Newcastle Airport dominated this year's Business Hunter Awards, taking home four major accolades including the prestigious Business of the Year prize. The airport also won Contribution to the Region and Excellence in Sustainability awards, while Airlines and Partnership Manager Matthew Borger was named Employee of the Year.
The sold-out gala event at NEX Newcastle on Friday, September 12, drew 600 guests. Over 220 entrants competed across 19 categories, with more than 100 finalists shortlisted. The awards, sponsored by Newcastle Permanent, celebrate the achievements of the Hunter region's most inspiring organizations and individuals.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes highlighted the airport's critical role in the region's economic growth. 'Newcastle Airport is more than a transport and tourism hub; it is driving economic opportunity by expanding flight connections and supporting industries like defence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing through Astra Aerolab,' he said. He noted that the airport's international terminal completion, new flights, and attraction of global technology leader Kongsberg are already providing significant benefits.
Other major winners included business advisers Prosperity, which won Excellence in Large Business, and Newcastle-based technology firm SAPHI, which claimed both Excellence in Small Business and Excellence in Innovation. Jeremy Brett of Morgan Engineering was named Business Leader of the Year for businesses with 21+ employees, while James Sneddon of Hyphen Health won the award for companies with fewer than 20 employees.
KPMG partner Steph Loadsman received the Kristen Keegan Award for Young Business Leader. The President's Award went to Whiteley Corporation for its $25 million Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. Three new inductees were added to the Business Hunter Honour Roll: Mullane (100 years), Monteath & Powys (75 years), and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (50 years). Out of the Square Media and Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry were elevated to Hall of Fame status.
Mr Hawes said the awards demonstrated the diversity and strength of the region's business community. 'Their achievements show that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the Hunter and provide confidence that we are well-positioned to grow and thrive as we continue to diversify our economy and meet the challenges of the net zero transition,' he said.
