Business Excellence Awards

Written By NCCI

Celebrating Excellence in Motion for 2025

The 2025 Business Excellence Awards, hosted by the Newman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), brought the community together for an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration at the East Pilbara Arts Centre on Saturday 13 September.

With the theme “Precision in Motion”, the night acknowledged the power of industry, innovation, and community spirit driving our region forward.

Following a warm welcome from NCCI Chair Sarah Stampfli and a major sponsor address from BHP’s Rod Ballinger, the stage was set for an evening that highlighted the extraordinary achievements of local businesses and individuals. We also had the pleasure of hearing from Kitty Prodonovich, CEO of the Regional Chambers of Commerce & Industry WA, who reinforced the importance of our local leaders and volunteers continuing to champion for regional businesses at events like these and throughout the year.

The event was also a showcase of local talent, as well as goods and services with representation from a local music artist, photographers, event companies, as well as all the products in the goody bags, purchased from Newman businesses.

Award Highlights

Best Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Business Award
Recognising enterprises that embody cultural heritage, innovation, and community contributions.

  • Finalists: Kuuwa Rentals, Shift Diesel & Earth

  • Winner: Shift Diesel & Earth

Best Sole Trader Award
Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals mastering their craft.

  • Finalists: Integrated Health by Lillie Anderson, Local Plumbing Services

  • Winner: Integrated Health by Lillie Anderson

Best Micro Business Award (1–5 employees)
Applauding small teams achieving extraordinary results through passion and innovation.

  • Finalists: Country Chiropractic, Laver Street Collective, T & E Mechanical Solutions, The Fine Art in Aesthetics

  • Winner: The Fine Art in Aesthetics

Best Business Award (6–10 employees)
Highlighting dynamic businesses setting benchmarks with their growing teams.

  • Finalists: Access Hire Newman, Kuuwa Rentals, Newman First National

  • Winner: Kuuwa Rentals

Best Business Award (11–20 employees)
Acknowledging medium-sized businesses excelling in performance, culture, and community.

  • Finalists: East Pilbara Maintenance, Newman Daycare Centre

  • Winner: East Pilbara Maintenance

Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality Award
Rewarding businesses that create memorable experiences and elevate the tourism industry.

  • Finalists: CAS Nullagine Workers Accommodation, Newman Hotel

  • Winner: Newman Hotel

Best Start-Up Business Award
Celebrating bold new businesses disrupting their industries.

  • Finalists: Cakes ’n’ Crumbs by Shanyah, Laver Street Collective, The Fine Art in Aesthetics

  • Winner: The Fine Art in Aesthetics

Excellence for Purpose Award
Honouring organisations making a profound impact by fulfilling their mission.

  • Finalists: Creative Bytes, Newman Community Centre, Newman Daycare Centre

  • Winners: Creative Bytes & Newman Community Centre

Leading with Innovation Award
Showcasing trailblazers whose inventive solutions reshape industries.

  • Finalists: Integrated Health by Lillie Anderson, Magellan Power

  • Winner: Magellan Power

Business of the Year

  • Winner: East Pilbara Maintenance

Individual Awards

Employee of the Year Award

  • Finalists: Aimee Broughall, Natalie Jones, Amy Patten, Lisa Webber

  • Winners: Natalie Jones (CORE Innovation Hub), Amy Patten (Newman Daycare Centre)

Customer Service Person of the Year Award

  • Finalists: Dannielle Bennett, Stephanie Foster, Sarah Jackson, Alexa Novak

  • Winner: Dannielle Bennett (East Pilbara Maintenance)

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award

  • Finalists: Miles Bateman, Ben Malins, James Mason, Joziah Winder

  • Winner: Miles Bateman (BHP WAIO Fixed Plant Maintenance)

Outstanding Leadership Award

  • Finalists: Siobhan Appelgren, Peta Baer, Cara Clews, Hayley Gamble

  • Winner: Peta Baer (Newman Community Centre)

The evening combined formalities with a festive atmosphere — from the buffet dinner presented by The Lodge, to live music, interactive quizzes, and prize giveaways sponsored by CORE Innovation Hub. Guests departed with a renewed sense of pride in the businesses and people who make the Pilbara a dynamic place to live and work.

Congratulations once again to all finalists and winners. Your hard work and dedication are what keep our region thriving.

NCCI