Stretching the limits – Byron Yoga Centre reaches award finals

BYRON Yoga Centre has been named a finalist in the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards, which will be announced at a gala ceremony at The Star Sydney on March 29.

Finalists were chosen based on business innovation, customer service excellence and community impact.

The Centre has also been honoured with the Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2025, which recognises consistently positive reviews from visitors.

Centre founder John Ogilvie said he was honoured and humbled by both accolades.

“It is a huge reflection on the wonderful and dedicated team we have here at Byron Yoga Centre,” he said.

“Being recognised for such an award is assisting on our path to make yoga accessible to all, without exclusivity, for we believe that yoga has the power to change the world.”

The Centre offers a range of wellness experiences, including a Certificate IV in yoga teaching, retreats and holistic therapies.

It also has a new Finnish-style Cedar & Salt wood-fired sauna and is offering a special introductory offer of $45 for a 90-minute session, including 10-20-minutes in the sauna and time to soak in the Centre’s 20-metre mineral salt swimming pool.

Mr Ogilvie grew up in Melbourne and began learning yoga at a detox centre after a long battle with drugs that eventually led to an overdose.

He came to the Northern Rivers in 1986 to complete a program at The Buttery rehabilitation centre at Binna Burra and established the Centre in 1988 with the aim of offering an affordable yoga teacher training option with on-site accommodation.

The Centre offers a locals discount of 20 per cent off selected yoga retreats and teacher training courses.

It also has a studio in town providing community classes for locals and visitors, with some taught by trainee teachers.

A percentage of its earnings is distributed to charities including The Buttery, Food for Life and Rainforest Rescue.