Celebrating Success at the 2026 Charters Towers Region Business Awards
Published on 24 May 2026
Charters Towers Regional Council proudly congratulates the winners of the 2026 Business Excellence Awards, recognising the exceptional businesses and operators driving the region forward through innovation, resilience and commitment to excellence.
A total of 31 outstanding nominees were recognised at the gala celebration held at Leahton Park on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
More than 130 guests attended the prestigious evening, which showcased the strength and diversity of the Charters Towers Region business community while celebrating the achievements of local businesses and operators.
This year’s awards attracted 24 entries across nine categories, while the People’s Choice Award drew strong community support, with 975 votes cast.
Mayor Liz Schmidt said the Business Excellence Awards are a prestigious event for the business community, designed to celebrate the effort and achievements of local businesses.
“The calibre of nominations this year was exceptional, and it is inspiring to see so many local businesses thriving and continuing to invest in our region.
“These awards are about recognising hard work, celebrating success, and acknowledging the vital role our business community plays in shaping the future of Charters Towers”, said Mayor Schmidt.
The Awards recognised excellence across key areas of business performance, including innovation, customer experience, employment practices, and entrepreneurial achievement.
Category winners included:
- New & Emerging Business - Here in the Towers
- Micro Business - Hidden Valley Cabins & Tours
- Small Business - Bodyfix Physiotherapy
- Medium & Large Business - Charters Towers Kids ELC
- Employer of Choice - GoldCity Dental Centre
- People's Choice - GoldCity Dental Centre
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Daniel Sumpton
- Business Person of the Year - Dr Girish Basavaraj
- Business of the Year - Bodyfix Physiotherapy
Mayor Liz Schmidt said the Business Excellence Awards are a powerful reflection of the shared vision that drives our region forward.
“These awards celebrate more than just success on the night, they recognise the people and businesses who are investing in our region, creating opportunities, and helping to grow and diversify our local industries.
“Council is proud to support our local business community, encourage investment, and promote the strengths of the Charters Towers Region wherever we can.
“At the heart of it all is a commitment to ensuring the region continues to grow in a way that supports business, enables future development, and delivers long-term benefits for our community”, said Mayor Schmidt.
The Charters Towers Region continues to strengthen as a dynamic regional economy. Recent data indicates the region’s Gross Regional Product (GRP) is approximately $1.053 billion, reflecting growth on previous reporting years. Nearly 5,430 local jobs are based within the region, while close to 4,759 Charters Towers Region residents are employed across a diverse range of industries.
In addition, approximately 1,253 businesses operate across the region, with 98 per cent classified as small businesses employing fewer than 20 employees. These figures highlight the strength and resilience of the local economy and the vital role small businesses play in driving regional growth.
The Business Excellence Awards provide an important platform to recognise and celebrate the operators contributing to this ongoing prosperity
The gala event brought together business leaders, industry representatives and community stakeholders to celebrate excellence and strengthen collaboration across the region.
Charters Towers Regional Council congratulates all local businesses, nominees and award winners for their outstanding achievements and their ongoing contribution to the strength and success of the Charters Towers Region business community.
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Photo: 2026 Business Excellence Award Winners