1. Excellence in Tourism
This award recognises a tourism business, event, or experience that actively promotes the Scenic Rim, attracts and engages visitors, and enhances the region’s reputation as a premier tourism destination.
Eligible businesses must be registered in the Scenic Rim and include (but are not limited to):
- Tourism events (e.g. shows, markets, rodeos).
- Visitor experiences or attractions (e.g. agritourism, adventure, cultural or nature-based experiences).
Entrants should demonstrate measurable outcomes in innovation, visitor satisfaction, and regional impact.
2. Excellence in Accommodation
Honouring providers of exceptional guest accommodation that reflect the warmth, quality, and distinctiveness of Scenic Rim hospitality.
Open to:
- Hotels, motels, and resorts.
- Farm stays and retreats.
- Glamping and eco-stay operators.
- Boutique or unique accommodation offerings.
Submissions should highlight service excellence, innovation, sustainability practices, and regional contribution.
3. Excellence in Hospitality - Food, Beverage, and Dining
Recognises hospitality venues that contribute to the Scenic Rim’s growing culinary reputation, showcasing local flavours and exceptional service.
Eligible venues include:
- Cafés and restaurants.
- Wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
- Pubs, bistros, and cellar doors.
- Specialty venues (e.g. dessert bars, paddock-to-plate experiences).
Entrants should demonstrate a commitment to local produce, community, and memorable customer experiences.
4. Excellence in Retail
Celebrates outstanding retail businesses that deliver exceptional customer service, product quality, presentation, and connection to the local community.
Open to:
- Fashion and clothing retailers.
- Gift, book, and homeware stores.
- Florists and specialty shops.
- General or convenience stores.
- Online retailers with a physical presence in the Scenic Rim.
Entrants should demonstrate innovation and their contribution to the vibrancy and economic vitality of the Scenic Rim.
5. Excellence in Agriculture, Trade and Construction
Recognises outstanding businesses in agriculture, trade, construction, and logistics that contribute to economic growth and operational excellence.
Eligible businesses include:
- Builders, electricians, plumbers, and trades.
- Mechanics and equipment servicing.
- Farming and primary producers.
- Food and material processors.
- Transport, logistics, and supply chain providers.
- Manufacturers.
Note: This is a combined category for the 2025 Awards. Council reserves the right to combine, cancel or withhold categories at its discretion. However, if a high volume of submissions are received, Council may consider creating separate ‘break-out’ categories to ensure fair and relevant recognition.
6. Excellence in Health and Wellbeing (New Category)
Honours businesses that improve the health and wellbeing of individuals or the Scenic Rim community—through services, workplace culture, or community impact.
Open to:
- Healthcare and allied health providers.
- Gyms, yoga studios, and fitness centres.
- Mental health and social services.
- Wellness, nutrition, or lifestyle businesses.
- Workplaces prioritising staff wellbeing.
Submissions should show leadership in creating healthy workplaces, delivering wellness-focused services, or championing initiatives that enhance the quality of life for employees, customers, or the broader Scenic Rim community. This category aligns with Scenic Rim Regional Council’s vision of fostering a resilient, connected, and thriving community.
7. Excellence in Education (New Category)
Celebrates contributions to education, training, and lifelong learning across the region.
Submissions should highlight new, unique or innovative approaches, specific programs, measurable outcomes, and commitment to learning—whether through formal education, vocational training, workplace learning, or community-based programs.
Eligible entrants include:
- Primary and Secondary Schools.
- Early learning centres.
- RTO and higher education providers.
- Private tutors, trainers, or workplace educators.
- Community education programs.
8. Sustainability and Innovation Award (New Category)
Recognises a project, or business that is driving innovation or leading the way in sustainable practices that benefit the Scenic Rim. It celebrates forward-thinking approaches that reduce environmental impact, solve problems creatively, and/or support a more sustainable future for the region.
Open to:
- Businesses or entrepreneurs.
- Projects or initiatives across any industry.
- Public or private sector organisations.
Relevant sectors may include environmental services, waste management, agriculture, technology, design, or retail.
Entrants may be innovating through products, services, technologies, systems, or business models—or creating meaningful environmental or social outcomes through sustainability leadership and community impact.
9. Most Outstanding New Business
Celebrates new businesses that have launched between July 2023 and March 2025, showing promise, innovation, and a sturdy foundation for long-term success.
Open to:
- New or emerging businesses from all industry sectors operating within the Scenic Rim region.
- Businesses that commenced operations after June 2023 and before March 2025 and have not previously entered the Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards.
This category highlights businesses that are making a bold start, showing resilience, creativity, and a solid foundation for long-term success.
10. Trainee/Apprentice of the Year
Recognises an outstanding individual currently undertaking formal training who shows exceptional promise, skill development, and commitment.
Eligible industries include but are not limited to:
- Construction and trades.
- Tourism, retail, and hospitality.
- Health, aged care, and community services.
- Agriculture, business, or creative industries.
The award honours those who show initiative, resilience, and a positive contribution to their workplace, reflecting the values of the Scenic Rim business community.
*Finalists in each category will be automatically nominated for the Business of the Year Award, which acknowledges a business that demonstrates all-around excellence, visionary leadership, and significant contribution to the region’s economic and community well-being.
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