Matt Hall Racing wins 'Business of the Year' and 'Outstanding Customer Experience' awards at the 2025 Lake Macquarie Council Business Excellence Awards

Matt Hall accepts awards at the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards.

Top gun Matt Hall soared to new heights as the best of the best were announced at this year’s Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards. Hall, a former RAAF fighter pilot and Red Bull Air Race World Champion, took out the top Business of the Year category at Friday night’s ceremony at Belmont 16s, recognising the contribution his Pelican-based Matt Hall Racing has made to the local tourism economy. The company also won the Outstanding Visitor Experience award.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz, who presented the top gong, said Hall’s company exemplified the kind of innovation, bravery and contribution to the community that had transformed the city’s business industry over the past 20 years. “Matt Hall Racing not only showcases our amazing city to countless tourists from outside the Hunter Region and overseas,” Mayor Adam said. “It also demonstrates what can be achieved when you put down business roots here in Lake Macquarie and dare to dream big.”

Despite all the thrills of piloting aerobatic aircraft, Hall said he got the biggest buzz from supporting local jobs and nurturing the careers of his staff. “In the end, that’s what business is about,” he said. “Yes you live your own life, but you’ve got to make sure that everyone relying on you is able to succeed as well.”