Burnetts on Barney owner Elizabeth Burnett (second from left) and the team during the awards. Photo: Kiama Council.
Kiama landscape and garden centre Burnetts on Barney has taken out the double win of Business of the Year and Excellence in Small Business at the inaugural 2025 Kiama Business Awards.
Presented by the Kiama Business Network on Friday (4 July) to recognise and celebrate excellence in business throughout the municipality, the seven category winners will now progress as finalists to the prestigious Illawarra Business Awards on 19 September.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the nominees and winners of the Kiama Business Awards reflected the talent, innovation and dedication across all corners of Kiama’s business community.
He said the majority of Kiama’s enterprises were small businesses – family-run, owner-operated and community-connected.
However, he said its economy supported thousands of jobs, from tourism and retail to health, construction, professional services and agriculture.
“We are NSW’s Top Tourist Town and these awards show we have so much more to offer,” Cr McDonald said.
“Our annual economic output is remarkable for a regional area and reflects the drive and dedication of our small and medium businesses.
“I’m proud to lead a team of councillors and staff committed to supporting our business community through strategic planning and programs, destination promotion, and infrastructure improvements.
“Good things happen when governments, businesses and communities work together. This is especially true of the Kiama LGA.”
For Burnetts on Barney, the double win was recognition for what it had built, having begun as Burnett Tress in 2001, before expanding into Burnetts on Barney in 2012 and now also operating homestyle cafe The Quarry Cafe at Burnetts on site since 2022.
Kiama bakery Slow Dough took out Outstanding New Business, having opened its doors 18 months ago with a focus on slow, naturally fermented sourdough products in a space that encourages customers to also slow down.
On Facebook, they gave thanks for their hard work – and early mornings – being acknowledged.
“We are still learning every day, but it is just so exciting the way this incredible community has embraced what we do and come along for the ride,” it read.
“We would not be where we are today without our incredible team … and your support in cheering us on along the way.”
Excellence in Sustainability was won by Ozeano Eyewear, a 100 per cent biodegradable plant-based handmade sunglasses and prescription sunglasses business that operates online and through The Collective Beat in Kiama.
On Facebook, owner Caroline Hartline wrote she was “truly stoked to have been recognised locally for sustainability”.
“It’s at the heart of what we do,” she wrote.
“We have exciting plastic-free initiatives in the works for our local community and products for our online community, both national and international.”
Outstanding Business Leader went to coworking space Worklife owner Kate Dezarnaulds from Berry, who has created a community where she champions work life balance.
Other winners included door hardware business This Old House Studio for Excellence in Micro Business and Kiama Leagues Club’s Sarah Rebbeck for Outstanding Employee.
The awards were sponsored by Kiama Council.
Winners will now go through to the Illawarra Business Awards on 19 September at the WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong.
