Bald Rock Beef Jerky, Tripple C Investments, Best Western Henry Parkes and Kristen Lovett Accounting Services took out nine of the major trophies, with each also picking up Highly Commended awards in various categories.

Tripple C Investments, owned by Kevin and Jenny Santin who operate Tenterfield Cottage and Tenterfield Tours, won Business of the Year and the Excellence in Tourism gong.

Council’s Cultural and Business Services Officer Harry Bolton said organisers were thrilled to see involvement from a swathe of new businesses in the awards second outing.

“We’re obviously very happy with the response from business houses on the night.

“The part we’re particularly pleased about was seeing new businesses get involved – couldn’t be happier really,” Mr Bolton said.

Just shy of 100 attended the dinner and Mr Bolton said the evening was a reflection of the last 12 months in town.

“It was nice to listen to all the chatter around the room. I think the night reflected the year – there’s been a lot of positive business activity this year.”

A number of new businesses and familiar names picked up awards but Mr Bolton is hopeful that businesses ‘underselling’ themselves will take the opportunity to participate in future.

Council will now consult with businesses to decide whether they’ll continue to run the event annually or biennially.

Ash Palmero from Rebel FM was the night’s master of ceremonies and provided plenty of entertainment, but it was Dan Ford from Bald Rock Beef Jerky who attracted most of the evening’s laughs.

Mr Ford’s business took home awards for Excellence in Agribusiness, People’s Choice and Excellence in Innovation – an award presented by Member for New England Barnaby Joyce.

Mr Joyce was joined by wife Natalie and used a few minutes to speak of his affection for Tenterfield and its history.

His very public run in with film star Johnny Depp and his pooches also drew a few laughs with the Agriculture Minister saying ‘he wished it had never happened’.

Little Phoenix closed out the ceremony with entertainment and dancing late into the night.

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year:

Winner – Ben Johnston (Ray White Rural)

Highly Commended – Daniel Duff (Sexton and Green)

Employee of the Year:

Winner – Barbara Gallen (Sullivan’s Newsagency)

Highly Commended – Jaime Morgan (Kristen Lovett Accounting Services)

Excellence in Customer Service:

Winner – Kristen Lovett Accounting Services

Highly Commended – Tenterfield Timber and Hardware

Excellence in Hospitality:

Winner – Best Western Henry Parkes

Highly Commended – Tenterfield Tavern

Excellence in Retail:

Winner – Tenterfield Timber and Hardware

Highly Commended – Sexton and Green

Excellence in Agribusiness:

Winner – Bald Rock Beef Jerky

Highly Commended – Ray White Rural

Excellence in Manufacturing/Construction:

Winner – Cameron Bolton Interiors

Highly Commended – Timbarra Building and Rural Services

Excellence in Service Industries:

Winner – Sexton and Green

Highly Commended – Ray White Rural

Excellence in Health, Beauty and Fitness:

Winner – B Fit Health Club

Excellence in Financial and Legal Services:

Winner – Kristen Lovett Accounting Services

People’s Choice Award:

Winner – Bald Rock Beef Jerky

Highly Commended – Think Fit

Excellence in Accommodation:

Winner – Best Western Henry Parkes

Highly Commended – Tenterfield Cottage

Excellence in Eco/Nature/Adventure Tourism:

Winner – Mount Blue Eco Retreat

Highly Commended – Levuka Rainforest Recreation Park

Excellence in Tourism:

Winner – Tripple C Investments

Highly Commended – Best Western Henry Parkes

Excellence in Innovation:

Winner – Bald Rock Beef Jerky

Highly Commended – Kristen Lovett Accounting Services

Event of the Year:

Winner – Oracles of the Bush

Highly Commended – Tenterfield Show

Business of the Year:

Winner – Tripple C Investments

Highly Commended – Bald Rock Beef Jerky and Kristen Lovett Accounting Services