State’s top exporters chase gold in Export Awards

• 46 Queensland businesses named finalists in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2024
• Winners of 13 categories will go on to represent Queensland at the national awards in Canberra
• There are two Queensland only categories - First Nations and Women in International Business

Premier Steven Miles and Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick have announced the finalists for the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2024.

The 46 Queensland businesses, stretching from Cairns to the Gold Coast, represent the best of the best across a range of fields including advanced manufacturing, e-commerce and international health.

Now in their 34^th year, the Export Awards recognise Queensland businesses for their innovation, resilience, and determination, as they strive to grow and expand their global footprint.

Last year, Queensland was the first state in Australia to introduce a First Nations category and continues to recognise Women in International Business in a dedicated category.

Finalists this year range from a fifth-generation developer of advanced cropping procedures from the Western Downs, to a leader in the marine contracting and commercial diving industry from Townsville.

There is also an artist-owned-and-run visual effects leader from Fortitude Valley working with Netflix and other global production houses and the creator of Australia’s first stroller wagon with built-in cooler from the Gold Coast.  

The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2024 winners will be announced at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 4 September.

Winners in each national category will represent Queensland at the Australian Export Awards in Canberra in November.

Quotes attributed to Premier Steven Miles:

“Queensland has a global reputation for being the home of the best and brightest minds and businesses and it’s so important we celebrate them.

“These annual awards recognise the strength, range and diversity of Queensland exporters and the impact they have on our state’s economy.

“From our food and agriculture, mining and resources, advanced technology, creative industries, advanced manufacturing to education and training, the sunshine state is shining bright around the world.

“Congratulations and good luck to all these great homegrown finalists.”

Quotes attributed to Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Queensland, Cameron Dick:

“Queensland’s export industry is thriving and it’s because of our state’s incredible, ingenious and indefatigable exporters.

“Their dedication and success are reflected in the worldwide popularity and growing demand for Queensland products and services.

“Queensland businesses have always overachieved on the world stage, for example QANTAS, BP’s origins at Mount Morgan or Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, and the Export Awards 2024 finalists are no different.

“I congratulate all finalists and applaud them on behalf of the entire state as they inspire Queensland businesses to succeed.”

Quotes attributed to CEO for Trade and Investment Queensland, Justin McGowan:

“Queensland’s exporters are unique in this country, and Trade and Investment Queensland takes great pride in supporting their export journeys.

“Through TIQ’s vast regional and international network, in 16 countries and 21 locations around the world, connecting Queensland businesses with the right export opportunities is a role our team is dedicated to.

“TIQ takes great delight when we’re described as a company’s best asset or that they consider us as part of their team as they progress to international success.   

“We are grateful to play a role in their incredible accomplishments - true examples of Queensland’s ability to impact entire industries right around the world.

“In 2023-24, TIQ had the best year in its ten-year history, facilitating export deals for Queensland companies valued at more than $907 million.

“TIQ recently launched Your Passport to Export Success, a campaign targeting Queensland businesses encouraging more to connect with us. It’s important that the message reaches all businesses in the state, no matter what their size to enable us to support them on their own global journey.

“All Queensland businesses can see themselves reflected in this year’s Export Awards finalists who serve as true inspirations to other emerging exporters of what can be achieved.

“The future of our state’s export industry is in very good hands. TIQ will continue to support Queensland businesses to realise their full export potential and become leaders in their fields internationally.”

The full list of finalists, chosen from nominee companies, is below:

Advanced Technologies

• Dataweavers
• Global Secure Layer
• NOJA Power
• RYAN AEROSPACE
• Tactiv Pty Ltd

Agribusiness, Food and Beverages 

• Australian Country Choice
• Frosty Boy Global
• KING RIVER
• S. Kidman & Co Pty Ltd
• The Lime Caviar Company

Creative Industries 

• Alt.vfx
• bureau^proberts
• Mainie Australia

e-Commerce 

• Burleigh Wagon
• Lock Jaw Ladder Grip
• Sprout Organic
• The Equine Practice Company

Emerging Exporter 

• Burleigh Wagon
• KAILO
• KING RIVER
• Myriad Technologies Pty Ltd
• SensaWeb

International Education and Training

• Cairns College of English & Business
• John Paul College
• Shafston College
• The Equine Practice Company
• UQ International Development

International Health

• Audeara Limited
• Gelomics
• Medical Rescue
• Qlicksmart
• Seipel Group

Manufacturing and Advanced Materials

• Audeara Limited
• Centor
• Frosty Boy Global
• GEARS Mining
• RYAN AEROSPACE

Professional Services

• JB Pacific Scientists and Engineers
• Kramer Ausenco
• Medical Rescue
• Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd

Regional Exporter

• Advanced Aquarium Technologies
• Coggan Farms
• GEARS Mining
• KING RIVER
• PWR Advanced Cooling Technology

Resources and Energy

• GEARS Mining
• Mine Energy Solutions
• NLT Digital Solutions
• NOJA Power
• Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland

Small Business 

• Lock Jaw Ladder Grip
• Marine Air Flow International
• Qlicksmart
• RYAN AEROSPACE
• The Lime Caviar Company

Sustainability and Green Economy 

• Centor
• netBI
• NOJA Power
• Seipel Group

First Nations 

• Kakadu Organics
• Mainie Australia
• Sobah Beverages

Women in International Business

• Dr Kym Baker, General Manager, Patheon Biologics Australia
• Gail Bray, General Manager, Lock Jaw Ladder Grip
• Olivia James, Director, The Equine Practice Company
• Kamila Kingston, Director, White Lotus Beauty
• Nadia Schilling, Director and CMO, Sprout Organic
• Tracey Seipel, Chief Executive Officer, Seipel Group Pty Ltd

Further information:

• 46 businesses will compete in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2024.
• The awards will be presented at the Brisbane Exhibition & Convention Centre on Wednesday 4 September.
• Queensland is the first state in the national awards to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and led businesses in a dedicated First Nations category.
• Queensland’s exports are estimated in 2023-24 to be valued at $134 billion to the Queensland economy and supports one in five jobs in the state.
• Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is the state government’s dedicated global business agency with 21 international offices in 16 locations globally plus a regional network of eight offices and Brisbane headquarters.
• TIQ has supported 437 export deals valued at $907.6 million globally in 2023-24.
• Further details on the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2024 can be found at www.exportawards.qld.gov.au.
• For more information visit Trade and Investment Queensland.

ENDS.