2026 Illawarra Business Awards finalists reflect 'strength, resilience and ambition' | Region Illawarra
Sicona staff celebrate winning the Business of the Year title at the 2025 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards. Photo: Trent Hilaire/Hill to Air. Individuals and businesses from Helensburgh in the north to. . .
Sicona staff celebrate winning the Business of the Year title at the 2025 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards. Photo: Trent Hilaire/Hill to Air. Individuals and businesses from Helensburgh in the north to Jervis Bay in the south have been announced as finalists in the 2026 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards. The finalists represent a diverse cross-section of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven economy, from emerging businesses and sole traders to major employers, innovators, visitor economy operators, community organisations and individual business leaders. Business Illawarra director Coralie McCarthy said the 2026 finalists reflected the strength, resilience and ambition of local business. “Each finalist has earned their place by demonstrating excellence, leadership and commitment to their business, their people and the wider region,” Ms McCarthy said. “The awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people and organisations driving our regional economy forward, and to celebrate the stories behind their success. ”The 2026 finalists:Outstanding EmployeeBrodie Meney, Symbio Wildlife ParkViviane Franco, Metropolitan MineAmy Champness, Culleton LawyersTania Jones, Green GravityJarryd Murphy, MitchCapJo-Anne Owers, Peoplecare Health InsuranceAllison Bielski, Climax Air ConditioningJes Cochrane, Marketing Movement. Outstanding Young Business LeaderAaron Mulhall, Specialised Energy SolutionsZane Wilde, Wilde Law GroupKarlie Zec, Tiny TinsElise Sinclair, Waples Marketing GroupPriya Poloni, Black Cat TheatreAvalon Bourne, Sonder Youth LtdTeresa Vi Nguyen, Specsavers Kiama. Outstanding Business LeaderAmy Hall, Banksia Support ServicesJack Plummer, Wollongong Granny FlatsKim McArthur, South Coast BridesGulcin Topel, Saltwater KiamaAlisha Musker, The Cram FoundationKate Pearson, Peoplecare Health InsuranceSimon Hinton, Merrigong Theatre CompanyErica Jones, Interchange Shoalhaven Ltd. Excellence in International BusinessHysataPoseidon Animal HealthSmartvisit InternationalExtranet Systems. Employer of Choice, 20 Employees and UnderPacific Plan ManagementAegis Consulting Engineers + Project ManagersEHD Concrete SleepersMarketing Movement. Employer of Choice, 21 Employees and OverHysataJoint Vision Orthopaedic GroupUOW PulsePeoplecare Health InsuranceBCR Communities. Excellence in InnovationHysataJoint Vision Orthopaedic GroupMetropolitan MineSprout ScientificProperty Pricer. Excellence in SustainabilityHysataGreen GravityTiny TinsStormtech. Outstanding New BusinessScam Prevention AustraliaArkyn CivilDigital Care Services AustraliaHarper FinanceRed Fox PilatesThe Sea & Beau. Excellence in Diversity and InclusionThe Flagstaff GroupGreen YakkaBFS Children’s ServicesBlack Cat TheatreGreenacres Disability ServicesInterchange Shoalhaven Ltd. Excellence in Micro BusinessBanksia Support ServicesScribbly Gum PhotographyAquilla Fishing ChartersCrime StoryChuckle CommunicationsAustralian Jump Pilot AcademyJervis Bay Hearing CentreBee Inspired. Excellence in Small BusinessSprout ScientificWorkplace AdvantageAegis Consulting Engineers + Project ManagersInner Calm Clinical PsychologyAlways EducationPolished BusinessHowsafe: Workplace Safety & Training ServicesFlinders PetSupercallaCin Cin Wine Bar. Excellence in Medium BusinessJoint Vision Orthopaedic GroupPerformance AviationPoseidon Animal HealthGreen GravitySolve CareClimax Air Conditioning. Excellence in Large BusinessHysataPeoplecare Health InsuranceSpecialised Energy SolutionsIOH HealthSouthern. IML PathologyShoalhaven Ex-Services Group. Excellence in Workplace Health and WellbeingPerformance AviationEHD Concrete Sleepers. Outstanding Community OrganisationOur Community ProjectColedale RSL Club LtdThe Flagstaff GroupMerrigong Theatre CompanyFlame Tree Community Food Co-OpCatholicCare WollongongECTARCNorth Shoalhaven Meals on WheelsKells Kiama Sevens. Outstanding Local ChamberNorthern Illawarra Chamber of CommerceShoalhaven Heads Chamber of Commerce and TourismKiama Business Network. Outstanding Visitor ExperienceStand Up Paddle Boarding ShellharbourTasting Trails AustraliaIllawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest GardensSupercallaThe Collective Beat. Outstanding Visitor and 24-Hour Economy CollaborationGrand Pacific Drivenowra. org. au. Finalists will now progress to the interview stage before winners are announced at the gala ceremony at the University of Wollongong on Friday, 11 September. Tickets, at $230 per person, are on sale atBusiness Illawarra.