Ballina’s business community is riding high after a triumphant showing at the Northern Rivers Business Awards — and the Mayor has used the moment to demand long-overdue attention from Sydney.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said Ballina’s wins, coupled with new data showing the Northern Rivers now has the strongest business confidence in New South Wales, prove the Shire is “a powerhouse of the state economy.”

But she warned growth risks being stifled unless the NSW Government moves quickly on industrial land releases.

“Business creates jobs, and jobs are integral to the success of any community,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“We’ve got waiting lists of businesses ready to expand, but no land to offer them. I will fight for this community to get what it deserves — land releases for economic development, whether at the airport, in Alstonville or Lennox Head.”

The Mayor said she would write to Premier Chris Minns, noting he has never visited Ballina since becoming Premier.

“It’s overdue. The Premier needs to come here, see the roadblocks we face, and meet the people driving this region forward. Tonight is a wake-up call to take Ballina seriously.”

Region Leads State in Confidence

The Mayor’s comments echoed the findings of Business NSW’s latest survey into small business confidence, which Regional Director Jane Laverty revealed had more than recovered after the 2022 flood disaster.

“Confidence here is the highest in New South Wales — and next quarter we’re the only region in positive territory, at plus eight,” Ms Laverty said.

“That says so much about the businesses in our region. We’re used to adversity, and that resilience is now our advantage.”

Collins Hume Crowned Business of the Year

The awards ceremony itself, held at the Ballina RSL Club, saw Collins Hume Accountants claim the top honour as Northern Rivers Business of the Year, along with two other category wins.

Chief Executive Chris Atkinson said the recognition was humbling.

“There were so many amazing businesses in the room tonight — to be chosen is an incredible honour. I feel so proud for my team of 32 people,” he said.

“Awards like this aren’t just about winning, they’re about being part of the business community. Running a business is hard — these nights remind us we’re in it together.”

Home Alstonville: Outstanding Visitor Experience

Home Alstonville, the cafe that has become a Northern Rivers institution and visitor destination  in just 18 months, took out the Outstanding Visitor Experience Award.

Front-of-house manager Sean McCann said it reflected the business’s core values.

“This is about customer service. People come in and feel welcome — it’s like stepping back in time. That’s what keeps them coming back,” he said.

Baker Charlie Callaghan said founder Cherie Bevan’s leadership had been key.

“Cherie came here to retire, but instead created her best work yet. 

“She’s grown the team from five to 16 — she’s an icon to work with, and we’re only just getting started.”

Global Reach for Gather By

Ballina honey producer Gather By won Excellence in International Business, one of the night’s most competitive categories, with judges saying all four finalists were Highly Commended.

For husband and wife team Matt and Julie Blomfield, the award was a huge boost after years of challenges.

“We’ve been through droughts, fires, floods — 90 percent of our growers lost everything,” Matt said.

“Yet here we are, exporting Manuka honey to the Middle East, UK, Malaysia and now the US. It’s a circular model: the more honey we sell, the more plants go in the ground, the more biodiversity we create.”

Local Strength Across Categories

Other Ballina winners included:

• Biala Support Services – Employer of Choice (21+ employees). CEO Lisa Smith also named Outstanding Business Leader.
  
• Sistability – Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, and Highly Commended for Employer of Choice (under 20 employees).
  
• Avid Constructions and Contracting – Excellence in Trade, Construction and Manufacturing.
  
• St Andrews Ballina – Highly Commended, Excellence in Health, Care and Wellness.
  
• Tara Buggy (St Andrews) – Highly Commended, Outstanding Business Leader.
  
• Sunshine Speech and Allied Health – Highly Commended, Outstanding New Business.
  
• Value Imagery (Cumbalum) – Highly Commended, Excellence in Micro Business.
  
• Kelly Field (Federal Hotel Alstonville) – Highly Commended, Outstanding Employee of the Year, with the main award going to NORCO 47-year career veteran Mark Myers, who received a standing ovation.
  

Ballina at Its Best

For all the talk of confidence and calls for action, the night itself was a celebration of Ballina’s spirit. Ballina RSL Club, itself an award finalist, turned on a spectacular evening for the capacity crowd, with guests praising the seamless service, high-quality entertainment and spectacular showcase of local food and produce.

It was a night where visitors left impressed, winners felt celebrated, and Ballina showed once again that when it comes to business and community, it knows how to put on its very best.