Burnetts on Barney took out the Business of the Year top gong at the Kiama Business Awards on Thursday night at The Pavilion in Kiama.

Kiama Business Network founded the event this year to recognise the exceptional achievements of businesses in the region.

Trophies were awarded to winners in six categories with those businesses then judged to decide who would be the 2025 Business of the Year.

Kiama Business Network president Cathryn Lyall said the anonymous judging panel comprised of local business leaders who analysed the 50 nominations to come up with finalists and eventually the category winners.

“It was a fantastic night, the community came together,” she said.

“The diversity of businesses of talent and individuals on display was a highlight.

“It was very community focused, it was very nurturing and supportive - there was a strong feel that everyone was coming together to support the community.”

The category award winners have all now won the right to be a finalist in the Illawarra Business Awards for the black-tie ceremony on 19 September at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Excellence in Small Business & Business of the Year: Burnetts on Barney

Burnetts on Barney was recognised for its excellence as the region’s leading garden and landscaping centre.

The business began in 2001 when Andrew and Elizabeth Burnett moved to Jamberoo to start a tree care business. They moved the business to its current site in 2012.

Burnetts is not just a business but a dedicated community space providing a garden haven for locals and visitors alike.

Its beautiful quarry-wall space is home to live local music each Saturday as well as festivals, community and private events throughout the year.

Lyall said the judges were impressed with Burnetts not just being a central horticultural hub but it’s devotion to making Kiama a better place to live.

Kiama Council representatives, Councillor Imogen Draisman, Mayor Cameron McDonald, Emily Vaughan, CEO Jane Stroud, Helen Demertzis, Cr Erica Warren and Cr Melinda Lawton. Photo: Peter Izzard Photography

“It’s become a real hub for the community, doing stuff like sending a minibus out to Blue Haven twice a week so the retirees can come to the cafe and have morning tea together - for those who don’t have transport it’s a huge part of their week,” she said.

“The musicians that they profile there, the many community events they host, interaction with the bees by kids and adults - there’s just so many things they do that go above and beyond the business of making money.”

Excellence in Sustainability: Ozeano Eyewear

A small local social enterprise founded by Caroline Hartline, Ozeano produces ethically handmade prescription glasses and sunglasses using a 100% biodegradable plant-based bio-acetate.

“Not only was it design conscious eyewear that was made with sustainable premium materials but there was a really clear impact around sustainability right from the outset,” Lyall said.

Caroline Hartline from Ozeano Eyewear. Photo: The Bugle

“She’s a relatively new business, all online from Kiama Downs, but her reach has not just national, it’s been global as far as what she’s doing to remove plastic from the oceans, among other things.”

Outstanding New Business: Slow Dough

The unique bakery in Kiama, run by RIchard and Lucy King, was rewarded for its resilience.

“It’s a great story from starting the business in their garage, nearly giving up because they couldn’t get the space they needed to run a shop front and then deciding to persevere, and their whole philosophy around slowing down, bringing people together, the high quality of the products,” Lyall added.

Lucy and Richard King from Slow Dough. Photo: The Bugle

“The staff are aligned on the journey together to embed sustainability and action in the community.

“Their whole ethos and hard work they’ve put into building it into the successful business it is, shone through.”

Excellence in Microbusiness: This Old House Studio

The architectural hardware microbusiness serves builders, architects, homeowners and designers up and down the South Coast.

“The fact that we’ve got this on our main street is unique and desirable,” Lyall said.

Dave Brown from This Old House. Photo: The Bugle

“It was a tightly contested race but they are serving such a broad swathe of the community and they are a great example of the circular economy in our LGA.”

Outstanding Business Leader (20 employees and under): Kate Dezarnaulds - WorkLife

Lyall said there was another strong contingent in this category of finalists for this award.

“Kate stood out for her leadership skills and qualities,” she said.

Kate Dezarnaulds. Photo: The Bugle

“She ran as an independent in the federal election but this was focused on WorkLife and all she’s done since she founded it in 2017.

"She’s done so many things for workers, freelancers and creatives to give them access to all sorts of ways to grow their businesses.”

Outstanding Employee: Sarah Rebbeck from Kiama Leagues Club

Rebbeck has played an integral part in the growth of Kiama Leagues Club’s in recent years.

“What stood out for the judges was her dedication and strong work ethic from rising from the ranks of being in the kitchen to now being part of the executive leadership team over seven years,” Lyall said.

“Going on that journey, studying to learn new skills and now overseeing the entire catering operations for the club, for a young female to do that was great.

“The praise heaped upon her in her nomination from her colleagues was really strong and it gave a real sense of her empathy in the workplace, strong leadership qualities and clarity of vision for running the businesses and making it fit for purpose in the future.”