2024 Winners
Congratulations to all the outstanding winners of the Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards!
Your dedication, innovation, and hard work have set a remarkable standard for excellence in our region. From emerging entrepreneurs to established businesses and community leaders, this year’s award recipients represent the very best of Moreton Bay's thriving business landscape.
Your success not only drives economic growth but also inspires others to pursue innovation and excellence in their own ventures. We celebrate your achievements and look forward to witnessing your continued impact on our vibrant community!
Here are our 2024 WINNERS:
Ausbuild Award for New Business Excellence
The New Business Excellence Award celebrates a business that has been in operation for no more than 12 months, and tonight’s finalists have already made a remarkable impact!
WINNER: Hip Hops Brewers!
Hip Hops Brewers, based in Brendale, has quickly become an iconic venue, offering a full production craft brewery, taproom, and on-site kitchen. With a massive 700m² space that includes a 21-tap bar and a family-friendly outdoor area, they proudly showcase their own brews and support regional artisan food and beverage producers.
Congratulations to Hip Hops Brewers on this well-deserved win and for being a shining light in the Moreton Bay business community!
Solar Bollard Lighting Award for Exporting Excellence
The Exporting Excellence Award recognises businesses in the City of Moreton Bay that have demonstrated outstanding success in building trade with global markets. These businesses represent our region’s innovation and determination on the world stage.
WINNER: Elexon Mining!
Elexon Mining is a trailblazer in the mining industry, developing cutting-edge geotechnical monitoring systems for open-pit and underground mines, as well as tailings dams. Their innovative solutions, created in collaboration with industry leaders and research organisations, provide vital data that enhances safety, efficiency, and resource optimisation.
Winning the Exporting Excellence Award, Elexon Mining continues to make waves across the globe, exporting world-class technology from Moreton Bay to countries like Canada, Chile, and South Africa. Their flagship products, Geo4Sight and Cave Tracker, are the only systems in the world capable of monitoring cave mines, cementing their reputation as global pioneers.
SRJ Walker Wayland Award for Not-For-Profit Excellence
The Not-For-Profit Excellence Award recognises an organisation in the City of Moreton Bay that has delivered impactful community initiatives, creating long-term benefits and positive change for the region.
WINNER: Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula Inc!
Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula Inc is a fantastic volunteer-driven initiative that provides a space for the community to come together to repair household items. Serving the Redcliffe Peninsula and beyond, this monthly event helps people save money, reduces landfill, and promotes a circular economy — all in line with the Moreton Bay Council’s 2042 Environment and Sustainability Strategy.
Akyra Strategy & Development Award for Employee of the Year
The Employee of the Year Award recognises an individual for their extraordinary professional achievement and invaluable contribution to their organisation.
WINNER: James Rose from GNB Energy!
James Rose, an electrician by trade with over 15 years of experience, has risen through the ranks at GNB Energy through sheer hard work and dedication. Since joining as a Project Manager in 2019, he has made remarkable strides within the company. His promotion to Implementation Manager saw him revolutionise GNB Energy’s business processes, transitioning the company to a fully digital platform and training employees on the new system.
Award for Food and Agribusiness Excellence
This award recognises outstanding achievements by a food and agribusiness business in the Moreton Bay Region, showcasing their commitment to innovation, excellence, and shaping the future of agribusiness.
WINNER: Hip Hops Brewers!
Hip Hops Brewers exemplifies excellence in the food and agribusiness sector by blending craft, community, and innovation. As a standout local brewery, they not only produce high-quality craft beers but also collaborate with regional producers, creating a unique and locally-focused experience for their customers.
ONCALL Group Australia Award for Businesswoman of the Year
This prestigious award recognises an outstanding woman who has made a significant contribution to the Moreton Bay business landscape, demonstrating dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
WINNER: Kerri Smith, Sesame Lane Care & Kindergarten
Kerri Smith has made an incredible impact at Sesame Lane Care & Kindergarten, showing exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence in early childhood education and care. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing environment for children, alongside her visionary business strategies, has set a new standard for care and education within the Moreton Bay region.
UniSC Award for Environment & Sustainability Excellence
This award recognises a business that has made an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices and environmental improvement as part of its day-to-day operations.
WINNER: Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula
Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula has been an exceptional champion for sustainability since its launch in November 2020. Through their efforts, they’ve repaired over 67.7% of 805 items, diverting more than 2.5 tonnes of waste from landfills. With a focus on community, they offer educational workshops and provide a welcoming space for people to learn, connect, and contribute to environmental sustainability, aligning with Moreton Bay Council’s Environment and Sustainability Strategy 2042.
RDA Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast Award for Young Achiever of the Year
This award honours exceptional individuals aged 18 to 30 who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in fields such as business, volunteering, social enterprise, and charity/fundraising.
WINNER: Alexander Raymer, Raymer Consulting Group!
Alexander Raymer, founder of Raymer Consulting Group, is addressing the rural teacher shortage crisis by bringing top-quality educators back into classrooms. His leadership has led to significant improvements in education outcomes across the country, making a profound impact on both students and teachers. Alexander’s innovative and dedicated approach to solving this critical issue makes him a deserving winner of the Young Achiever of the Year award.
Think2Be Award for Innovation Excellence
This award celebrates a business in Moreton Bay that has excelled in creating a product, process, business model, or marketing innovation that challenges the norm and stands out in the national or global market.
WINNER: Blind Bats Inc.
Blind Bats Inc. has revolutionised cricket for vision-impaired players with their Beeping Cricket Ball and the inclusive game of Beep Cricket. This innovation not only enhances the sport for those with visual impairments but also invites players of all abilities to enjoy the game together. It's a true example of how technology and inclusivity can come together to create something extraordinary.
EPIC Assist Award for Accessibility & Inclusiveness Excellence
This award recognises a business that is dedicated to promoting access and inclusion, making a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities through their day-to-day operations.
WINNER: Sunshine Home Support!
Sunshine Home Support is committed to providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, guaranteeing fair wages for all supported employees. Since launching their supported employment program, they’ve grown significantly, providing inclusive roles across multiple industries. Sunshine Home Support continues to lead by example, ensuring that everyone is compensated fairly, regardless of ability, and fostering an accessible and supportive workplace.
Bishopp Award for Tourism Business Excellence
This award recognises a tourism, leisure, or entertainment business that has consistently delivered an outstanding visitor experience, helping to enhance the appeal of the City of Moreton Bay and stand out from their competitors.
WINNER: Brisbane Whale Watching!
Brisbane Whale Watching, led by Captain Kerry Lopez, is a pioneering eco-certified nature tourism cruise and the first female-owned whale watching venture in the southern hemisphere. Since 1996, Brisbane Whale Watching has been offering unforgettable experiences to thousands of tourists, allowing them to witness the majestic humpback whale migration in the pristine waters of Moreton Bay aboard the luxurious Eye Spy catamaran. With guaranteed whale sightings and expert commentary, Brisbane Whale Watching truly excels in delivering exceptional visitor experiences and promoting the region.
Splice Marketing Agency Award for Entrepreneur of the Year
This award recognises and celebrates an enterprising individual who adopts new or innovative ideas to generate a new product, service, business process, or enter a new market.
WINNER: Shaun Reeves, Hip Hops Brewers
Shaun Reeves, the founder and director, has been a driving force in the Moreton Bay business, his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have helped countless businesses grow, and his strong commitment to the community is evident in his support for not-for-profit organisations and charities. After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shaun successfully revived Hip Hops Brewers, now employing over 20 people and making a significant impact in the region. As the Entrepreneur of the Year, Shaun’s unwavering dedication to innovation, business growth, and community support is truly inspiring. His philosophy of "Value to Others" is reflected in all his ventures, showcasing his vision and passion for making a positive impact in Moreton Bay. Congratulations, Shaun Reeves!
North Harbour Award for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence
This award recognises outstanding achievements by an advanced manufacturing business in the City of Moreton Bay that demonstrates a commitment to delivering innovative technologies, tools, processes, and techniques to transform materials or components into new products
WINNER: Elexon Electronics
Elexon Electronics is a trailblazer in advanced manufacturing, bringing innovative electronics solutions to industries like defence, aerospace, mining, and automotive. Their cutting-edge approach and commitment to excellence make them a standout in the region.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Award for Customer Service Excellence
This award recognises a business in the City of Moreton Bay that goes above and beyond in their field to deliver outstanding customer service, offering exceptional experiences for their customers
WINNER: Hip Hops Brewers
Hip Hops Brewers is known for its outstanding customer service, delivering a unique and personalized experience for every guest. From welcoming hospitality to educating customers on their craft brews, Hip Hops goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable visit for all.
Dynamic Bradview Roofing Award for Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence
This award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated leadership and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, delivering exceptional social, economic, and environmental benefits to the community
WINNER: Ausbuild
Ausbuild is a Queensland-based developer, building over 9,000 homes across Southeast Queensland since 1988. With a strong focus on creating thriving communities, Ausbuild’s CSR framework is central to their mission, ensuring sustainable social and environmental benefits. This marks their third consecutive win in this category, securing their place in the Hall of Fame!
Congratulations, Ausbuild
THE CITY OF MORETON BAY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR award
This award is presented to the finalist who received the highest overall score from the judging panel across all business categories! It recognises outstanding results, excellence, and innovation in every aspect of their business
WINNER: Hip Hops Brewers
A massive congratulations to Shaun Reeves and the team at Hip Hops Brewers, who have not only taken home multiple awards tonight but now crowned the 2024 City of Moreton Bay Council Business of the Year!
Congratulations to all of the Winners and the Finalists of the 2024 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards.