What’s happening?
Former Toowoomba resident Alex Scully has again been recognised at the annual Tweed Business Awards.
Now based in the Tweed Coast hinterland, Scully leads businesses across Summergrove Estate and The Hinterland Collection.
The group offers weddings, accommodation, dining, farm stays, agriculture, retail, river experiences and local tourism.
His leadership award formed part of a successful evening for the group’s businesses, employees and founders.
Why it matters?
The award recognises Scully’s leadership across a wide range of regional tourism, hospitality, retail and agricultural businesses.
It also reflects the work of employees who support each venue and help deliver experiences across the Tweed region.
“I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be recognised as the Tweed Business Awards Outstanding Business Leader for organisations with 21 or more employees for the second consecutive year,” Scully said. “While this award is a personal honour, I’m even more pleased that Summergrove Estate and The Hinterland Collection took home nine accolades on the night.
“That achievement is a true reflection of the passion, commitment and teamwork across all of our venues. I’m fortunate to have such an outstanding team behind me, and this recognition belongs to every person who contributes to our shared success.”
Local Impact
Scully’s recognition maintains a strong connection with Toowoomba, where he previously lived before moving to the Tweed Coast hinterland.
His current work brings together regional businesses across tourism, hospitality, agriculture, accommodation, dining and retail.
The results also recognise employees, trainees and business leaders who contribute to visitor experiences throughout the Tweed region.
By the Numbers
- Two consecutive years: Scully has won the Outstanding Business Leader award in both 2025 and 2026.
- At least 21 employees: His category covers leaders from organisations employing 21 or more people.
- Nine honours: The group recorded eight business and employee results, alongside the Champion of the Tweed recognition.
Zoom In
The Hinterland Collection said it was incredibly honoured to share the results and celebrate its people and their hard work.
The group said each business was shaped by a strong connection to the region and its local community.
Its operations range from weddings and farm stays to river experiences, agriculture, dining and tourism.
Summergrove Estate
- Excellence in Medium Business: Highly Commended
- Outstanding Business Leader: Alex Scully, Winner
- Outstanding Employee: Bonnie Cater, Commended
- Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year: Elody Armbruster, Winner
Summergrove Estate is the group’s flagship wedding venue in the Tweed Coast hinterland.
Its results recognised the venue’s business performance, leadership, employees and staff development.
Bellingdale Farm
- Excellence in Agriculture and Primary Industries: Highly Commended
The recognition acknowledged Bellingdale Farm’s connection to the land and contribution to the region’s agricultural sector.
Tweed Eco Cruises
- Excellence in International Business: Winner
- Outstanding Visitor Experience: Highly Commended
- Outstanding Employee: Eric Dickings, Commended
The results recognised the company’s international business activities, visitor experiences and employee performance.
Champion of the Tweed
- John Spedding: Winner
Spedding received the Champion of the Tweed honour for his vision, leadership and longstanding regional contribution.
The recognition also highlighted the work of co-founder John Spedding and Donna Spedding across the family-owned group.
John and Donna have continued growing experiences that reflect the Tweed’s hinterland, river, farms, food, people and stories.
Award finalists
Several other businesses within the group were also named finalists:
- Potager – A Kitchen Garden
- Equinity – Horse and Rider Emporium
- Cascade Springs
- The Hinterland Collection
Zoom Out
The annual Tweed Business Awards recognise businesses, leaders and individuals contributing to the Tweed Shire business community.
The awards cover tourism, hospitality, agriculture, employee achievement, international business and business leadership.
What To Look For Next?
These results reflect the care, consistency, creativity and commitment shown by the teams across each business every day.
The recognition gives The Hinterland Collection and Tweed Eco Cruises a strong foundation to continue creating experiences connected to the Tweed’s farms, food, river and hinterland.
The group also congratulated every finalist, winner and highly commended business across the Tweed, saying it was proud to be part of such a passionate and generous local business community.
