Stand out Lake Mac businesses announced as award finalists

Finalists announced today for the 2021 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards demonstrate the diversity of the City’s corporate community and resiliency during a global pandemic.

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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 risk in NSW, the awards ceremony scheduled for 23 July has been cancelled, with alternative options to celebrate winners being arranged.

A total of 42 finalists across 13 categories were picked among an array of top local businesses and employees based on performance, growth, potential, adaptability and other criteria measures.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said this year had no doubt been particularly tough again for many businesses so the awards were a way to give back and show positive recognition.

“To see businesses persist and bounce back from COVID-19 is truly inspiring,” Cr Fraser said.

“We need to get behind our local industries, show our support, and celebrate them for all their amazing effort.”

The Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards are open to all businesses in Lake Macquarie including micro, small, medium and large.

“The quality of this year’s entries was a stand out, with some new businesses in the mix,” Cr Fraser said.

“From sustainable beauty to photographers, and from paediatric occupational education to building consultants, the list of finalists really demonstrates the range of talent and innovation here in Lake Macquarie.”

“It’s great to see some outstanding businesses on the list and recognise their essential contribution to our City.”

The final award winners will progress to the Hunter Business Awards later this year.

The 2021 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards are proudly supported by Dantia, Kent Conveyancing, The Newcastle Herald, ATUNE Health Centres, Jodie Harrison MP, Ramsay Health, University of Newcastle, Lake Mac Holiday Parks, Hunter Water and Allambi Care.

Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards 2021 finalists

Outstanding Employee (sponsored by ATUNE Health Centres)

Mark Ward, Human Resource Manager - Empowered Community Services

Emma McDonald, Operations Manager - Matt Hall Racing

Madeleine Painter, Practice Manager - The Rainbow Clinic

Outstanding Young Business Leader (sponsored by Jodie Harrison MP)

Shakira Wes, Owner – Kouture Hair Artistry

Jonathon Power, Managing Director of Empowered Community Services - Empowered Community Services

Jared Styan, Co-founder and Business Manager - Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours

Bec Hogan, Creative Director - Gem Rock Media

Outstanding Business Leader (sponsored by Kent Conveyancing)

Simon Ashley, CEO - ATUNE Health Centres

Sarah Poissant, Clinical Director and Owner - The Rainbow Clinic

Joseph Lorriman, Director and Owner - Evergreen Energy Consultants

Leah Gabolinscy, Ramsay Health Care

Outstanding Community Organisation (sponsored by Ramsay Health)

Alesco Senior College

Charlestown Youth and Community Centre (The Place)

CALM Inc (Community Activities Lake Macquarie)

Start Up Superstar (sponsored by Newcastle Herald)

Luxe Lakeside

Compeat Nutrition

Sick Happens Education

Excellence in Innovation and Adaptability (sponsored by University of Newcastle)

Tyrex Solutions

Fire Response

Design Anthology

Excellence in Sustainability (sponsored by University of Newcastle)

Blencowe Design

Imaginelle

Excellence in Micro Business (sponsored by Lake Mac Holiday Parks)

JetBuzz Watersports

Psyborg

Salon Ten

Evergreen Energy Consultants

Good Thanks Media

Excellence in Small Business (sponsored by Hunter Water)

Belmont Dance Centre

Newy Distillery

Fire Response

Excellence in Business (sponsored by Dantia)

Atune Health Centres

Safearth

Air Extreme Air Conditioning

Empowered Community Services

Outstanding Employer of Choice (sponsored by Dantia)

The Rainbow Clinic

Design Anthology

Contribution to the City (sponsored by Allambi Care)

Graffiti Dan

Atwea College

Spotlight Group

Excellence in Retail, Hospitality and Tourism (sponsored by Kent Conveyancing)

CoastXP

The GPT Group - Charlestown Square

Lake Macquarie Cruises