A Ballina company developing a potential world-first solution to one of the globe’s biggest environmental challenges has been crowned Ballina Shire Business of the Year at the 2026 Business Excellence Awards.

ENV Solutions dominated Saturday night’s awards, collecting six trophies including the overall Business of the Year title, capping an evening that showcased why Ballina’s business community continues to punch well above its weight.

Founded in 2014 by environmental engineer James Foster, ENV Solutions collected awards for Innovation, Sustainability, Agriculture and Primary Industries, Business and Professional Services and Medium Business before taking home the night’s highest honour.

Director Rob Mitchell (Main photo, alongside colleagues Sarah King and Bianca Smith) accepted the awards on behalf of Mr Foster, who was unable to attend.

He said innovation had always been central to the Ballina-based company’s philosophy.

“We believe good innovation contributes to good solutions,” he said.

“Innovation is always a challenge. It’s about backing yourself, having confidence and pushing technology as far as it can go.”

One of those innovations could have worldwide significance.

ENV Solutions is working with Australian and European partners to investigate whether industrial hemp, grown from seed sourced from Nimbin, can remove PFAS contamination from soil.

Known as “forever chemicals”, PFAS compounds have been widely used in firefighting foams and industrial products for decades and are now recognised as a major global environmental challenge.

Mr Mitchell said early trials suggested the hemp could remove between 60 and 80 per cent of PFAS from contaminated soil.

“What we’re doing is growing hemp in PFAS-impacted soil to try and remove the bulk contaminant in the upper soil profile,” he said.

The first large-scale trial is about to begin near Brisbane Airport.

“It’s world-leading,” Mr Mitchell said.

“It won’t necessarily be the complete solution, but it will definitely be part of the solution.”

The project combines ENV Solutions’ environmental expertise with hemp supplied by Hem Farms Australia and biotechnology developed by Belgian partner C-Biotech.

Innovation wasn’t confined to environmental science. Ballina entrepreneur Shaun Haysom’s Noah’s Mini Golf, a mobile mini golf business that brings fully portable courses to events across the Northern Rivers and beyond, won the New Business category.

Haysom also unveiled what he says is the world’s first glowing golf ball, designed to transform night-time mini golf into an entirely new experience.

Shaun Haysom with the glowing ball

Scott Redford receives his award

Todd Yourell and the St Andrews team

Avid Constructions Rhys Carmichael – Outstanding Business Leader

Investing in people

While innovation stole plenty of the spotlight, the awards also recognised the people behind successful businesses.

One of the night’s most warmly received winners was Ballina RSL’s Scott Redford, who was named Outstanding Employee.

As the club’s Talent and Training Coordinator, Redford has built a reputation as a mentor who helps develop staff and build careers, making him one of the RSL’s most respected and popular employees.

His award was fitting on a night hosted by Ballina RSL, with guests praising the venue’s hospitality, food and service throughout the evening.

Leadership was another hallmark of the awards.

St Andrews Village chief executive Todd Yourell was named Outstanding Business Leader (21-plus employees), while the aged care provider also won the Large Business category.

Rhys Carmichael was recognised as Outstanding Business Leader (under 20 employees) before Avid Constructions collected the Trade, Construction and Manufacturing award.

Jade Taylor and Jenn Robertson from Sistability

Biala’s Lisa Smith and Nolin Freeman

Dr Moose founders Dale and Rachael Warburton

Multiple winners shine

Several businesses emerged as standout performers across multiple categories.

Sistability claimed four awards, winning Workplace Health and Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion, Employer of Choice (under 20 employees) and Small Business.

ENV Solutions’ six-award haul made it the clear standout of the night.

Other winners included Biala, which received Health, Care and Wellness and Employer of Choice (21-plus employees), while Dr Moose claimed both Micro Business and Lennox Head Business of the Year.

Plateau Tyres Pirlo family team, Paul, Nicky, Zoe and Lachlan.

Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels: Hayle Evans, Anthea Scott and Ally Barlow with Shaun Haysom

Cherie Bevan and Peggy Vertzyas from Home Alstonville

Plateau Tyres won Retail and Personal Services before also being named Plateau Business of the Year.

Meals on Wheels received Community Organisation of the Year, ISM Ballina won Creative Industries, HOME Alstonville claimed Visitor Experience, and Chris Photiou (pictured right) from The Trident was recognised as Young Business Leader.