It was a full house on Saturday night at the Lismore Turf Club when 320 people celebrated excellence, innovation and resilience at the 2025 Business Lismore Awards.

PJs Fruit and Veg took home the top gong by being named Business of the Year, as the large crowd was entertained by the Master of Ceremonies, Steven Bradbury OAM. For readers who do not recognise the name, Stephen Bradbury famously won Olympic gold for the 1000m short-track speed skating at the 2002 Salt Lake City games.

Brendan and Natasha Garred said on their Facebook page, "We were shocked - still are. We really did not think we could win. But we did.

"Running a small business over the last few years has been a huge journey & a lot of hard work. To be recognised for what we've done & where we've come from is really appreciated.

"A huge shout out to our staff, you are all legends. We're only a small team, but we're mighty."

Business Lismore Secretary, Felicity Hyde, said, “We are so proud to host the 2025 business awards once again. We are so proud of the business community in Lismore. We had over 120 finalists and over 320 attendees tonight. It is so positive to have so many businesses supporting each other".

“It was a positive night that showed increasing confidence in Lismore.”

Mrs Hyde said the award night celebrated excellence in business but also gave business owners the chance to network and boosted the local economy.

“A lot of people stayed in town, bought outfits, and had lunch and breakfast. It was a successful night."

Business Lismore President Michael Ackrell said, "The achievements of so many local businesses tonight shows what a great place Lismore is to do business. We also thank our Partners who have supported the event in the lead-up and on the night, especially our Platinum Partners Lismore Toyota, Beach and Bush Distributors and Lismore City Council."

(Photo Paul Tuthill Photography)

The full list of Award recipients is:

Excellence in Health, Care & Wellness Industries

• Winner: Rainbow Roos
• Highly Commended: Northern Rivers Hemp 

Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under DUAL WINNERS

• Winner: Joel Jensen Constructions 
• Winner: Terania Consulting

Employer of Choice –21 Employees and Over

• Winner: Social Futures
• Highly Commended: Summerland Bank 

Excellence in Agriculture & Primary Industries

• Winner: Mountain Blue

Outstanding Visitor Experience

• Winner: 187 Cantina
• Highly Commended: The Levee Lounge and Bar

Excellence in Innovation

• Winner: Boost My Business 247

Outstanding Young Business Leader

• Winner: Corbyn MichaelJohnston - Beyond Barriers Support
• Highly commended: Joel Jensen - Joel Jensen Constructions

Outstanding Employee

• Winner: Cameron Webster - The Levee Lounge and Bar 
• Highly Commended: Carrie Smith - Newton Denny Chapelle
• Highly Commended: Elyse Dallinger - Itchyfoot

Excellence in Trade, Construction & Manufacturing 

• Winner: Joel Jensen Constructions
• Highly Commended: O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore 

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

• Winner: Indigo Rose Disability Support Services 
• Highly Commended: Women Up North

Excellence in Micro Business (DUAL WINNER) 

• Winner: Evolve Healthcare
• Winner: Halray Brake Reconditioning
• Highly Commended: Mel's Melting Moments Gift Shop 

Outstanding New Business 

• Winner: Beyond Barriers Support 
• Highly Commended: Silt Studio

Excellence in Small Business 

• Winner: Joel Jensen Constructions 
• Winner: PJs Fruit and Veg
• Winner: Terania Consulting

Excellence in Business & Professional Services

• Winner: South Lismore Post Office

Excellence in Creative Industries (DUAL WINNER)

• Winner: Silt Studio
• Winner: The Levee Lounge and Bar

Excellence in Retail and Personal Services 

• Winner: PJs Fruit & Veg
• Highly Commended: SouthLismore Post Office

Excellence in Sustainability

• Winner: Summerland Bank

Outstanding Community Organisation

• Winner: Our House
• Highly Commended: Northern Rivers Community Foundation

Excellence in Large Business

• Winner: Newton Denny Chapelle

Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year

• Winner: Daniel Winkler-Maloney - Newton Denny Chapelle 

Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under 

• Winner: Tracy Anne Ward - South Lismore Post Office 
• Highly Commended: Natasha Garred - PJs Fruit & Veg
• Highly Commended: Brendon Garred - PJs Fruit & Veg
• Highly Commended: Jarryd Wilson - JMW Finance

Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over 

• Winner: Damian Chapelle - Newton Denny Chapelle

Business of the Year

• PJ Fruit & Veg