2026 has been a year of achievements, recognition and exciting milestones for the Scenic Rim, with local businesses, producers, tourism operators and community organisations making their mark on the national and international stage.
From award-winning food producers and outstanding tourism experiences to business excellence, innovative projects and major investment, the year has highlighted the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to shape our region's future.
Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards recipients
Celebrating excellence in local business
One of the year's highlights was the announcement of the 2025 Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards in March, recognising 60 outstanding nominees at a gala celebration. Canungra retailer My Country Escape was named Business of the Year, also taking home the Excellence in Retail award.
Other winners included Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay for Excellence in Accommodation, Kalbar Sunflowers for Excellence in Tourism, Roast Beef & The Frog for Excellence in Hospitality, Franklin Plumbing and Gas for Excellence in Agriculture, Trade and Construction, Edge Hairdressing for Excellence in Sustainability and Innovation, Canungra Beauty for Most Outstanding New Business, and Tamborine Mountain Psychology for Excellence in Health and Wellbeing.
Education and emerging talent were also recognised, with Boonah State High School receiving Excellence in Education and McAuley College named Highly Commended in the same category. Rose Heggie, a school-based apprentice with Boonah's Hairshine and Fashions, received the Trainee/Apprentice of the Year award, highlighting the valuable partnerships between local employers, schools and training providers.
The awards provided an opportunity to recognise the innovation, resilience and commitment of the small businesses and individuals who contribute to the Scenic Rim's diverse and growing economy.
Scenic Rim Regional Council was also honoured to be recognised as a 2026 Economic Development Awards for Excellence finalist for its Regional Event Sponsorship Program. This program supports local businesses and organisations to develop and bring to life high-quality events, drawing visitors to the region.
Scenic Rim producers recognised nationally and internationally
The Scenic Rim's reputation as a leading food and agritourism destination continued to grow in 2026, with several local producers receiving prestigious national and international recognition.
Tommerup's Dairy Farm, in the Kerry Valley, achieved national success at the 2026 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards, winning the From the Dairy category for its Jersey Girl Dairy crème fraîche. The award reflects the dedication of the Tommerup family to producing exceptional dairy products while connecting consumers with the people and stories behind their food.
The Tommerup family had another reason to celebrate earlier in the year, with Kay Tommerup receiving the Mayor's Award at the 2026 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards, recognising her contribution to agritourism, agriculture and the local community.
Other winners from the 2026 delicious. Australia Harvey Norman Produce Awards included, Harry’s Paddock with a win for their biodynamic Hellfire Wheat securing a win for the ‘from the earth’ section. Heritage Poultry and Produce set the benchmark for ethical, pasture-raised poultry, taking the win for the ‘in the paddock’ section.
Harrisville's Summer Land Camels also celebrated international success, earning a bronze medal at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest in Wisconsin, United States, adding another international accolade to the business's extensive collection of dairy awards.
Chef Jack Stuart from Blume Restaurant in Boonah was named a finalist for Chef of the Year in the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.
The Commercial Hotel Boonah was named Best Restaurant in a Pub/Club in Queensland at the 2026 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence, whilst the Kooroomba Kitchen at Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm was also recognised, taking home the award for best Contemporary Australian Restaurant.
These achievements showcase the creativity, craftsmanship and commitment to quality of Scenic Rim producers and operators, while helping strengthen the region's reputation for exceptional local food experiences.
The 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards saw Scenic Rim tourism operators celebrating recognition at this prestigious event.
Of particular note is the achievement of the O'Reilly family, celebrating its centenary in 2026 of the establishment of O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Being named a finalist in four categories and receiving this recognition is a tribute to four generations of extraordinary contribution to the Scenic Rim and tourism throughout Queensland.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat won Gold in the 3. - 3.5 start Accommodation category.
O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards won Gold in the Tourism Restaurants and Catering category.
Pat’s Farm by O’Reillys received a Highly Commended award for the Self-Contained Accommodation category.
Clandulla Cottages & Farmstay received the Bronze award for the Hosted Accommodation category.
Scenic Rim Regional Council and Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay receive their Bronze awards at the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards.
Scenic Rim Regional Council's Eat Local Movement was also delighted to take home the Bronze award in the Excellence in Food Tourism category. This win adds to Council’s Gold Award in 2025, Silver in 2022 and Bronze awards in 2023 and 2024 in the same category.
Congratulations to all the winners and Scenic Rim operators who participated in the awards.
Eat Local Movement recognised for outstanding collaboration
The Scenic Rim Eat Local Movement added another achievement to its growing list of accolades in 2026, receiving the Excellence in Collaboration Award at the Local Government Managers Australia Queensland Awards for Excellence.
The award recognised the strength of the partnerships between Scenic Rim Regional Council and the many farmers, growers, producers, restaurants, cafes, wineries, brewers and distillers who have contributed to the movement's success.
Events and experiences as part of Eat Local Month across the Scenic Rim.
The recognition was particularly significant as Eat Local Month celebrated its 15th anniversary in June, marking a journey from a small regional food event to one of Queensland's best-known celebrations of local produce and agritourism.
The award reflects what can be achieved through long-term collaboration and a shared commitment to showcasing the region's agricultural strengths.
Growing the next generation of agricultural talent
Agriculture also remained a focus for local students, with Scenic Rim schools continuing to provide hands-on learning opportunities and connections with the region's agricultural industry.
Beaudesert State High School students represented the region at the 2026 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), participating in cattle competitions and showcasing Droughtmaster cattle. Their involvement provided practical experience in animal handling, livestock presentation and engagement with industry representatives.
Local Design wins on the National Stage
Design Artisan, an architectural design company located on Tamborine Mountain, received the highest accolades from the Building Designers Association of Australia, taking home three awards, including the coveted National Design Excellence Award, for their submission of Sol Elements, at the BDAA National Design Awards in Sydney.
A major investment milestone for the Scenic Rim
Beyond the awards and accolades, 2026 also marked a significant milestone for economic development in the Scenic Rim, with construction commencing on Kalfresh's landmark Agricultural Industrial Precinct at Kalbar.
Artist’s depiction of the Kalfresh Food and Bioenergy Precinct, from Kalfresh’s website.
The broader proposed $291 million development, supported by an $80 million investment from Wollemi Capital and Queensland Investment Corporation, represents a major step forward for agricultural innovation, advanced food manufacturing and renewable energy production in the region.
At the heart of the precinct is a bioenergy facility designed to transform agricultural and food waste into renewable energy and natural fertiliser, supporting a more sustainable and circular agricultural economy.
Key infrastructure works were also completed in 2026 for Soilco’s Bromelton large scale compost manufacturing facility. Once operational, the facility will be capable of receiving and processing up to 400,000 tonnes of material annually, including composting up to 250,000 tonnes of source-separated organics.
These investments reflect confidence in the Scenic Rim's agricultural strengths and future economic potential, positioning the region to benefit from emerging technologies, industry collaboration and new employment opportunities.
Young Tourism Leader recognised at Council
Scenic Rim Regional Council was proud to have one of its officers recognised as a 2026 Queensland Young Tourism Leader. Sophie Joyce started her tenure at Council as a trainee, having secured a role within the Regional Events team for Council. The Young Tourism Leaders Program, through the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, brings together inspiring role models able to spark interest and confidence in young people to consider a future in tourism.
Scenic Rim Regional Council congratulates all award winners, finalists, nominees and businesses who have contributed to another successful year for the region.
As we look towards 2027, these achievements provide a strong foundation for continued collaboration, innovation and economic growth across the Scenic Rim.