Regional SA businesses shine at state’s top business awards
Businesses from across the state were recognised at the 2026 South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards for their innovation, growth and contribution to their industries.
From the Riverland and Barossa Valley to the Limestone Coast and Eyre Peninsula, this year’s regional winners demonstrate the breadth of business capability beyond metropolitan Adelaide – and the opportunities for regional operators to build successful enterprises while supporting the communities in which they are based.
The awards, presented by the South Australian Business Chamber in collaboration with the State Government, recognise excellence across 25 categories. Among the night’s biggest achievements was Bowhill Engineering, which took home both the Medium Business of the Year award and the prestigious South Australian Business of the Year title.
Based in the small Murraylands town of Bowhill, the engineering and steel fabrication business has established a reputation for delivering complex solutions for major infrastructure, resources and defence projects.
Its success is underpinned by continued investment in advanced manufacturing technology, including robotics, CNC machining and Microsoft HoloLens, alongside a commitment to developing its workforce and creating meaningful career opportunities in regional Australia.
The business’s recognition at the awards is a powerful example of how regional manufacturers can compete at the highest level while maintaining strong connections to their local communities.
“To take out the award for SA Business of the Year is just amazing,” said Jodie Hawkes, CEO and co-owner.
In the Barossa Valley, Barossa Palms was named Emerging Business of the Year, demonstrating how a willingness to rethink a traditional business model can open up new opportunities.
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The accommodation business has transformed a roadside motel into a distinctive wellness-focused destination, building its offering around authentic hospitality and experiences designed to attract a new generation of visitors.
Through investment in its facilities, services and community partnerships, Barossa Palms is helping strengthen the region’s tourism offering while challenging expectations of what regional accommodation can be.
Further east, Berri Riverside Holiday Park was named Regional Business of the Year for its contribution to tourism and the wider Riverland community. Ongoing investment has seen the development of luxury apartments, accessible stays, group accommodation, mini golf and enhanced river-based amenities.
Its commitment to sustainability, including significant investment in solar infrastructure, is helping attract visitors, support local employment and create economic opportunities for the region.
Berri Riverside Holiday Park manager Cindi Taylor said winning the award was “surreal”.
“I’m so proud to be able to take this award back to my community,” she said. “It’s so exciting.”
Regional South Australia’s contribution to international trade was also recognised, with three businesses receiving export awards.
On the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln-based Dinko Tuna Farmers received the Regional Exporter Award, recognising its contribution to Australia’s Southern Bluefin Tuna industry.
The family-owned business produces premium sashimi-grade tuna for global markets, combining decades of industry experience with innovation, quality and sustainable fishing practices.
Lukina Lukin, managing director and owner of Dinko Tuna Farmers, known locally as Port Lincoln’s first female “tuna boss”, insisted her company is firmly rooted in South Australia.
“I won’t do any business anywhere else – it has to be in South Australia,” she said. “The South Australian Business Chamber puts everyone together. You can learn from each other, you can get training. There’s a lot of help.”
Balco Australia, based in the Limestone Coast, took home the Agribusiness, Food and Beverages Export Award for its work supplying premium Australian forage to international markets.
Working closely with local growers, the business combines technical expertise, quality assurance and sustainable practices to deliver reliable products to overseas customers.
Meanwhile, Bordertown’s Blue Lake Milling was recognised with the Sustainability and Green Economy Export Award.
The oat milling business works closely with Australian growers through a transparent and traceable supply chain, producing premium oat ingredients and consumer products for customers in more than 20 countries.
A standout feature of its operation is a world-first biogas plant, which converts oat-processing by-products into renewable energy.
Together, the winners tell a compelling story about the diversity and strength of regional South Australian enterprise. Their achievements also highlight the wider benefits of regional business success – from employment and skills development to stronger supply chains, tourism and economic opportunities for local communities.
For regional businesses looking to take their next step, the South Australian Business Chamber’s Growth Accelerator Program offers practical, tailored support to build capability, explore new markets and achieve sustainable growth.
The nine-month program combines expert-led workshops with up to 24 hours of personalised, in-business mentoring from facilitators experienced in successfully scaling businesses. Valued at more than $8000, the heavily subsidised program costs participants just $1200 plus GST, providing an accessible pathway for businesses looking to expand nationally or internationally and increase exports.
View all the 2026 South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards winners here.
Explore SA Business Chamber’s exclusive regional membership here, at just $150 per year.
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