Forbes-based Topsoil Organics has been named Western NSW’s 2025 Business of the Year at a Gala event in Dubbo.
This family-owned business launched the Central West Nutrient Return Centre to divert organic waste from landfill and turn it into premium compost for broadacre farming.
Dan and Lana Nicholson remain driven by a commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, and as revealed in last week's Forbes Advocate, their plans continue to grow.
Their future regenerative energy hub will feature an anaerobic digester to generate renewable electricity, EV fast-charging stations for all vehicle types, and a café and meeting space.
At Friday night's awards, Topsoil Organics also won category awards for Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Large Business.
Dan and Lana said the awards were an honour.
"We're incredibly proud of our team, their dedication, innovation and hard work are what drive everything we do," they said.
"This recognition is a testament to our commitment to building a more sustainable future."
The independent judges praised Topsoil Organics for their business excellence which is grounded in environmental innovation, local economic development, and operational resilience.
“Topsoil Organic’s win showcases the incredible innovation, determination and ingenuity that we know is very much alive amongst our Western NSW business community," said Vicki Seccombe, Regional Director – Western NSW, Business NSW.
"By transforming waste into energy and regenerative solutions, they are creating lasting environmental, agricultural, and community benefits for a cleaner future.”
Ms Seccombe said the awards recognised an incredible group of winners from across Western NSW and across a whole range of industries.
Henley's Rustics, another local family-owned business that repurposes scrap corrugated iron into garden beds, and Allwright Burke Solicitors and Conveyancers, were also shortlisted for awards at a regional level.
“The Western NSW Business Awards are all about celebrating and showcasing the diverse array of talent in Western NSW’s business community and this year’s winners should feel incredibly proud to be named as the region’s leading businesses and leaders for 2025," Ms Seccombe said.
"Each business leader and business has showcased innovation and sustainability, with a focus on their teams and their local communities.
“We continue to see some difficult trading conditions for businesses, so these awards are a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on our amazing group of finalists from right across the region."
The 2025 Western NSW Business Awards were proudly supported by 123 Tix and category sponsors, AusIndustry, Colton Computer Technologies, Dubbo RSL Club, Dubbo Regional Council, Joblink Plus, Regional Development Australia Central West, Regional Development Australia Orana, Southern Cross Austereo and Telstra.
Winners of the 2025 Western NSW Business Awards, will now represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held in October.
“Last year, a Western NSW Business, Marathon Health, was successful at the State Business Awards, winning Outstanding Community Organisation," Ms Seccombe said.
“Based on the calibre of this year’s finalists, I expect that our regional winners will again do very well at the State Business Awards.”