Aussie Ark stood out at the prestigious regional business awards, being nominated as finalists across five categories including Business Leader of the Year, Young Business Leader, Contribution to the Region, Outstanding Employee and Excellence in Small Business.

The not-for-profit organisation based in the Barrington Tops was awarded the highly regarded Excellence in Small Business award and Outstanding Employee, recognising the work of Aussie Ark ranger Kelly Davis.

The excitement for the wins was shared with team members from both Aussie Ark and their sister organisation, the Australian Reptile Park, who were in the audience.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to see Aussie Ark recognised at this level. For a not-for-profit conservation organisation to be awarded for excellence in business is a huge achievement" aid Aussie Ark's president Tim Faulkner.

"It's been awe-inspiring to see the growth that Aussie Ark has experienced in the last 12 months, even while enduring the threat of bushfires, drought and a global pandemic.

"Ten years ago, Aussie Ark began in response to the plight of the Tasmanian devil. Now, we are NSW's largest privately owned conservation facility and have expanded to protect more than 14 flagship Australian species in peril," Mr Faulkner said.

"I'm so excited to see our Aussie Ark supervisor Kelly Davis be recognised for her efforts as well. She is incredibly passionate about Australian wildlife and played an integral role in the Tasmanian devil's survival and return to mainland Australia in the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary," Mr Faulkner concluded.

Aussie Ark competed with organisations from around NSW at the State Business Awards on November 26. Unfortunately Aussie Ark didn't pick up a gong but it's sister organisation, the Australian Reptile Park, won both the Excellence in Business and Business of the Year categories.

Aussie Ark has also been named a finalist in the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards, which are announced at a Gala Awards Dinner at Luna Park, Sydney on February 3, 2022.