she says will strengthen support for local businesses.
“We’re the fastest growing local government area on the Far North Coast — and everybody wants to be in Ballina. Why wouldn’t they?”
“If a business wants to expand or move here, we should be rolling out the red carpet. That’s why having an Economic Development Officer is so important — to champion our economy and connect with our business community.
“Cr Michelle Bailey, who also heads the Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce, is backing the push for greater business support at the council level,” Cr Cadwallader said.
How to Enter
Whether you’re a startup, a long-standing enterprise, or a community champion, these awards are a chance to showcase your achievements and connect with others who are helping drive the region’s growth.
Ballina Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
Entries close: June 5
Gala Awards Night: Saturday, August 2 @ 6:30pm, Ballina RSL Auditorium
Enter here: ballinachamber.com.au/business-awards-2025
Alstonville Wollongbar Plateau Business Excellence Awards
Entries close: June 12
Gala Awards Night: Saturday, July 26 @ Summerland Farm
Enter here: alstonvillewollongbar.com.au/plateau-business-awards
PLATEAU BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT
Drinks, Nibbles & Live Music with Ino Pio
WHERE: 17A / 58 Simpson Avenue, Wollongbar (underneath the shops)
WHEN: Tuesday, June 3
TIME: 5:30pm
RSVP by: Friday, May 30
Call or text: 0431 147 626
Email: info@alstonvillewollongbar.com.au
Come along, connect with like-minded people, meet the new business owners at The Palms Shopping Centre — and hear all about the upcoming Plateau Business Awards
