THE achievements of local businesses were celebrated in style last week when the Local Business Awards were announced at a packed ceremony at the North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre.
The event drew a large crowd of community members, business leaders and supporters, all gathering to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Ipswich enterprises across a wide range of industries.
The night’s highest honour, Business of the Year, went to Nextra Booval Fair, which also took home the award for Specialised Retail Business. Their recognition highlighted the strong connection they have built with the local community and their commitment to excellence.
Among the many standout winners were Willowbank Caravan Park for Accommodation, Arttime Gallery & Fine Art Supplies for Antiques, Art, Crafts and Gifts, and Western Automotive Services in Churchill for Automotive Services.
The food and hospitality sector was also well represented, with BAKED by Joseph & Ann crowned the best Bakery/Cake Business, The Cafe Providence in South Ripley named top Café, and the long-established Cottage Restaurant in Ipswich recognised in the Restaurant category.
Health and wellbeing were celebrated with wins for Ipswich City Dental, Rosewood General Practice, and The Skin Sanctuary at Brookwater, while The Fearless Females in North Ipswich took out the Fitness Services award.
Prestige Meats Yamanto and Fresh Country Markets Booval were recognised for their roles in delivering fresh produce to the community.
In the service categories, Essence Electrical received the Service & Trade award, Beyond Business Consultants were honoured in Professional Services, and GLG Legal Springfield stood out in Legal Services. Education and youth were also in the spotlight, with Kindy Patch West Ipswich named best Early Childhood Centre and Growing Confident Minds recognised for Education Services. The Performance Plus Dance Centre in Woodend triumphed in Performing Arts.
The evening also paid tribute to individual achievements, with Tina Watkinson of Your Unique Support Services (YUSS) receiving the Business Person of the Year Award, while Megan Drew from General Public Ipswich won the Youth Award.
Event organisers praised the resilience of local businesses, noting the vital role they play in strengthening the Ipswich economy.
