Kiama may not have claimed a trophy at this year’s IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards, but the town certainly made its presence felt, with a record three tables of councillors, local award entrants and Kiama Business Network members joining more than 600 of the region’s business leaders at WIN Entertainment Centre last Friday night.

The Illawarra’s premier business celebration recognised excellence across 18 categories, with Sicona Battery Technologies named Business of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame for its third consecutive win in International Business.

Symbio Wildlife Park, now celebrating its half-century, also pulled off a hat trick, taking home three awards including Outstanding Business Leader for CEO Matthew Radnidge.

For Kiama, the evening was about visibility and connection.

The inaugural Kiama Business Awards, held earlier this year at The Pavilion, gave local winners the chance to progress as finalists at the regional level. Burnetts on Barney, Slow Dough, This Old House Studio, Ozeano Eyewear, WorkLife, and Kiama Leagues Club’s Sarah Rebbeck proudly represented the diversity and strength of the local economy.

While none of Kiama’s finalists took home Illawarra titles this time, Mayor Cameron McDonald said the strong turnout underlined the town’s growing confidence and ambition.

The Kiama crew at the Illawarra Business Awards.

“The majority of our local enterprises are small businesses: family-run, owner-operated and community-connected. To see them stepping up on a regional stage is a success in itself,” he said.

“These awards are about more than trophies - they are about recognition, collaboration and inspiration. Kiama’s strong showing is proof of the talent and innovation thriving in our community.”

The Kiama Business Network was equally proud of the representation, with president Cathy Lyall noting that building connections across the region helps open opportunities for local enterprises.

The 2025 Illawarra Business Awards highlighted the region’s adaptability and innovation in challenging times. Green Gravity, Housing Trust and Dharawal Distilling Co. were among other big winners, with all category winners set to represent the Illawarra at the upcoming NSW Business Awards.

The record attendance for Kiama at the Illawarra awards shows that local businesses are ready to engage, learn and compete on a bigger stage - and, in time, to bring home some of those coveted trophies.

Shoalhaven Business Chamber took home the Outstanding Local Chamber gong in recognition of the outstanding support for their business communities and regional economic development.

Shoalhaven Business Chamber were joined by Vincentia’s Supercalla Private Properties on the winners list.

Supercalla took out the Excellence in Micro Business award for its efforts in holiday property management.