Snowy Valleys Celebrates Outstanding Local Businesses
The Snowy Valleys business community came together in celebration on Friday 25 July for the 2025 Snowy Hydro Business Snowy Valleys Awards, hosted at the newly opened Apple Thief Cider House in Batlow.
Held every two years, the prestigious event recognised excellence, innovation and leadership across 15 diverse award categories — highlighting the vibrancy, resilience and talent of businesses from across the region. From micro-businesses to major employers and community organisations, the awards spotlighted the breadth of enterprise and achievement shaping the economic and social fabric of the Snowy Valleys.
Michael Hannah, Chair of Business Snowy Valleys, said the event was a powerful reminder of the region’s entrepreneurial strength.
“These awards shine a light on the incredible talent, determination and creativity of our local business community. We were genuinely overwhelmed by the quality of entries this year — a true reflection of the excellence that thrives right across the Snowy Valleys.”
The prestigious Snowy Hydro Business of the Year award was awarded to Roddy Engineering Pty Ltd, who also took home the Excellence in Large Business award alongside The Bush Chemist in a rare and well-deserved tie.
MORE IMAGES COMING SOON! All images by Van Der Photography.
All the winners:
The AKD Employer of Choice - 20 Employees and Under Award - The Local Pizzeria Tumut
The Transgrid - Humelink Easy & Humelink West Employer of Choice - 21 Employees and Over Award - The Bush Chemist Tumut
The Transgrid - Humelink Easy & Humelink West Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award - Oriental Hotel Tumut
The Valmar Support Services LTD Excellence in Innovation Award - Snowy Valleys Fly Fishing
The Business Snowy Valleys Excellence in Sustainability Award - Visy Pulp & Paper Tumut
The Visy Excellence in Large Business Award - Roddy Engineering + The Bush Chemist Tumut
The MiQ Private Wealth Excellence in Small Business Award - Tom's Outdoors
The PRD Tumut Excellence in Micro Business Award - The Cotton Merchants
The Truenorth Helicopters Outstanding Business Leader Award- 20 Employees and Under - Matt Lucas The Coffee Pedaler Tumut
The Whittens Outstanding Business Leader Award - 21 Employees and Over - Dwayne Murray A Murray & Sons
The Whittens Outstanding Young Business Leader Award - John Holz Oriental Hotel Tumut
The Bendigo Bank Outstanding New Business Award - The Studio Tumut
The Wongadrah Beef - Takajo Pastoral Co. Outstanding Community Organisation Award- Adelong Country Creations Inc
The Reflections Holidays Outstanding Visitor Experience Award - Tumut River Brewing Co
The Roddy Engineering Outstanding Employee Award - Jean Sutton - Russell Street Pharmacy Tumut's Compounding Chemist
Snowy Hydro 2025 Business of the Year - RODDY ENGINEERING
The Awards crowd of around 150 were treated to a three-course menu from the team at Apple Thief Cider House, showcasing the incredible produce of the Snowy Valleys region. From paddock to plate, the dinner celebrated the flavours of the local area, with each course thoughtfully prepared to highlight the quality and diversity of ingredients grown and produced close to home.
Complementing the meal was a handpicked selection of locally crafted beer, wine, cider, and spirits—giving guests a true taste of the region’s thriving beverage scene. From crisp ciders to smooth small-batch spirits, the drinks menu reflected the innovation and craftsmanship of local makers. Transport to and from the event was provided by Goodes Coaches, ensuring guests could enjoy the evening responsibly.
MC Emma Peacock brought her trademark warmth and humour to the night, keeping the energy high throughout the presentations. The presentation of the Roddy Engineering Outstanding Employee Award to Jean Sutton from Russell Street Pharmacy was particularly moving, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Emma personally relayed the judges’ insightful comments on Jean’s incredible career and passionate support for her community, as well as her own personal connection to Jean, who just happened to have been Emma’s first boss.
Many local businesses also stepped up to assist in the delivery of the event, with everything from event management by Kate Howarth Digital to live music from Marty Pannell of Marty’s Music School and Leah Nowlan from Tumbarumba.
Coach House Flowers of Tumut brought creativity and style to the event with stunning apple-themed floral arrangements. Van Der Photography was on hand to capture the winning moments. Kate Howarth Digital handled all event management.
Business Snowy Valleys would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many businesses across the region that supported the 2025 Awards. Their involvement through nominations, sponsorship, participation and encouragement, is what makes this celebration of local business excellence possible.
Award-winning businesses are now eligible to progress to the Riverina Murray Business Awards, with the potential to compete at state level through Business NSW.
President of Business Snowy Valleys, Michael Hannah said, “It’s been a busy and rewarding year for Business Snowy Valleys. We’ve extended our reach into the local heavy industry sector while continuing to deliver valuable training, support and networking opportunities for businesses of all sizes right across the region. Supporting growth, connection and resilience in our business community remains at the heart of everything we do.
“We invite local businesses to get involved - whether you're a sole trader or a big business - we have some exciting times ahead and the more businesses who jump on board, the more strength it gives to our local economy. It also gives us greater strength as an organisation and weight to our voice as a group when it comes to advocacy for Snowy Valleys’ businesses.”
A volunteer-run group, Business Snowy Valleys also offers its members a number of benefits, by way of its connection with Business NSW and through its extensive network.