THE Joblink Plus Quality Business Awards were held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre last Friday night.

Local business owners and their employees arrived at the black tie event in style and were treated to pre-event entertainment.

Event organiser and Centreboard Media director Kevin Anderson emceed the evening and entertain­ment was provided by local band Spongebob Fat Pants.

Businessman and long time Tamworth Regional Councillor Warren Woodley received the Noel Park Award on the night for his serv­ice to the Tamworth Business Industry and community.

A special speech was prepared in Cr Woodley's honour and included excerpts from the poem "Warren Walter Henry Woodley" written by Peter Fenton in 2007.

Barraba's The Playhouse Hotel were the recipients of this year's regional business award.

Other award winners were:

Winner: Best Western Sanctuary Inn Cafes/Coffee Shops Winner: Filling Groovy Employment, Education & Training Winner: TAPE Trades, Primary Industry & Heavy Vehicles Section

Fast Food & Takeaway Winner: McDonalds East

Hairdressing & Beauty Winner: Illegal Lengths in Hair

Health & Allied Services Winner:Tamworth Podiatry Centre

Manufacturing & Construction Winner: Michell Truck Bodies

Motor Transport, Sales & Service Winner: Tamworth Valley Motors

Regional Award Winner:The Playhouse Hotel, Barraba

Professional Services Winner: 2 Creative Media

Pubs and Clubs Winner: The Tamworth Jockey Club

Restaurants Winner: Le Pruneau

Retail 1-5 employees Winner: Just Irresistible; Mathers

Retail 6+ employees Winner: Cahill's Soul Pattinson Peel Street

Service & Trade Winner: Goodyear Autocare Tamworth

Tourism & Travel Winner: Escape Travel

Rural industry WinnenPeel Valley Milk

Best New Business Winner: Paradise Fresh

Financial Services Winner: St George Bank

Defence Reserve Support Winner: Linen Service - Hunter New England Health

Employer of Choice WinnerChallenge Disability Services

People's Choice Winner: Sea J's Takeaway