Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just a week ago, the Sunshine Coast community came together to celebrate the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards. This year 37 awards were distributed, recognising the immense talent, innovation and determination of local business owners and entrepreneurs from the electorates of Wide Bay, Fairfax and Fisher. I'm proud to say that Fisher took home nearly 50 per cent of the awards.

Large accommodation provider of the year went to Mercure Sunshine Coast, Kawana Waters. Large advanced technology group of the year—and previous Fisher innovator of the year—went to GreaseBoss in Warana. Large business service of the year went to Digital Nomads HQ in Mooloolaba. Small builder of the year went to Nyblad Construction in Caloundra West. Large tourism experience of the year went to Amaze World in Palmview. Small tourism experience of the year went to Saltwater Eco Tours in Mooloolaba. Large hospitality business of the year went to my surf club, the Alex Surf Club—well done, guys! Small manufacturer and 2024 Fisher awards finalist went to First Light Fabrication from Buddina. Small professional service went to Animal Emergency Services in Tanawha, who do such a fantastic job. Large training provider and 2024 Fisher award finalist went to Neurodivergent Empowered, and they also do terrific work. Small training provider went to the veteran-run Eighth Mile Consulting in Caloundra. Well done, guys. Large food and agribusiness went to Maleny Dairies. Well done to the hoppers. Small food and agribusiness went to Green Valley Fingerlimes in Peachester. Large health and wellness service went to Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group in Birtinya. Large retailer of the year went to Kawana Flooring in Warana.

I was also glad to see three Fisher success stories inducted into the Sunshine Coast Business Awards hall of fame, including game-changing antibullying platform Stymie, globally renowned romantic getaway spot Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, and Sunny Coast icons and #ShopLocal champions White's IGA, run by Roz and Michael White. Well done. On behalf of the people of Fisher, I want to say congratulations to all of those businesses, who consistently represent the best of the best on the Sunshine Coast. I'm proud to be the member for Fisher, which is said to be the small business capital of the country. I want to thank them all for their work and congratulate all of the award winners.