“Owning or operating a business isn't without significant challenges and the Port Stephens Examiner's Annual Business Awards night is about recognising the efforts of all those involved - those who contribute not just to the area's economy, but to our community in so many ways,” Examiner editor Anna Wolf said.

More than 9000 votes flooded into the Examiner between August 16 and September 21, and more than 400 people attended the awards on October 31.

Apart from celebrating the Port’s business community, the awards night was also a chance for busy business owners and staff to catch up with one another, relax, eat some delicious food and have some fun.