Taking the top gong for Business of the Year was MBC Recruitment, which excels in temporary and permanent recruitment, labour hire, traffic management, nursing agency staffing, healthcare services and is a registered NDIS provider. Manager Sunette Deline was thrilled to accept the award for the company, which won several others, and paid tribute to the staff.

"I want to say thank you so much to this awesome team. They work themselves stupid until nine o'clock most nights. We have 600 employees. Thank you," she said.

Charles Sturt University was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The director of external engagement, Kate Wood-Foye said that as a new girl, she couldn't claim any of the fabulous success the team have achieved.

"Charles Sturt is very much part of our community. I'm very proud of this amazing team, in learning, sustainability and the environment. It's such an exciting year for us. We are heading into stage two of the campus build and we are announcing new courses for the coming year. I represent a wonderful team, and we wouldn't be here without our amazing community," said Ms Wood-Foye.

The inaugural Wayne Jackson Outstanding Community Service Award went to the local organising committee chairman for Ironman Australia Port Macquarie, Mike Reid. He said it was an emotional award for him.

"If this award is about Ironman, I have got the biggest team in Port Macquarie: 2,500 volunteers and 20 directors who make it what it is.

"To me, Wayne was a very special man. He wasn't only an Ironman. He was a community man, a family man, and a really special man to us. It was always family first. Thank you for this. It's the most special thing I have ever got in my life," said Mr Reid.

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce president Michael Mowle said the celebration of local business grows stronger every year.

"The Chamber embraces the opportunity to showcase local business and recognise the contributions each business makes to our growing economy," Mr Mowle said.

Regional manager for the Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Kellon Beard said winners of the excellence awards will now proceed to the regional business awards finals and pit them against the best of the Macleay and Coffs Coast.

Mr Beard praised the quality of entries in this year's awards.

"It has provided our judges with a satisfying challenge. We are lucky to work in such an engaging and supportive business community," he said.