Saturday was a night of celebrations for the Namoi Hotel after the iconic Maitland Street venue was named the 2025 Business of the Year at the Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The hotel’s manager and licensee Scott Connole was presented with the top honour by the awards night’s naming rights sponsor Santos. Members of the hotel team celebrated the acclaimed honour following the presentation of awards.

Earlier in the evening at The Crossing Theatre gala dinner, the Namoi Hotel was announced as the winner in the hospitality category.

This year’s business awards dinner was again a capacity event, with more than 300 people in attendance.

‘Local’ in focus at chamber awards dinner

The 2025 Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards was all about local, right down to the dishes served up to the capacity gathering of more than 300 people.

Chamber president Russell Stewart said the organisation was a proud supporter of buying local.

“Tonight’s event takes the theme of local,”Mr Stewart said when addressing the awards night attendees at The Crossing Theatre.

“If you check your menus, you’ll see all foods have been supplied by local, prepared by locals, and to be consumed by locals.”

Mr Stewart told the crowd the chamber was also proud to support The Crossing Theatre and estimated more than $600,000 had been spent across two decades of the gala awards being staged at the facility.

“Of course you need to be happy with that because anybody paying rates in Narrabri is a part-owner in this place. And that should never be forgotten,” he said.

Mr Stewart also heaped praise on the industries and businesses which continue to elevate the Narrabri Shire, second in the Northern Inland for its contribution to gross regional product and only behind Tamworth.

“You know, one could say that we’re punching above our weight, but you know what? We’re already heavyweights for the bush. So we’re punching right where we are and right where we need to be.

“Take a bow now, Narrabri industries. You’re champions in the chamber’s eyes.

“The chamber is about to enter its 99th year of unbroken service to Narrabri, and is considered by many other chambers to be the benchmark of regional chambers.

“We continue to grow with our membership representing all industries in the region.”

Mr Stewart said this year’s awards attracted more than 150 nominations representing almost 120 businesses.

“This fantastic event can only happen because of our very generous and loyal, wonderful, wonderfully generous member partners which allows you to attend tonight at a highly subsidised price,” he said.

“I’m sure you’ll agree, your chamber awards is always the best value of the year in town.”

Mr Stewart said the business awards partners put a considerable amount of money towards the event, for local businesses to enjoy a night with staff and friends at a very affordable price.

“A special thank you must go to our friends at Santos, our major sponsors,” he said.

“This is their third year in a row.

“And you can always depend on them to help. They’ve become a really integral part of this community and chamber thanks them.

“They’re a great member and a great partner to have.”

Following Mr Stewart’s address to the gathering, the evening was entertained by comedian and ventriloquist Darren Carr who proved popular with the crowd.

The sought-after entertainer continued to draw laughs throughout the night, particularly during a break between the presentation of awards after bringing an audience member to the stage to be part of his ventriloquist show.

Another popular element of the evening was the inclusion of piano music by Hayley Yandell-Smith.

Following the presentation of awards, the gala celebration switched into party mode with local band Wait for Green performing.

Awards winners and runners-up 2025

Business fostering trainees/apprentices
Runner-up: C&W Financial.
Winner: Imagine, Nails, Skin and Beauty.
Hospitality
Runner-up: Gallo Yakoo/Bowling Club.
Winner: Namoi Hotel.
Manufacturing/industrial/agri-business
Runner-up: Qube Agri.
Winner: Hutcheon and Pearce (Wee Waa).
Medical and health-related services
Runner-up: Vision Splendid.
Winner: Bridge Medical Centre.
Retailing
Runner-up: McDonalds Fashions.
Winner: JA Smith Solutions.
Not-for-profit/community organisation
Runner-up: CUC North West.
Winner: Narrabri Hospital Auxiliary.
Trade/service
Runner-up: Barden Pumps.
Winner: North West Ag & Diesel.
Home-based business
Runner-up: Calli Druce Hairdressing.
Winner: Vision Engraving and Trophies.
Tourism
Runner-up: Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre
Winner: Adelong Motel.
Innovation in business
Runner-up: Schwager Concrete & Civil.
Winner: SierraTek Global.
Business supporting local business
Runner-up: Club Narrabri.
Winner: WTC Group.
Employer of choice (less than five employees)
Runner-up: Longies Sportspower.
Winner: Narrabri Motel and Caravan Park.
Employer of choice (more than five employees)
Runner-up: Clipjoint.
Winner: Outlook Ag
New business
Runner-up: Slack-Smith Partners.
Winner: Nexus Health and Wellbeing.
Customer service
Runner-up: Narrabri Pharmacy.
Winner: Nutrien Harcourts.
2025 Young Entrepreneur
Runner-up: Brianna Brown, T-Table.
Winner: Jake and Ellie Packer, Platform & Co.
2025 Business of the Year
Winner: Namoi Hotel.