Ballina’s business community put on its best for the annual Business Excellence Awards — a night that recognises the passion, resilience and ingenuity of local enterprises across the shire.
Held at Ballina RSL, the gala event showcased everything from small startups to major employers, with this year’s top honour — Business of the Year — going to Collins Hume Accountants.
The firm also won Excellence in Business and Professional Services and Excellence in Sustainability, highlighting its commitment to both client outcomes and community impact.
Chris Atkinson (CEO), Kirra Connell (Outstanding Trainee), Naomi Monk (Highly Commended Outstanding Employee), Peter Fowler (Co-owner) and Nathan McGrath (Outstanding Business Leader 21+ employees).
Collins Hume: Business of the Year
CEO Chris Atkinson, who co-owns the firm with Peter Fowler, accepted the award alongside team members including Kirra Connell, winner of Outstanding Trainee, and Naomi Monk, Highly Commended Outstanding Employee. Nathan McGrath also received Outstanding Business Leader in the 21+ employee category.
“Our purpose is to inspire business owners to achieve powerful and meaningful results,” Mr Atkinson said.
“We live and breathe our values, and without that, we wouldn’t be what we are today.”
Founded in Ballina in 1980, Collins Hume remains proudly local, though its client base and services now extend across the country.
“We’ve got a young, vibrant partnership group, but our heart is here in Ballina,” Atkinson said.
He also emphasised the value of awards like these:
“Running a small business is hard work. Nights like this give everyone a chance to pause, connect, and feel seen by a community that understands.”
📸 Sistability, Employer of Choice (under 20 employees) and Diversity and Inclusion Award:
Krystal Delaporte, Mike Taylor, Jade Taylor (CEO and founder), Olivia Guy, Jenn Robertson, Nicole McElwee, Rebecca Wright.
📸 Rhys and Brooke Carmichael – Avid Constructions and Contracting:
Excellence in Trade, Construction and Contracting, Excellence in Small Business, Outstanding Business Leader (under 20 employees).
📸 Co-winners Lisa Smith – Bialia CEO and Nathan McGrath – Collins Hume
Outstanding Business Leader 21+ employees
📸 Federal Hotel:
Kelly Field (Outstanding Employee), Vincent James Chee (Outstanding Business Leader).
RSL Honoured for Community Contribution
It wasn’t just business on the agenda. Ballina RSL took out the Community Category, highlighting its role not only as a host of the event, but as a key contributor to local wellbeing and connection.
A Word from the Chamber
Chamber Executive Andy Vidler closed the evening with heartfelt thanks:
“Whether you won an award or not, you’ve all put in an incredible effort.
“These awards give us a chance to pause and appreciate the work being done across this amazing region.
“Congratulations to Collins Hume and all the finalists.”
He also extended gratitude to the event’s generous sponsors:
Ballina Fair, Tamara Smith MP, CulbIT, Collins Hume, Ballina RSL, Adler Constructions, and Hartley’s Fresh.
Part of the big councillor team that attended; Deputy Mayor Damian Loone, Cr Eva Ramsey, Cr Simon Kinny and partner Marjorie Fitzgerald, Bruce and Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, Martin and Cr Michelle Bailey.
Main photo (top) : the Ballina Chamber of Commerce executive team.
Category Winners:
Excellence in Retail & Personal Services – Dr.Moose
Excellence in Trade, Construction & Manufacturing – Avid Constructions & Contracting
Excellence in Business & Professional Services – Collins Hume
Excellence in Health, Care & Wellness Industries – St Andrew’s
Outstanding Visitor Experience – Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Excellence in Sustainable Tourism – Gaia Retreat & Spa
Excellence in Creative Industries – Northern Rivers Media (Ballina Wave, Lennox Wave, Byron Wave)
Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year – Kirra Connell (Collins Hume)
Outstanding Community Organisation – Ballina RSL
Outstanding Employee – Kelly Field (Federal Hotel)
Outstanding Young Business Leader – Tara Buggy (St Andrew’s Young Leader) & Vincent James Chee (Federal Hotel) (Dual Winners)
Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees & Under – Rhys Carmichael (Avid Constuction and Contracting)
Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees & Over – Nathan McGrath (Collins Hume) & Lisa Smith (Biala Support Services Ltd) (Dual Winners)
Employer of Choice – 20 Employees & Under – Sistability
Employer of Choice – 21 Employees & Over – Southern Cross Credit Union & Biala Support Services (Dual Winners)
Excellence in Sustainability – Collins Hume
Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion – Sistability
Outstanding New Business – Sunshine Speech & Allied Health Services
Excellence in Micro Business – Coastal Bin Busters
Excellence in Small Business – Avid Constructions & Contracting
Excellence in Large Business – Southern Cross Credit Union
Business of the Year – Collins Hume
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