There’s a buzz in the air—and it’s more than just the morning espresso. From award celebrations to local networking gems, Port Macquarie’s business scene is alive with innovation, resilience, and connection. As we roll into a big month for the local business community, here’s a glimpse at what’s been happening—and what’s ahead.
Record-Breaking Momentum at the Business Awards
The excitement surrounding the Coastline Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards continues to build, with a record-breaking 312 entries submitted this year—an incredible 23% increase on last year! It’s a clear sign that our business community is not just growing but thriving, with passionate operators eager to showcase their achievements and contributions to the Hastings region.
To celebrate, we hosted a vibrant VIP Event at XGolf on April 9 for award entrants. Guests enjoyed a unique and interactive golf experience that struck the perfect balance between networking, fun, and forging new connections. A big thank you to our event sponsors, JC Entertainment & Events, and our gracious hosts Christie and Pete Cristoforo from XGolf Port Macquarie—you and your team created a memorable evening that captured the spirit of collaboration and celebration.
With voting, judging, and mystery shopping now complete, we’re heading into the final—and most exciting—phase of the awards process. Be sure to mark your calendars for April 28, when we’ll officially announce the finalists and open ticket sales for our gala night! It’s always a spectacular evening of glitz, gratitude, and good times. If you’d like to sit with friends or colleagues, we recommend booking tickets together, as we can’t guarantee specific seating arrangements otherwise. Don’t forget to check out our full-page advert in this month’s Focus for all the details—we’ve got an elegant, high-energy evening planned, and you won’t want to miss it.
Coffee Connections Hits the Road
In the spirit of taking connection to new places—literally—our beloved Coffee Connections networking series is now officially on tour! These casual meetups bring together local professionals in relaxed, welcoming environments designed to spark conversation and community.
April’s Coffee Connections was a standout, hosted by the ever-creative Jacob from Lunico Candle Co. Reflecting on the experience, Jacob shared:
"I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on our coffee catch-up this morning—it was an absolute pleasure to be the first destination for the travelling coffee catch-ups! The experience felt so comfortable and organic, making it an easy and enjoyable way to network. Being in a familiar space with plenty of natural conversation starters made all the difference. It was great to see some familiar faces, but even more exciting to welcome new ones who hadn’t visited the shop before. Seeing people connect over coffee and conversation was such a highlight!"
Thank you, Jacob, for welcoming us into your space and sharing your signature scents. We loved hearing about your idea to personalise fragrances for local businesses—what a truly unique way to leave a lasting impression.
Looking ahead, our next Coffee Connections event will be hosted by Hello Koala on Wednesday, May 7. Be sure to place your coffee order ahead of time via the website, and come along to connect, collaborate, and be inspired.
Because in Port Macquarie, success isn’t just about business—it’s about community, creativity, and the people who make this region shine.
Quote for the month -“Success is not just about making money. It's about making a difference.” — Unknown
Until next month, keep smiling and supporting local business
Alex