2025 Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards Winners
Sixty outstanding nominees were celebrated as Scenic Rim Regional Council announced the winners of the 2025 Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards at a sold-out gala event held at the Boonah Cultural Centre, Friday 20 March 2026.
More than 220 guests gathered for an evening that showcased the very best of the region’s enterprise and produce, with a paddock-to-plate three-course menu devised by Scenic Rim Food Ambassador Daniel Groneberg and proudly catered by Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm. Featuring locally sourced food and beverages — including signature drinks crafted by The Cauldron Distillery — the evening reflected the strength of the Scenic Rim’s celebrated agritourism and culinary identity. The awards were expertly hosted by MC Sofie Formica, with live entertainment from local trio The Inadequates completing a vibrant and distinctly regional celebration of business excellence.
The prestigious Scenic Rim Business of the Year Award was presented to Canungra-based retailer My Country Escape, recognised for its outstanding leadership, community impact and contribution to the region’s visitor economy.
Join us in congratulating My Country Escape and the entire cohort of 2025 Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards Winners listed below.
Business of the Year
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My Country Escape
My Country Escape is a retail experience priding itself on stocking beautiful things whilst sharing what is unique about the Scenic Rim. It's retail with soul, community heart, and an experience customers return to again and again.
Employing a local team, and dedicating their efforts to support local community and charity organisations, My Country Escape is a worthy winner of the 2025 Scenic Rim Business Awards - Business of the Year.
Visit their website here.
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Winners pictured on the night
Excellence in Accommodation
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Winner
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Highly Commended
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Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay
Where families escape the city and connect with the country.
Set on the edge of Canungra, Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay offers country life escapes for families on the family-run hobby farm. Owned and operated by Farmer Matt and Nambok, Clandulla is committed to their mission of creating meaningful moments through connection - to nature, to animals and to each other.
Visit their website here.
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Verandah House Country Estate
Verandah House Country Estate redefines Australian luxury accommodation. Famed by the majestic Scenic Rim mountain ranges, the exclusive lodge invites guests into a world of refined elegance, natural beauty, and restorative tranquility.
Visit their website here.
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Excellence in Agriculture, Trade and Construction
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Highly Commended
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Franklin Plumbing and Gas
Franklin Plumbing and Gas is a trusted Queensland-based plumbing and gas fitting company delivering residential, commercial and rural solutions. Services include: plumbing and drainage installations, gas fitting, hot water systems, wastewater designs, and maintenance.
Visit their website here.
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Stroud Homes Brisbane South
A family -owned, local building company dedicated to turning dreams into homes across the Scenic Rim and South Brisbane region.
Visit their website here.
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Excellence in Education
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Highly Commended
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Boonah State High School
Boonah State High School is a proud, community based secondary school located in the heart of the Scenic Rim. Their purpose has remained constant since opening in 1965: "to provide opportunity and access to learning experiences for all children in order to empower them in realising their full potential".
Visit their website here.
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McAuley College
McAuley College is a Catholic Secondary School serving the Scenic Rim, where their students are known, supported and challenged.
Visit their website here.
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Excellence in Health and Wellbeing
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Highly Commended
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Tamborine Mountain Psychology
Tamborine Mountain Psychology is a small, family-based psychology practice proudly serving the residents of Tamborine Mountain and the wider Scenic Rim region. The practice provides professional, evidence based psychological support tailored to the needs of individuals, families and community groups.
Visit their website here.
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Boonah Health Hub
The Boonah Health Hub is a thriving community hot-spot for Heal and Fitness. Offering expert care with local convenience, operating as a gym and delivering integrated Allied Health Services.
Visit their website here.
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Excellence in Hospitality - Food, Beverage and Dining
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Highly Commended
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Roast Beef & The Frog
Offering their unique fusion of French and English cuisine, Roast Beef & the Frog pride themselves as being a restaurant which champions local farmers and producers, in a beautiful and memorable setting.
View their website here.
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Royal Hotel Harrisville
The Royal Hotel Harrisville is a heritage-rich country pub and hospitality destination that brings together locals, visitors and tourism markets in a uniquely authentic way.
View their website here.
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Excellence in Retail
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Highly Commended
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My Country Escape
Located in the heart of Canungra's main street, My Country Escape is more than a store, it's an experience, a community hub, and a celebration of local spirit. Open seven days a week, we proudly play our part in the Scenic Rim's thriving retail and tourism landscape, welcoming visitors from near and far to discover the best of regional living.
Visit their website here.
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German Cuckoo Clock Nest
Time has been the German Cuckoo Clock Nest team's passion for more than thirty years. This retail icon stands as a celebration of artistry and heritage. This unique retail experience started as a small speciality shop and has grown into a renowned retail and repair destination that attracts collectors, tourists and enthusiasts from across Australia and around the world.
Visit their website here.
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Excellence in Sustainability and Innovation
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Highly Commended
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Edge Hairdressing
Edge Hairdressing is a forward-thinking salon that combines creativity, sustainability and client-centred care to redefine the hairdressing experience. Based on Tamborine Mountain they offer a full range of hair services including, cutting, colouring, styling and hair health consultations. At their core, they are driven by a commitment to environmental responsibility, continuous innovation, and creating a welcoming space where clients feel confident, heard and empowered.
Visit their website here.
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Allenview Turf
Allenview Turf is a turf grower and supplier, based in Allenview, Queensland. The farm is run on a low-input model, meaning the amount of herbicide, pesticide and fungicide put over the property is significantly less than many other turf farms in the area and across Australia.
Visit their website here.
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Excellence in Tourism
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Highly Commended
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Kalbar Sunflowers
The Kalbar Sunflowers Festival is a celebration of flowers attracting over 13,000 visitors in a single weekend. It combines visual spectacle with interactive experiences, creating a unique agritourism experience
Visit their website here.
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Community Cancer Care Inc.
Community Cancer Care Inc. is the dedicated organisation behind the Turning Canungra Pink event series. An October-long activation that transforms the township into a vibrant celebration of unity, hope, and community strength.
Visit their website here.
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Most Outstanding New Business
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Highly Commended
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Canungra Beauty
Canungra Beauty is a fresh salon delivering personalised skin and body treatments, premium products and expert therapist care, all in one convenient location.
Visit their website here.
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Specsavers Audiology Beaudesert
Specsavers Audiology Beaudesert is a locally operated hearing care service committed to providing quality, person-centred hearing care that is affordable, accessible, and community driven.
Visit their website here.
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Trainee/Apprentice of the Year
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Highly Commended
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Rose Heggie
Rose is completing a Certificate III in Hairdressing through TAFE Queensland as a school based apprentice with HairShine and Fashions in Boonah.
Rose has been recognised by Boonah State High School as a student who embodies the school's values of Resilience, Compassion, Community and Integrity as an example of dedication, skill, and character.
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Beau Stephan
Beau is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Carpentry through a school based apprenticeship with Casada Constructions. Beau has demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and pride in his work.
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Meet the 2025 Nominees
Click on the links below to explore the 2025 Business Excellence Awards Nominees.
2025 Business Excellence Awards Categories
In 2025, the award categories were refreshed to reflect the growing diversity of entries and the evolving strengths of the Scenic Rim business community.
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 include (but are not limited to):
Entrants must demonstrate measurable outcomes in innovation, visitor satisfaction, and regional impact.
2. Excellence in Accommodation
Honouring providers of exceptional guest experiences that reflect the warmth, quality, and distinctiveness of Scenic Rim hospitality.
Submissions should highlight service excellence, innovation, sustainability practices, and regional contribution.
Click on the link to see questions and criteria for this category.
Categories(PDF, 469KB)
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.
Entrants should demonstrate a commitment to local produce, community, and memorable customer experiences.
Click on the link to see questions and criteria for this category.
Categories(PDF, 469KB)
4. Excellence in Retail
Celebrates outstanding retail businesses that deliver exceptional customer service, product quality, presentation, and connection to the local community.
Entrants should demonstrate innovation, and their contribution to the vibrancy and economic vitality of the Scenic Rim.
5. Excellence in Agriculture, Trade & Construction
Recognises outstanding businesses in agriculture, trade, construction, and logistics that contribute to economic growth and operational excellence.
Eligible businesses include:
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.
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.
Eligible entrants include:
Submissions should highlight new or innovative approaches, specific programs, measurable outcomes, and commitment to learning—whether through formal education, vocational training, workplace learning, or community-based 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.
Relevant sectors may include:
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Environmental services, tourism, agriculture, education, 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 June 2025, showing promise, innovation, and a sturdy foundation for long-term success.
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:
The award honours those who show initiative, resilience, and a positive contribution to their workplace, reflecting the values of the Scenic Rim business community.
Click on the link to see questions and criteria for this category.
Nominate employee(PDF, 426KB)
Nominate yourself(PDF, 405KB)
11. Business of the Year Award
Awarded to the most outstanding overall winner across all categories. This prestigious accolade honours a business that demonstrates all-round excellence, visionary leadership, and significant contribution to the region’s economic and community wellbeing.
No separate application is required—all category winners are automatically considered.