Being inducted into the Business Hunter Hall of Fame is more than a milestone.
It’s a reminder of why we do what we do, and who we do it for.
The honour follows our three wins in the Contribution to the Region category in 2019, 2022 and 2024. The first time in the 42 years of the awards any organisation has done so. Needless to say we were deeply moved and honoured. Each recognition acknowledged the relationships we’ve built, the collaborations we have shared, and the ways through creativity and passion we’ve been able to contribute to the region we call home.
And while our name may appear on the plaque, the recognition belongs just as much to the people and businesses we’ve had the privilege of working alongside. Every client who has trusted us with their brand, every partner who has joined us on a project, every community initiative we’ve been able to support – they’ve all contributed to this historic recognition.
Image 1: Bob Hawes, CEO Business Hunter; Marty Adnum receiving the Hall of Fame award; Prof Greg Whiteley, EC Whiteley Corporation, the award sponsor. Image 2: Marty Adnum giving his acceptance speech.
Newcastle and the Hunter have always been at the heart of OOTS. Since opening our doors 28 years ago, our purpose has been simple: to help local businesses, organisations and communities tell their stories in powerful, creative ways. As a creative and production agency, our work spans strategy, branding, campaigns, design, video production and digital experiences – but for us, it has never been about the list of services. It has always been about impact; giving businesses and communities the tools to thrive.
That impact is also shown through our diverse self-funded passion project work. Be that our ‘Region Ready’ campaign that showcases and celebrates the assets of the region free for all to use, or the light-hearted celebration of the Queens Wharf Tower coming down immortalised in a bottle open keepsake raising over $22,000 for Hunter Prostate Cancer research. The common thread has been the same: using creativity to strengthen the region, elevate local voices, support those in need and amplify the Hunter’s story far beyond its borders.
At OOTS, we often say we’re in the business of creating the Extraordinary. But Extraordinary doesn’t mean flashy or unattainable. It means doing work that matters. It’s the small business owner who dares to try something new. It’s the community organisation that needs a hand to push for greater impact. It’s the clients who invite us into their journey and trust us to bring their vision to life. And it’s the collective momentum of a region that continues to grow, diversify and make its mark on the national stage.
Winning Contribution to the Region in 2019 was humbling. Backing it up again in 2022 showed that consistency matters. A third win in 2024 proved that long-term investment in the community pays off. One of the well wishes we received said:
“You can’t buy an award like this. It can only be earned through years of authentic, dedicated work to propel the city forward.”
Joining the Hall of Fame gives us the chance to pause, reflect, and most importantly, to say thank you. Thank you to the clients who fuel our creativity. Thank you to the partners who share our drive. Thank you to our team, whose passion brings every idea to life. And thank you to the Hunter – a region that inspires us every day to keep striving, keep giving and keep building something Extraordinary.
Our focus now is firmly on the road ahead. The Hunter is evolving, and we’re excited to play our part in shaping what comes next. There are more stories to tell, more opportunities to make an impact, more reasons to keep pushing. Because Extraordinary isn’t a destination. It’s an ongoing pursuit. And it’s one we’ll keep chasing together.
Learn more about us
Awards celebrate what we’ve achieved, but they don’t tell the whole story. Learn more about who we are, or explore the passion projects that fuel our creativity.
