The Clarence Valley will be flying the flag high at the 2025 Northern Rivers Business Awards, with a remarkable line-up of local businesses, community organisations and individuals named as finalists across an impressive range of categories. From emerging leaders to long-established business, the breadth of representation shows just how dynamic and resilient the Clarence Valley’s business community has become.
This year’s awards bring together the very best of the Northern Rivers region, showcasing excellence across leadership, innovation, sustainability, tourism, agriculture, health, retail, and creative industries. For the Clarence Valley, the number of finalists is not just a reflection of individual achievement but also a testament to the strength and diversity of our local economy and the hard work of people committed to building thriving communities.
Celebrating our leaders
At the heart of the awards are the leaders shaping the future of business in the Clarence Valley. In the Outstanding Young Business Leader category, two local names stand out: Jack Mooney of Provenance Propagation , a business that continues to make its mark in agriculture and sustainability, and Natalie Porter of Clarence Valley Community Information, whose independent digital media platform has become a rapidly growing and vital source of local news and connection.
In the Outstanding Business Leader categories, Dan Nikas of Elite Brands has been recognised among businesses with fewer than 20 employees, while Brad Corbett of Corbetts represents the Clarence Valley in the 21 employees and over category, acknowledging his leadership of one of the region’s longest-standing and most diverse enterprises.
Business excellence across industries
The finalist list reveals the strength of Clarence Valley businesses across a wide spectrum. HoneyBee Hives Aus has been named in both the Excellence in International Business and Excellence in Micro Business categories, demonstrating how innovation in primary industries can reach global markets.
Provenance Propagation has made its mark again, recognised in Employer of Choice (20 and Under), Excellence in Sustainability, and Excellence in Agriculture & Primary Industries, underlining its reputation as a leader in both people and environmental practices.
DIMATTIA & CO continues to set a benchmark for professional services locally, appearing as a finalist in Employer of Choice (20 and Under) and Excellence in Retail and Personal Services.
The region’s health and care sector is also in the spotlight, with Maclean Medical recognised in both Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Small Business, and Your Choice Support Services Clarence Valley named as a finalist in Excellence in Health, Care & Wellness Industries.
Corbetts stands tall across multiple categories including Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Large Business (21+ employees), Excellence in Trade, Construction & Manufacturing, and of course leadership through Brad Corbett. Their presence highlights the company’s wide-ranging contribution to the Clarence Valley economy.
Community, tourism and culture
The Clarence Valley’s community spirit is also well represented. The Lions Club of Maclean Return & Earn project has been shortlisted in Outstanding Community Organisation, a nod to the tireless work of local volunteers with all money raised though the program going directly back into the community thought their various programs.
The Grafton Jacaranda Festival shines as one of the Clarence Valley’s most iconic events, appearing as a finalist in several categories: Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion, Outstanding Visitor Experience, Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration, and Excellence in Sustainable Tourism. Its multiple nominations reflect both its cultural importance and its innovative approach to drawing visitors to the Valley year after year.
The Yamba Community Improvement District Project (YCID) also joins the list as a finalist in Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration, recognising efforts to enhance Yamba’s reputation as a premier destination.
Meanwhile, creativity and innovation in the arts are celebrated through Original Sound Lounge, named as a finalist in Excellence in Creative Industries.
Newcomers and rising stars
Fresh energy is also being recognised, with Buzz Business Boosters and Phytocopia Herbal Balms Australia both named finalists in the Outstanding New Business category. Buzz Business Boosters is also a finalist in Excellence in Business & Professional Services, showing that even newcomers can make a strong impact.
The next generation is also in the spotlight, with Bethany Smith from T’s Hair nominated for Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year – a recognition of the skills and promise of our young professionals.
Chamber recognition
Rounding out the Clarence Valley representation is the Maclean District Chamber of Commerce, nominated for Outstanding Local Chamber, an acknowledgment of the Chamber’s work advocating for businesses, supporting events, and driving initiatives that strengthen the entire Lower Clarence community.
A community achievement
The Clarence Valley’s strong presence at the Northern Rivers Business Awards is more than just a collection of names on a finalist list – it represents years of effort, creativity, and resilience from businesses and individuals who call this region home. Each finalist carries the story of adapting to challenges, embracing opportunities, and working hard to create jobs, deliver services, and enrich the lives of locals and visitors alike.
Winners will be announced at a gala event in Ballina on 27 September, but for the Clarence Valley, being so widely represented is already a victory. It highlights the strength of our business community and the depth of talent and innovation that makes our Valley such a special place to live, work and visit.
As the big night approaches, we wish all Clarence Valley finalists the very best of luck and congratulate them on showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication within our community.
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