Taking care of business: our top 15 stories for 2023

Illawarra businesses, big and small, are making their mark in the region, across Australia and throughout the world. Despite tough economic times, local businesses continue to kick goals. Here we celebrate the top 15 business stories from 2023. Can you guess what’s number one?

15. Sensational seafood and passion for community: Kiama’s Saltwater Cafe wins top business gong
by Katrina Condie

When Gulcin Topel purchased Kiama’s Saltwater Cafe in May 2021 the country was almost immediately plunged into its second COVID-19 lockdown, however, despite the shaky start, the Turkish-born restaurateur has proven she’s got what it takes to run a successful business.

Gulcin’s seafood restaurant has gained a cult following in the town, and was recently voted the Illawarra and South Coast region’s Outstanding Restaurant at the 2023 Local Business Awards.

14. Riding the wave of success: 14-year-old Illawarra business owner celebrates major milestone
by Keeli Royle

While most 14-year-olds are just starting to consider getting their first job, Cooper Palmer is already celebrating a major milestone in the workforce, marking the first anniversary of his business Surfing Is My Coffee.

The phrase was coined by the Illawarra teenager in 2020 while he was at the beach with mates, but he didn’t realise just how popular it would become.

13. Andrew Minett’s charged up to energise the future by fast-tracking battery technology
by Kellie O’Brien

As the world grapples with how to move away from fossil fuels, one Illawarra company is giving batteries a massive boost and companies from around the world are taking notice.

12. New Shell Cove skydiving company moving forward after long ride to launch
by Kellie O’Brien

Shellharbour adventure seekers can now gain thrilling views of their own backyard as new skydiving company BigWave Skydive drops into Bass Point at Shell Cove from September.

Wollongong couple Rob and Megan Crombie started BigWave Skydive after an opportunity was identified to bring skydiving to the Shellharbour area.

However, it’s been a long ride to get there.

11. Illawarra science teacher’s switch to tutoring scores national recognition for her small business
by Keeli Royle

An Illawarra science teacher who decided to make the switch to private tutoring has won a national award for her small business’s success, and her passion and enthusiasm for education are attracting students from right across the region.

Teagan Hines-Waterman had already climbed the career ladder in the public education system, working as a headteacher in Sydney and getting a position at one of the most sought-after schools in the Illawarra. But despite her expertise, Teagan decided she wanted to find a way to step back and gain a better work-life balance.

10. From Hysata’s hat-trick to a first for Business of the Year, the 2023 Illawarra Business Awards night was rich in highlights
by Dione David

The 2023 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards showcased the region’s remarkable growth across a diverse spectrum of industries. Check out the winners and how they are all contributing to a better future for the region.

9. Wollongong yeast bank Mogwai Labs raises a glass to growing out of start-up phase
by Kellie O’Brien

Wollongong yeast bank Mogwai Labs is helping South Coast brewers create truly “local” and unique beers with its library of yeast strains – and it’s only set to get bigger.

Josh was a University of Wollongong (UOW) graduate in biology, before spending 10+ years in medical research focused on neuroscience and cancer cell replication biology.

During that time, he delved into home brewing and then commercial brewing, co-founding Sydney’s Merchant Brewing Co in 2015.

8. World-changing: the story behind Illawarra’s Business of the Year
by Dione David

In 2019 Paul Barrett was a partner at major venture capital firm IP Group Australia when he was introduced to a transformational clean energy technology at the lab benches of the University of Wollongong.

When he looked into it, what he discovered blew him away.

Professor Gerry Swiegers from UOW’s Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) and his team of experienced researchers had broken down a major barrier in the fight against global warming, and it centred around electrification.

7. This Kiama teen is printing the answers to life’s little hassles
by Dione David

Noah Keenan enjoys computer building, competitive Rubiks Cubing and algebra. His latest business utilises 3D printing technology to create solutions to life’s small problems. Also, he’s 15.

6. Wollongong founder of Escabags named 2023 Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards finalist
by Dione David

Four years ago, Stacy Jane fled from a violent partner. Today she’s the founder of Escabags – Escape Bags, and a finalist in the 2023 Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards for her efforts in helping others escape family and domestic violence.

5. Life comes full circle for new Fairy Meadow Newsagency owner
by Kellie O’Brien

Kristy McGrath’s life has come full circle, from walking through the Fairy Meadow Newsagency to get home from school each day as a child to now owning the business.

The 31-year-old took ownership of the newsagency on 2 October from her bosses Nick and Kate DiMaggio, who have serviced the Fairy Meadow community for 16 years.

“I used to walk through here on the way home from school, so we used to walk through the shop,” Kristy said.

4. Veteran journalist Jen White signs on as Region Illawarra’s editor
by Genevieve Jacobs

Journalism is always full of surprises as Region Illawarra’s new editor, Jen White, learned at 18.

“My first job in the media was as a copygirl at Cleo,” she recalls. “It wasn’t long after the Ita Buttrose era and male centrefolds were still a thing.

“As the office junior my job entailed running around the CBD getting the editor’s lunch, picking up fashion for photo shoots and opening the mail.”

3. Mangerton mum’s innovation makes beach play a breeze
by Dione David

Proving necessity is the mother of invention, Natalie Zukowski has come up with the ‘Rugii’ – and it could just end up being this summer’s must-have beachwear!

2. A lolly shop for grown-ups: Kanahooka store stocks nostalgia galore
by Zoe Cartwright

If you walk into Fairyland Confectionary – also known as ‘The Licorice Shop’ in Kanahooka – you’ll be instantly transported to another time.

Row after row of brightly coloured lollies, chocolates and licorices line the shelves.

Some you won’t have seen since the last time you were at the school canteen, however long ago that was.

1. How visionary Jim Eddy turned a cow paddock into the largest water theme park in NSW
by Kellie O’Brien

Jim Eddy started out with a dairy farm in 1980 and turned it into what is now one of the biggest water theme parks in NSW. Here’s the story of how he did it.