The outstanding achievements of local businesses and individuals were celebrated at the Lockhart Shire Business Excellence Awards held on 26th November 2025 at the Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club. With 62 nominations across four categories, the evening highlighted the innovation, resilience, and community spirit that define business success throughout the Shire.
Mayor Peter Sharp officially welcomed guests and congratulated the finalists, acknowledging the essential role local enterprises play in growing employment, supporting community initiatives, and driving economic prosperity.
“The quality of nominations this year reflects the passion, talent, and determination of our local business community,” Mayor Sharp said. “Our finalists and winners are not only building successful enterprises, but they are also strengthening the social fabric of our region, supporting jobs, creating opportunities, and contributing to a vibrant and thriving Lockhart Shire. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and excited for what lies ahead.”
A highlight of the evening was a special presentation in the Young Entrepreneur category. Although no nominations were received, the judges unanimously recognised the outstanding achievements of 17-year-old apprentice Mitchell Matthews from That Butcher Shop, Lockhart, who was a finalist in the Employee of the Year category. Mitch has demonstrated remarkable skill, professionalism, and enterprising spirit, mastering his trade, managing operations, and mentoring staff with maturity beyond his years. His ambition, dedication, and clear vision for the future made him a deserving recipient of the Young Entrepreneur Award 2025.
AWARD RESULTS
Employee of the Year
Finalists:
Kristy Stewart – Lockhart Hire and Hardware
Mitchell Matthews – That Butcher Shop
Ronald Grant – Lockhart Hire and Hardware
Stewart McCormack – Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Stuart Hunter – Prominda Homes
Highly Commended:
Stewart McCormack – Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Winner:
Stuart Hunter – Prominda Homes
Young Entrepreneur Award
Winner:
Mitchell Matthews – That Butcher Shop
Best New Business
Finalists:
Boutique on Green
Country Bumpkins
Hooves of Empowerment
Lockhart Hardware and Hire
Owl and Olive Design Studio
Highly Commended:
Owl and Olive Design Studio
Winner:
Hooves of Empowerment
Excellence in Large Business
Finalists:
Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Respect – Woodhaven Aged Care
Winner:
Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Excellence in Small Business
Finalists:
Avalon Farmstay
Country Bumpkins
Crystals Restaurant
Glen-Lea Images
Hooves of Empowerment
Lockhart & District Community Bank
Lockhart Hardware and Hire
Prominda Homes
That Butcher Shop
The Rock Post Office
Highly Commended:
Glen-Lea Images
Prominda Homes
That Butcher Shop
Winner:
Avalon Farmstay
Mayor Sharp commended all finalists and nominees, noting the judges’ feedback that Lockhart Shire has a uniquely strong culture of collaboration, local support, and community pride—attributes not seen anywhere else the panel has judged.
The judging panel for the 2025 Awards comprised:
Nicola James – Australian Government – AusIndustry
Keiran Spencer – NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Sally Manning – Wagga Wagga Business Chamber
Their expertise and insights ensured a fair and rigorous process, highlighting the best of Lockhart Shire’s business community.
The evening highlighted not only business growth and success, but the vision, resilience, and innovation driving the Shire’s future—qualities that continue to position Lockhart as a dynamic place to live, work, visit, and invest.
Acknowledgements
Lockhart Shire Council would like to thank Elecnor Australia for their generous sponsorship and continued support of our community. We extend our appreciation to Jo Mazzocchi, who joined us as our guest speaker and shared valuable insights into Elecnor’s work and its strong and ongoing partnership with Lockhart Shire.
We also extend our gratitude to our judges—Nicola James, Keiran Spencer, and Sally Manning—for their time, expertise, and commitment to celebrating excellence across our Shire. Lockhart Shire Council proudly supports and provides the opportunity for local businesses to celebrate and be recognised for their achievements through the Lockhart Shire Business Excellence Awards every two years.
