2026 Winners

Helix Legal

Building & Construction Award

Paramount Services QLD

Family-owned and based in Ripley, Paramount Services QLD delivers high-quality plumbing and gas fitting services across Ipswich, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Founded in 2013 by Jesse Hicks, the business has grown from a sole operation into a trusted local provider recognised for responsive service, reliable workmanship and tailored solutions across hot water systems, drainage, renovations, general plumbing and emergency repairs.

Media Operandi

Professional Services Award

Malu Pty Ltd

Based in Springfield Lakes, Malu is a 100% Indigenous and veteran-owned management consulting firm delivering commercial, financial, governance and strategic advisory services across Australia. Established in 2021 and led by Matthew Jones, the firm brings deep expertise, integrity and accountability to its work with Indigenous organisations, government agencies and private sector businesses.

Through its appointment to Queensland Government and Local Buy procurement panels, Malu continues to strengthen its reputation while delivering meaningful outcomes and creating opportunities for Indigenous communities and organisations.

TAE Aerospace

Community Involvement Award

She’s My Broker

Based in Brookwater and supporting clients across Australia, She’s My Broker is a boutique finance brokerage known for personalised service and a strong commitment to community. Since launching in 2020, the business has supported charities, fundraising initiatives and local events through sponsorships, volunteering and donations.

From sponsoring the Mater Chicks in Pink Fun Run and the Kalbar Sunflower Festival to contributing to animal welfare fundraisers and Christmas giving initiatives for local families, She’s My Broker continues to show how business can be a force for positive community impact.

The Boulevarde

Customer Service Award

All About Dentures

Serving Ipswich since 2013, All About Dentures combines personalised care with advanced digital technology to deliver high-quality, affordable dental solutions. From its purpose-built South Street clinic, the team provides denture design, 3D printing, same-day emergency denture production, rapid repairs and mobile services to hospitals, aged care facilities and retirement communities.

Led by principal prosthetist Charl Fourie, this Ipswich-based clinic is helping improve access to essential oral healthcare across the region — a fantastic example of customer service in action.

Alstom

Education & Training Award

The Industry School Ipswich

Since opening in 2020, The Industry School – Ipswich has grown rapidly while offering a hands-on senior schooling model that connects classroom learning with real industry experience. Through its five-week education and industry rotation, students build practical skills, complete their Queensland Certificate of Education and create strong pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships and employment.

West Moreton Health

Health & Care Business Award

HelloDR Blackstone

Located within the Q Kampus health precinct, HelloDR Blackstone is bringing modern, hospital-adjacent healthcare closer to the Ipswich community. Open seven days a week, the health hub offers medical, diagnostic and allied health services through a multidisciplinary team, helping improve access to care, support community wellbeing and reduce pressure on local hospital services.

Bishopp

Property & Real Estate Award

NGU Real Estate Lifestyle

Based in Rosewood and established in 2023 by Amie Tarrant, NGU Real Estate Lifestyle has grown from a team of two to 12, now operating two offices in Rosewood with a satellite presence in Harrisville.

Built on the philosophy of helping people find a place to call home, the agency is known for transparency, integrity, personalised service and strong local connections. With more than three decades of combined team experience, many team members have deep roots in the Ipswich region.

JMK Retail

Retail Business Award

21Captains

Family-owned and proudly based in West Ipswich, 21Captains has come a long way since launching in 2020, when the business began selling face-to-face at local markets.

Today, the business designs, manufactures and sells the Air Refiner — an Australian Made and Owned moisture and odour management product designed specifically for Australian conditions — to customers right across the country through online, wholesale and direct retail channels.

With seven local staff across production, dispatch and creative roles, 21Captains achieved more than $1 million in net sales in 2025–26, representing an impressive 82.5% growth.

CPC Production Services

Tourism Award

The Llama Farm

Established in 2019, The Llama Farm is a boutique agritourism destination offering memorable experiences that connect visitors with nature, education and agriculture.

Home to Queensland’s largest llama stud, the family-owned and operated business has become one of Ipswich’s most distinctive visitor attractions.

Through guided llama walks, farm tours and interactive animal encounters, The Llama Farm welcomes thousands of visitors each year while maintaining the highly personalised and authentic experience that has earned it such a strong reputation.

With the owners managing every aspect of the business – from animal care to customer service – their dedication and commitment to quality is at the heart of everything they do.

TAFE Queensland

Young Business Person of the Year Award

Andrew Manners - Sammut Bulow

As a Partner at Ipswich-based accounting and advisory firm Sammut Bulow, Andrew plays a key role in helping individuals, families and businesses make better commercial decisions.

One of five partners, Andrew manages the firm’s largest client portfolio while leading a team of ten professionals. His work goes well beyond compliance, providing clients with strategic advice across business growth, cash flow management, forecasting, reporting and commercial decision-making.

Andrew’s path to partnership is just as impressive. After overcoming academic challenges and taking an unconventional route through university, he achieved partnership within ten years of starting his career.

His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always about taking the traditional path – it’s about resilience, persistence, hard work and the determination to keep moving forward.

River 94.9

Business Person of the Year Award

Alison Van der Merwe - Bakers Delight Ipswich

A respected business leader, chef and baker, Alison brings more than 25 years of experience within the Bakers Delight network, including 17 years as a franchisee.

After relocating from Canberra to Ipswich 18 years ago, Alison established deep roots in the local community and has become a passionate advocate for business growth and leadership development.

Before becoming a business owner, Alison spent a decade as an Operations Manager, developing extensive experience in team leadership and business operations.

Today, she leads Bakers Delight Ipswich, owns two additional food businesses and works as a business coach, with a strong focus on empowering people, developing leaders and creating a positive impact in the community.

Ipswich City Council

Small Business of the Year Award

Ipswich Solar and Electrical

What began in 2010 with a small team operating from a shed in Brassall has grown into a thriving local business employing nine staff and servicing customers across the region.

Founded by Director Darren Rosolak, the family-owned business was built on a vision to help local households reduce their energy costs through solar power solutions.

Over the years, Ipswich Solar and Electrical has developed a strong reputation for quality service, trusted advice and genuine community relationships.

In 2025, the business expanded its services and rebranded from Ipswich Solar Power to Ipswich Solar and Electrical following the addition of qualified electricians to the team.

Today, the business continues to grow while remaining proudly local, family-owned and focused on delivering exceptional service.

VE Group AU

Business of the Year Award

Club Services Ipswich

Proudly serving the Ipswich region since 1979, Club Services Ipswich is a not-for-profit hospitality and community organisation with a long-standing commitment to bringing people together.

Originally established as the Ipswich RSL Services Club, the organisation has evolved over the years while remaining focused on providing a welcoming place for members, guests and the wider community.

Employing more than 57 staff, Club Services Ipswich delivers dining, entertainment, gaming and event experiences while continuing to invest in its facilities, people and customer experience.

Community support also remains central to its mission, with sponsorships, donations, fundraising initiatives and partnerships providing ongoing benefits to local organisations.

The ACS Group QLD

Emerging Business Award

Keytech Intelligence

This Australian veteran-owned technology company is helping organisations adopt artificial intelligence with confidence. Established to deliver sovereign, secure and responsible AI solutions for highly regulated industries, Keytech Intelligence’s flagship platform, Valour Keystone, combines advanced capability with governance, auditability, human oversight and identity assurance. With a multidisciplinary team and a strong focus on trust, security and accountability, Keytech Intelligence is setting a benchmark for responsible AI adoption.

UniSQ School of Business, Law, Humanities, and Pathways

Sustainability Award

Imbibis Craft Distillery

Founded in 2019 by Jason and Maree Hannay, Imbibis Craft Distillery has grown from a 150m² facility in Marburg to a 250m² operation in Bundamba featuring two commercial stills.

The independent artisan distillery produces premium small-batch spirits inspired by local ingredients, creativity and regional storytelling. Its diverse range includes gin, vodka, rum, whisky, brandy, agave spirits and seasonal releases.

Beyond spirit production, Imbibis has developed a strong regional presence through cellar door experiences, online retail, wholesale supply, tourism partnerships and events across Southeast Queensland.

Environmental considerations are integrated across sourcing, energy and water use during distillation, packaging, freight logisitics, and waste management.

Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce

President's Award

Ipswich Meals on Wheels

Ipswich Meals on Wheels is a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting older people, people with disabilities, and those recovering from illness by delivering nutritious meals and meaningful social connection. For many clients, a visit from a volunteer provides not only a healthy meal but also a friendly face and regular wellbeing check. Serving the Ipswich region with compassion and care, Ipswich Meals on Wheels helps people maintain their independence and continue living safely in their own homes. Through the commitment of volunteers, staff and community supporters, the organisation strengthens community connections and improves quality of life for those who need it most.

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