Torquay businesses recognised for innovation, sustainability, community

THE creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that has put Torquay on the map was celebrated last night (Thursday, September 4), with the announcement of this year’s winners of the Torquay Business Awards, presented by the Surf Coast Times.

Now in its fourth year, the awards program, which is hosted by Commerce Torquay in partnership with the Rotary Club of Torquay, recognises the achievements of the businesses, big and small, operating across the 3228 postcode.

Coastal Nectar, a small batch honey business with national impact, was crowned Business of the Year, while Nathan Sayers of custom sportswear brand Indigo Wolf was named Business Leader of the Year.

Coastal Nectar was also honoured with this year’s Professional Services award.

For its innovation, commitment to sustainability, and unique approach, profit-for-purpose restaurant Samesyn 2.0 was recognised with the Outside the Box award, with judge David Barke noting the venue offers “more than a place to dine” — its “a unique restaurant experience”.

 

 

The Torquay Bowls Club, which last year celebrated its 100th anniversary, took out this year’s Tourism and Hospitality award. Its awards submission, Barke said, was “outstanding” and really highlighted its connection to the community.

“They’re not just a bowls club — they’re a lot more than that. [The application] showcased the membership growth that they’ve achieved, their commitment to community engagement and their support of local events and initiatives, as well as a very strong investment in the development of their staff,” he said.

“They’ve got a fantastic location down on The Esplanade and, I think, really stand out as being a key business for tourism and hospitality in the area.”

The winner of the Trade Services award was Braille Sign Supplies, Art of the Minds took home the Event of the Year award for its Her Story event, and therapeutic surfing charity Ocean Mind was acknowledged with the Not-for-profit award.

Praised by the judging panel for its “truly holistic approach to sustainability”, Yogi Peace Club was this year’s recipient of the Sustainability award.

For the business, sustainability is a consideration in every facet of its operation, from the materials it uses in its products and packaging to its understanding of the supply chain and its ethical partnerships with its manufacturers.

“This commitment show sustainability is not an add-on, it’s the heart of what they do,” Barke said.

 

 

Priceline Pharmacy Torquay, which opened in Gilbert Street less than 12 months ago, was recognised with the Retail award, a nod to the store’s thoughtful and easy-to-navigate layout, product selection, service offering and the vision of its owners.

Fellow business community newcomer Digger Now, which launched earlier this year after identifying a need for local excavator hire, was awarded this year’s Best New Business.

The award is recognition of the business’s “structured and thoughtful business plan”, “steady and consistent growth” and commitment to giving back to the community.

Something Hair and Makeup, an inclusive and forward-thinking salon in Fischer Street, was celebrated with the Personal Care award.

Barke highlighting several “sensational” innovations the business has employed such as wheelchair friendly basins, FaceTime integration to allow interpreters to assist hearing impaired clients and a family focus that provides a welcoming space for children to receive their first haircut.

The Torquay Business Awards will return next year. To learn more, head to commercetorquay.com.au

 

2025 Torquay Business Awards – Winners

• Not-for-profit Award – Ocean Mind Inc (sponsored by Torquay Rotary)

• Event of the Year – Art of the Minds (sponsored by Commerce Torquay)

• Best New Business – Digger Now Surfcoast (sponsored by Coulter Legal)

• Retail Award – Priceline Pharmacy Torquay (sponsored by Commerce Torquay)

• Sustainability Award – Yogi Peace Club (sponsored by Surf Coast Shire)

• Professional Services Award – Coastal Nectar (sponsored by Bay 93.9 Geelong & K Rock Geelong)

• Tourism & Hospitality Award – Torquay Bowls Club (sponsored by Turner Events TV & Moon Mother Productions)

• Outside the Box Award – Samesyn 2.0 (sponsored by Surf Coast Shire)

• Personal Care Award – Something Hair and Makeup (sponsored by Commerce Torquay)

• Trade Services Award – Braille Sign Supplies (sponsored by Wolf Telstra)

• Business Leader of the Year – Nathan Sayers, Indigo Wolf Sportswear (sponsored by Commerce Torquay)

• Business of the Year – Coastal Nectar (sponsored by Surf Coast Times)