A global maritime engineering company has taken out the region’s top business honour, with Birdon named Business of the Year at the 2026 Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards.
Birdon capped off a successful night by also winning Excellence in Large Business, at an awards ceremony that brought together the region’s most innovative, resilient and community-minded businesses across tourism, health, manufacturing, community services, professional services and the not-for-profit sector.
Linked Community Services was among the night’s biggest winners, taking out Outstanding Community Organisation and Excellence in Innovation, while its chief executive Carlie Comer was named Outstanding Business Leader in the 21 Employees and Over category.
Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic secured four awards in total, winning Excellence in Small Business, Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing, while clinic director Dr Kristy Kostalas was named Outstanding Business Leader in the 20 Employees and Under category.
The Big Banana Fun Park also had a standout evening, taking home both Excellence in Sustainable Tourism and Outstanding Visitor Experience in recognition of its contribution to the region’s visitor economy.
Business NSW Regional Director Rod Barnaby said the awards showcased the depth of talent and innovation across the Mid North Coast business community.
“These awards celebrate businesses and individuals who are making a significant contribution to our region through innovation, leadership, job creation and community impact,” Mr Barnaby said.
“This year’s awards attracted a record 282 entries, up from 189 in 2025, demonstrating the growing strength, ambition and confidence of the Mid North Coast business community. The milestone was made even more significant as we hosted the Awards Gala in Coffs Harbour for the first time.”
“From globally recognised manufacturers and tourism operators to emerging businesses and community organisations, the calibre of this year’s finalists and winners demonstrates the depth of talent, innovation and resilience across our region.”
“Every winner has shown an unwavering commitment to excellence, and we are proud to recognise their achievements on the regional stage.”
The Mid North Coast’s spirit of collaboration was also recognised, with the Outstanding Visitor and 24-Hour Economy Collaboration award presented to the Coffs Coast Aviation Partnership and Regional Visitor Economy Collective for its work strengthening regional connectivity and growing the visitor economy.
The region’s winners will now go on to represent the Mid North Coast at the 2026 State Business Awards in Sydney on 30 October, where they will compete against regional and metropolitan finalists from across New South Wales.
Other winners on the night included Tiga Cross from Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, named Outstanding Young Business Leader, Planet Lighting for Excellence in International Business, ETC for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, and Remote Infrastructure Group for Outstanding New Business. Nathan O’Connor of Mid North Coast Allied Health was named Outstanding Employee, while Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber took out Outstanding Local Chamber.
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