Maraboon Veterinary Surgery has been crowned Business of the Year at the 2019 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards.

The Emerald business, whose registered business name is Sutherland and Reynolds, was announced as the winner at the sold-out Awards Gala Dinner at Emerald Town Hall on Saturday, 14 September.

Sandra Hobbs, General Manager of the Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC), congratulated Maraboon Veterinary Surgery on achieving excellence in all facets of its business.

"The independent judging panel found that Maraboon Vet has a clear understanding of its niche market and a strong grasp of financial and asset management," Ms Hobbs says.

"This is underpinned by a commitment to service delivery and the deployment of the diverse skills of their team, combined with an innovative approach to growth and their vision for the future."

Takarakka Bush Resort won the People's Choice Award for attracting the largest number of public votes out of 47 local nominated businesses.

4T Consultants and Fair Dinkum Meats were inducted into the Awards Hall of Fame for each receiving an award in three separate Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards.

Other stars of the night include Yumba Bimbi Support Services, which took home the inaugural Not-for-Profit Award, and Blackwater's Country Allure, named Emerging Business of the Year and whose owner and operator Angela Taylor was crowned Young Business Leader of the Year.

Ms Hobbs says the Awards shone a light on the rich diversity, innovation and passion of the Central Highlands' business community.

"Whether it be agtech, fashion, tourism, manufacturing or community development, to name a few, the winners and the finalists are kicking so many exciting goals for our region.

"That made the final decision a difficult task for the judges, but for the rest of us it evokes a strong sense of pride in our region and optimism for its future."

The Gala Dinner was attended by more than 250 guests, including renowned social researcher, media commentator and author of Hello Gen Z, Claire Madden.

The Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards are designed to celebrate the efforts and achievements of the region's diverse and dedicated business community and recognise their contribution to the economy and community.

This was the fourth time CHDC has hosted the biennial Awards, in collaboration with a range of business, industry, and government partners.

BUSINESS AWARD RESULTS

With the exception of the People's Choice category, which was decided by a public vote, all winners in the 2019 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards were chosen by a panel of independent, expert judges appointed by CHDC.

The CHDC Business of the Year was chosen from the category winners.

The Hall of Fame Award recognises businesses who have received an award in at least one category over three separate Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards (2013, 2015, 2017 and / or 2019).

Capricorn Enterprise Tourism, Hospitality & Events Award

WINNER: Roses & Beans

FINALISTS: CHRRUP, Fair Dinkum Meats, Miner's Heritage, Springsure Working Horse Association, Takarakka Bush Resort

CQ Inland Port Manufacturing, Trades & Construction Award

WINNER: GT HOSES

FINALISTS: APH Glass & Aluminium, Central Highlands Fabrications

The Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Agribusiness Award

WINNER: CHRRUP

FINALISTS: PLF Australia, SwarmFarm

Central Highlands Regional Council Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Award

WINNER: Sutherland & Reynolds - Maraboon Veterinary Surgery

FINALISTS: Emerald Medical Clinic, Emerald Pharmacy Services, Streamline Swimming Centre

Central Highlands Regional Council Retail, Wholesale & Distribution Services Award

WINNER: Fair Dinkum Meats

FINALISTS: Country Allure, Emerald Pharmacy Services, Gruffalo & Co., Roses & Beans, Shelfield Coffee Brewers.

Qantas Professional & Business Services Award

WINNER: 4T Consultants

FINALISTS: Centre for Play Therapy, Resource Property

H.E.M.E. Research & Skills Development Award

WINNER: Heumillers Enterprises

FINALIST: The Qld Department of Agriculture & Fisheries

Local Buying Foundation Innovation & Technology Award

WINNER: SwarmFarm

FINALISTS: Fair Dinkum Meats, PLF Australia

Local Buying Foundation Not-for-Profit Award

WINNER: Yumba Bimbi Support Services

FINALISTS: Emerald Medical Clinic, Springsure Working Horse Association

CQU Young Business Leader of the Year Award

WINNER: Angela Taylor - Country Allure

FINALISTS: Aaron Lee - Rural Skate Park Development Initiative Inc.

Advance Queensland Emerging Business of the Year Award

WINNER: Country Allure

FINALISTS: Gruffalo & Co., PLF Australia, Shelfield Coffee Brewers

CHDC Business of the Year Award

WINNER: Sutherland & Reynolds - Maraboon Veterinary Surgery

Hall of Fame Inductees

4T Consultants

- Winner of 2013 - Training, Knowledge & Development Award

- Winner of 2017 - Training, Knowledge & Development Award

- Winner of 2019 - Professional & Business Services Award

Fair Dinkum Meats

- Winner of 2015 - Hospitality Services Award

- Winner of 2017 - Hospitality Services Award

- Winner of 2019 - Retail, Wholesale & Distribution Award

People's Choice for Customer Service Award

WINNER: Takarakka Bush Resort

FINALISTS: Advanced Remedial Remedies, APH Glass & Aluminium, Bean Café, Black Iron Gym, Blah Blah Sandwich Bar, Brewstar Coffee, Cally & Co., Capella Country Music Festival, Central Highlands Toyota, CP Dental, CQMX Spare Parts & Accessories, CQ Pet Rescue, CQ Tyres & Mechanical, Crawford Podiatry, Direct Hotels - Villas on Rivergum, Edison's Burger Bar, Ellenmave Vintage & Antiques, Emerald Central Palms Motel, Emerald Office Supplies, Emerald Show Society, Gruffalo & Co., Highland Homewares, Highlands Drafting & Engineering, House of Magnolias, Ja Max Mechanical, Maraboon Vet Surgery, Mask Face Painting, Mati Rose Boutique, Meraki Lashes CQ, Michael Maguire & Co., Nice Brows, Open Your Art, Resource Property, Roses & Beans, Rubyvale Caravan Park, Shelfield Coffee Brewers, Showdown Equine Performance Equipment, Smart Fitness, Stay On Sullivan, Subway Blackwater, Subway Emerald, Theo's Café, The Sensory Emerald, Ultimate Beauty Cartel, Yolo Shoes, Yumba Bimbi Support Services.

Maraboon Vet Surgery has been crowned Business of the Year at the 2019 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards.

Takarakka Bush Resort's Christine Guy with the People's Choice Award.

Adani Australia Regional Content Manager Suzanne Mitchell (far right) presented Hall of Fame Awards to Jason and Tracey O'Loughlin of Fair Dinkum Meats and Ian Rankine and Bronwyn Reid of 4T Consultants.

The Agribusiness Award-winning CHRRUP team with the Local Buying Foundation's Steve Brown (far left) and Kristy Marks (far right).