World beaters: Premier reveals Queensland finalists for export awards

More than 30 companies will vie for the 13 categories in the Queensland export awards, with several well-known firms making the finals across more than one category.

Jul 20, 2022, updated Jul 20, 2022

Vald's Chris Rowe (chief commercial officer), Laurie Malone (chief Executive and co-founder) and Sam James (chief strategy officer and co-founder).

The winners, to be announced in October, will also head into the Australian export awards in November.

Sunshine Coast company Helitak, sports performance monitoring company VALD and Next Level Racing, featured more than once as finalists, as did eco-friendly soap retailer Tirtyl.

VALD has broken into international markets and now supplies its technology, which monitors human performance, to some of the biggest names in world sport.

Diagnostic company Ellume, which cracked the US market with a over-the-counter Covid test kit, was in the running with VALD, Imaging Solutions, Healthcare Logic and BSD Robotics for the International Health Award.

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks was a finalist in the Regional Export Award along with the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Award. Helitak is also a finalist in the regional award.

In announcing the finalists, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was impressed by the quality.

“No matter where they are located or what product, the innovation, dedication and tenacity of these Queensland success stories are on show, contributing to good jobs and our great Queensland lifestyle,” the Premier said.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said Queensland was an export economy and the value of those exports had doubled in the year to May and now stood at $115 billion.

“These businesses are a part of that and their drive and ambition showcase how Queensland succeeds in business around the world every day,” he said.

Last year’s national winner of the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Award was boatbuilder Riviera Australia and owner Rodney Longhurst said the awards were a recognition that he was very proud of.

He said the awards were an important part of the Government’s recognition of the business and helped it grow internationally.

The finalists were

Advanced Technologies Award