FINALISTS

Voting for finalists is now open! You can vote for one person from each category, however you do not have to vote in all categories. Voting can only be completed once. Vote for your favourite finalists here.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Apprentice of the Year* 

  • Thomas Wesley (Keen)  
  • Mitchell Doohan (J&J Mechanical Tas) 
  • Angus Probert (DB Electrical)  
  • Alex Terry (Scottsdale Suzuki) 

Outstanding Customer Service~ 

  • Borys Szydiowski (Bridport Pharmacy) 
  • Chantelle Harper (House Paddock) 
  • Zoe Lewis (Little Rivers) 
  • Sereya Millwood-Mackenzie (Bridport Bay Inn) 
  • Michelle Davis (Bridport IGA) 
  • Tayla Hughes (Galloways) 

Young Professional of the Year

  • Jordan Harper (Scottsdale Primary School) 
  • Ella Stingel (Scottsdale High School) 
  • Will Hadley (Award-winning cattle handler) 

Outstanding Employee*

  • Dr Fearon Kelly (Ochre)  
  • Skye Butler (Bridport Cafe)  
  • Josh Whelan (Little Rivers)  
  • Jane Kilburn (Dorset Council) 
  • Mark Hayes (Dorset Community House)  
  • Joel Dean (Eastside Motors) 

INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRY AWARDS

Support/Disability Worker of the Year

  • Karen Whelan (Dorset Community Care)  
  • Stuart Burr (Skillset Connection)  
  • Melissa Burr (Skillset Connection)  
  • Danish Siddiqui (Pathfinder Care) 

Aged Care Worker of the Year

  • Phoebe Singline (May Shaw)  
  • Belinda Blackberry (May Shaw)  
  • Jennifer Reid (May Shaw)  
  • Liz Chatwin (Dorset Community Care)  
  • Shelley Mountney (Dorset Community Care)  

Tradesperson of the Year

  • Josh Timperon (CPT)  
  • Joel Champ (Powered Up Electrical)  
  • Mat Irwin (Irwinized Fabrications)  
  • William Brown (DB Electrical Tasmania)  
  • Brett Williams (BW & JG Williams Builder)  

Educator of the Year

  • Holly Brooker (Explore Learning)  
  • Brittany Walker (Scottsdale High School)  
  • Melanie Lette (Scottsdale Primary School)  
  • Erika Wilson  (Bridport Primary School)
  • Andrew ‘Butch’ Krushka  (Scottsdale High School)
  • Ella Stewart  (Bridport Primary School)

Local Tourism Leader*

  • Natalie Wise  
  • Taylor Clyne-Smith  

Agriculture Champion

  • Kylie Rattray  (Scottsdale High School agricultural program coordinator)
  • Jeffrey Rice  (Farm manager, Dublin, Waterhouse)

INDUSTRY AWARDS

Excellence in Hairdressing, Beauty and Wellbeing 

  • Teazed  
  • Looking Great Beauty  
  • Dorset Flex  
  • Sherriff Health and Fitness (Kylie Moore – swimming instructor)  
  • Studio 56

Excellence in Hospitality

  • Bridport Bay Inn 
  • The House Paddock
  • Cottage Bakery  
  • Bridport Cafe  

Excellence in Childcare

  • Thrive Group Scottsdale ELS 
  • Explore Learning  

Excellence in Retail

  • Bridport Pharmacy  
  • Scottsdale Shoe Shop  
  • Galloways Pharmacy  

Excellence in Tourism

  • Dirt Trax  
  • The Loft  
  • Bridestowe Lavender Estate
  • Barnbougle 
  • Blue Derby  

OVERALL AWARDS

Exceptional Workplace *

  • Pathfinder Care  
  • May Shaw 
  • Bridport Pharmacy  

Most Innovative Business

  • NB Media  
  • Nomad Cycles  
  • Stronach Industries  

Longstanding Business ~

  • Cottage Bakery 
  • Triple H 
  • Suncoast Woodheaters 
  • Stronach Industries 

* Judged by an external panel.
~ Winner decided by the North East Tasmania Chamber of Commerce.

About the Awards:

Nominations are now closed for the inaugural Dorset People and Business Awards. Voting is currently open in the People’s Choice categories.

The Dorset People and Business Awards are dedicated to celebrating the individuals, businesses, and organisations that make our region a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work.

We recognise excellence across various industries, shining a spotlight on the talent, innovation, and commitment that drives Dorset forward.

Backed by local industry leaders and community partners, our awards not only acknowledge achievement but also foster connection and inspire growth.

Take a few minutes to acknowledge the friends, colleagues, employees and favourite businesses who always go above and beyond.

NOMINATION AND VOTING PROCESS:

  • Check out the Award Categories here
  • Nominations closed on Friday February 27, 2026 at 5pm.
  • Finalists will be announced on March 4, 2026.
  • Vote for your favourite individuals and businesses in the People’s Choice Categories here before March 11.

Winners will be announced at the Dorset People and Business Awards gala at the Scottsdale Mechanics Hall on Friday March 27. Tickets can be purchased here.

This initiative is proudly presented by Dorset Employment Connect, with principal partner North East Tasmania Chamber of Commerce, and major sponsors Bridestowe Lavender Estate and Woolnorth Renewables.

Any queries can be directed to admin@dorsetec.org.au

This initiative is proudly presented by:

This page was last updated on 5 March 2026.