Eumundi Voice Issue 115, 17 April 2025

BUSINESS NEWS

Local Eumundi success

Laguna Pest Control – operated by long–time Eumundi locals Jay and Nicky Turner – has taken out top honours on the national stage, winning the Pest Control category at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

The family–run business based in Noosaville is no stranger to recognition, but this latest award is its biggest yet. With over 5,500 entries from across the country, the competition was fierce with 1,423 national finalists.

Now in its 27th year, the Australian Small Business Champion Awards shine a spotlight on businesses that go above and beyond – not just in their industry, but in the way they support their communities and contribute to the spirit of Australia. The winners were announced in style at The Star Sydney on 28 March, with over 1,000 guests in attendance and Channel Nine’s Jayne Azzopardi hosting what’s often called the “Oscars of Small Business”.

Jay and Nicky accepted the award with pride, crediting their success to their loyal team, commitment to quality, and strong community ties. Known for their innovative approaches –including their beloved Laguna Rescue Honey program that relocates local bee hives – Laguna Pest Control proves that good business and doing good for the environment can go hand in hand.

With a tight–knit team of 10 and a service area that stays close to home, their win is not just a personal achievement but a celebration for the entire Eumundi and Noosa region.

Congratulations to Jay, Nicky, and the Laguna Pest Control team! It is proof that big things really do come out of small towns.

Comiskey Group purchases Eumundi Brewery

The Comiskey Group have recently acquired the Eumundi Brewery from Lion, making it a cornerstone of their operations at The Imperial Hotel.

Director of Comiskey Group Rob Comiskey said, “I have always been a fan of the Eumundi Brewery products and brand. One of the main reasons we purchased The Imperial Hotel was its connection to the brewery. Owning the brewery as well was an obvious next step, enabling us to invest further and make it the centrepiece of the hotel.”

Eumundi Lager was first introduced in 1988, spearheaded by brewing engineer and developer John Lynch, who brought together investors to establish a brewery in Eumundi. The group acquired The Imperial Hotel, where they installed a microbrewery and launched the iconic Eumundi Lager.

However, after a brief period as a publicly listed company, the microbrewery at The Imperial Hotel ceased operations, and production was outsourced to Yatala Brewery. In 1998, Castlemaine Perkins (now Lion) purchased the Eumundi beer brands from Carlton & United Breweries but brewing of these brands was discontinued in 2004. The brewery is now in the hands of The Imperial Hotel owners.

Same owners, new name …

Bella 101 cafe located in the Old Eumundi Bakery building on Memorial Dr, Eumundi has officially rebranded as TOLLY’S. Keep an eye out for their new signage and website. They are open 7 days a week and the menus will be staying the same with their all–day brunch menu still available. Visit: sevenrooms.com/reservations/ tollyseumundi.