newy.com.au – Sixty-five Lake Macquarie businesses, leaders and employees have been named finalists in the 2026 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, with winners to be announced at Belmont 16s next month.
The finalists span 14 categories and range from established health, education and tourism operators to new ventures including Snake Catcher Bronte and Char Char Chicken, a takeaway business in the new Watagan Park Central complex at Cooranbong.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the field reflected the variety of enterprise across the city.
“Applicants this year really reflect the depth and breadth of Lake Macquarie’s 14,000-plus businesses,” he said.
“It was particularly encouraging to see such strong entries in our new business category. It shows not only that people are confident in establishing new enterprises in our city, but when they’re done right they can grow and thrive.”
The most contested categories this year are excellence in micro business and excellence in small business. Finalists in the micro business category include Allettare Dezigns, Andersen Pest Services, Bella Oils, Funding and Grants Collective, German Car Garage, LMN Plumbing, psyborg and Toronto Mowers. Small business finalists include Catalina Motel Lake Macquarie, Chipmunks Playland & Cafe, Dental Folk, Eyecare Plus Belmont, Flying Colours Education and MT Design Collective.
Toronto’s Dental Folk director Quyen Nguyen, who was a winner at last year’s awards, is again a finalist, this time in the Outstanding Young Business Leader category. Maxi-Jazz Dance Studio principal Ylanda Robinson is among five finalists for the Outstanding Business Leader award.
The visitor experience category features Awaba Mountain Bike Park, CoastXP, Lake Mac Brewing Co, Nova Cruises and Showtime Kayaking, while the Outstanding Community Organisation category includes Aussie Aunties – Belmont Hospital, Healing Path to Wellness, Hunter Sports Centre, Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre, Nova for Women and Children, Redhead Community Preschool and Survivor’s R Us Incorporated.
Other finalists include ATUNE Health Centres and 8 at Trinity in the large business category, A Growing Understanding, Imaginelle, Milleen Group and SM Electrical Manufacturing in medium business, and Char Char Chicken, Firmin Fitness & Wellness, Hands of the World, Snake Catcher Bronte and Strata Tech Solutions for Outstanding New Business.
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Friday, 24 July. A full list of finalists and voting for the Origin Energy People’s Choice Award are available at lakemac.com.au.
