The outstanding achievements of the New England North West business community have been celebrated at the prestigious 2026 New England North West Business Awards, in major partnership with Joblink Plus.
Businesses, individuals and industry leaders from across the region came together at Club Quirindi on Friday 25 September for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards Gala Dinner.
More than 200 finalists, business leaders, representatives and special guests attended the evening, which recognised outstanding achievement, innovation, leadership and business excellence across 22 award categories.
This year, 92 finalists, were recognised across the Awards program, demonstrating the impressive depth and diversity of businesses and business leaders operating throughout the New England North West.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of The Alternate Root from Uralla as the 2026 New England North West Business of the Year, recognising its outstanding achievement and contribution to the region’s business community.
Business NSW New England North West Regional Director Stephanie Cameron congratulated The Alternate Root on receiving the evening’s top honour.
“Being named Business of the Year is an outstanding achievement and a fitting recognition of the passion, commitment and hard work behind The Alternate Root,” Stephanie said.
“Their success is a wonderful example of the calibre of businesses we have operating across the New England North West, and I congratulate the entire team on this well-deserved recognition.”
Stephanie said the Awards provided an important opportunity to recognise the people and businesses contributing to the strength of the regional economy.
“The New England North West is home to an incredibly diverse and accomplished business community, and the calibre of this year’s finalists and winners is testament to that,” Stephanie said.
“Across every category, we saw businesses and individuals demonstrating innovation, resilience, leadership and a genuine commitment to their industries, their people and their communities.
“To be recognised among such a strong field is an outstanding achievement, and I congratulate each of our 2026 winners and finalists.”
Held in the heart of the Liverpool Plains, the Gala Dinner brought the region’s business community together for an evening celebrating success and achievement against the backdrop of one of the New England North West’s most distinctive landscapes.
In a special feature of this year’s event, the Liverpool Plains Silo Art was illuminated with a dedicated Business Awards projection, creating a memorable acknowledgement of the Awards and the region hosting this year’s celebration.
Major partner Joblink Plus CEO Emily Roy said Joblink Plus was proud to support an event celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals from across the region. “It’s the outstanding business community that makes the New England North West such a vibrant place to live, work and invest.”
All Awards entries were independently assessed by a panel of experienced judges, with winners selected through a rigorous and independent judging process.
Stephanie said the quality of this year’s Awards reflected the strength of business across the region.
“What stood out this year was not only the quality of our winners, but the depth of talent across the entire finalist field,” Stephanie said.
“These businesses and individuals are creating jobs, investing in their communities, embracing new opportunities and helping shape the future of the New England North West.
“We are incredibly proud to recognise their achievements and now look forward to seeing our regional winners represent the New England North West on the state stage.”
Winners from the 2026 New England North West Business Awards will now progress to the Business NSW State Business Awards, to be held in Sydney on 30 October 2026.
Business NSW New England North West congratulates all 2026 winners and wishes them every success as they represent the region at the State Awards.
2026 New England North West Business Award Winners
Outstanding Community Organisation presented by Liverpool Plains Shire Council
Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service
Excellence in Sustainability presented by Andromeda Industries
The Alternate Root
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion presented by Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS)
Pause Allied Health
Excellence in International Business
Andromeda Industries
Outstanding New Business presented by PRD Liverpool Plains
All Together Supports
Excellence in Micro Business (0-5 Employees) presented by Santos
Integr8y
Excellence in Small Business (6-20 Employees) presented by BEST Employment
Pause Allied Health
Excellence in Medium Business (21-99 Employees) presented by WIN Network
The Alternate Root
Excellence in Large Business (100+ Employees) presented by Lloyd Sign Co
Tamworth City Toyota & New England Toyota
Outstanding Local Chamber presented by Business NSW
Tamworth Business Chamber
Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing presented by EML
Holistic Recovery
Excellence in Innovation presented by University of New England
The Drug Detection Agency Mid/North Coast New England & Northwest NSW
Outstanding Visitor Experience presented by Tamworth City Toyota & New England Toyota
Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre
Outstanding Visitor & 24-Hour Economy Collaboration presented by Fiona’s Transport Solutions
DNCO Visitor Experience Summit 2026
Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
Wood we Create
Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under presented by Enterprise and Training Company (ETC)
Camp Grounds Coffee and Wine Bar
Employer of Choice – 21 Employees and Over presented by Cyre Partners
The PHN
Outstanding Employee presented by Club Quirindi
Grace Hull – The Alternate Root
Outstanding Young Business Leader presented by Tim Coates
Kyle Ridley – Ridarc Electrical
Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under presented by Alshae Group (Allsopp Signs, AM Printing & Monogram It)
Martin Howes – Centrepoint Tamworth
Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over presented by Liverpool Plains Business Chamber Inc
Berdine Warne – Little Birdy Enterprises, The Alternate Root and The Rustic Fig
Business of the Year presented by Joblink Plus
The Alternate Root
Media Release: Business NSW New England North West
