The Grafton Chamber of Commerce welcomed 200 guests to the Grafton District Golf Club on July 19 when they hosted the 2025 Clarence Valley Business Awards.

A gala event which celebrated the inclusivity, innovations, economic and sustainable achievements, and community contributions made by a variety of local businesses from sole traders to large scale organisations throughout a range of different industries, the night also highlighted the incredible work undertaken by business leaders and their dedicated employees which often takes place behind the scenes as they continually strive to meet their goals to ensure their respective brands maintain a strong presence within Northern NSW.

As she graciously acknowledged the long list of finalists, President of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce Carol Pachos said along with celebrating their resilience and success, the night was also about recognising the many outstanding local businesses which form part of our wonderful community across the Clarence Valley.

While she was unable to attend the event, Business NSW Regional Director for the Northern Rivers Jane Laverty sent a congratulatory message to the finalists via video link, encouraging them to continue the work they do which makes a positive impact on the lives of everyone around them.

2021 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year Hayley Talbot said she was honoured to MC the event on the weekend and to join in the celebrations of the entrepreneurial spirit of the Clarence Valley.

“You are awarded in public for what you practice in private,” she said to the finalists in acknowledgement of the “many late nights and overflowing inboxes” many business owners and their teams experience on a weekly basis, describing their commitment to their professionalism as being encoded in the DNA of their businesses.

“And tonight, we do see you,” she said with a smile.

Following on from their success at the 2024 Clarence Valley Business Awards, popular salon DiMattia and Co added further accolades to their impressive resume, winning the award for Excellence in Retail and Personal Services, and for Outstanding Employer of Choice (20 Employees and Under).

Proud owner and founder Kerrie DiMattia said it was mind-blowing to be honoured with the recognition and paid tribute to her amazing staff.

Di McQueen Richardson of HoneyBee Hives was thrilled to receive the award for Excellence in International Business and Excellence in Micro Business, while the team from Lower Clarence business Maclean Medical celebrated jubilantly after taking home three awards, including the prestigious Business of the Year title.

Winners of the 2025 Clarence Valley Business Awards will progress to the Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards to be held at the end of September.

2025 Clarence Valley Business Award winners:

• Excellence in Retail and Personal Services: DiMattia and Co.
• Excellence in Business: Elite Brands.
• Excellence in Health, Care, and Welfare: Your Choice Support Services Clarence Valley.
• Excellence in Agriculture and Primary Industries: Provenance Propagation.
• Excellence in Creative Industries: Original Sound Lounge.
• Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year: Bethany Smith.
• Outstanding Employer of Choice (21 Employees and Over): Bridge Knowledge Pty Ltd.
• Outstanding Employer of Choice (20 Employees and Under): DiMattia and Co.
• Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: The Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
• Excellence in International Business: HoneyBee Hives.
• Excellence in Sustainability: Provenance Propagation.
• Outstanding Employee: Sharon Ross of Clarence Valley Funerals.
• Excellence in Sustainable Tourism: The Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
• Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration: The Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
• Outstanding Visitor Experience: The Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
• Excellence in Innovation: Maclean Medical.
• Outstanding Young Business Leader: Natalie Porter of Clarence Valley Community Information.
• Outstanding Young Business Leader: Jack Mooney of Provenance Propagation.
• Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under): Dan Nikas of Elite Brands.
• Outstanding Community Organisation: The Lions Club of Maclean (Return and Earn).
• Outstanding New Business: Phytocopia Herbal Balms Australia.
• Excellence in Micro Business: HoneyBee Hives.
• Excellence in Small Business: Maclean Medical.
• Business of the Year: Maclean Medical.

See all the pictures from the event in the issue
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 23 July 2025.