Honouring business achievements

BUSINESSES from across the Corangamite Shire came together to celebrate their achievements on Wednesday as part of the Corangamite Business Awards.

Night of nights: Camperdown Veterinary Clinic was among the winners at Wednesday night’s Corangamite Business Awards. Pictured are Corangamite Shire Council mayor Cr Kate Makin, Camperdown Veterinary Clinic staff Nikita Buchholz, Suzanne Cameron, Jacqui Arundell, Jennifer Downie, Dr Lauren Harrison and Gemma O’Reilly, and Corangamite Shire Council Tandarook Ward councillor Jo Beard.

The awards saw over 50 nominations received, which was narrowed down to 15 finalists across five categories.

The night saw close to 160 people in attendance, sharing in drinks, nibbles and business networking opportunities.

Awards were presented by Corangamite Shire councillors, with the promotional material created for the finalists shown on the big screen.

The Outstanding Customer Service award, presented by Cr Jo Beard, featured Camperdown Veterinary Centre, Terang’s The Little Acorn Café and Cobden Pharmacy as finalists.

The award, which recognises businesses which provide outstanding customer service and demonstrate commitment to achieving excellence throughout the entire customer journey, was presented to Camperdown Veterinary Clinic.

Clinic owner Dr Lauren Harrison said she was proud of her team and grateful for the experience.

“It was a really fun process,” she said.

“The judges were lovely, and it created a bit of a buzz in the clinic.

“It’s just nice to be recognised for something we’ve been working hard on.”

The Trade Business of the Year award, presented by Cr Geraldine Conheady, saw MD Building Group, T.S. McQuinn & Son and Murfett & Whiting Electrical named as finalists.

The award, which recognises outstanding achievement, innovation and professionalism in the industrial and trades sector, was presented Terang’s Murfett & Whiting Electrical.

Murfett & Whiting representative Andrew Smith said the award was unexpected, but he was thrilled.

“I’d like to thank the Corangamite Shire, all the people who put the night together, all the other finalists and all the other trades across the shire,” he said.

“I believe the Corangamite Shire is blessed to have such good trades in all sectors.

“I’d like to thank my staff and their families – it’s nice to be the owner of a business, but the staff are really important.

“They make a business what it is.”

The Growers, Producers and Agribusiness award, presented by Cr Laurie Hickey, saw Pomborneit’s Southern Land Bovine Services, Rural People Co in South Purrumbete and Timboon’s Schulz Organic Dairy named as finalists.

The award, which recognises businesses across the agricultural sector, from primary producers to processors and agribusiness service providers, was presented to Timboon’s Schulz Organic Dairy.

Schulz Organic Dairy owner Simon Schulz said he was proud to be recognised.

“It’s a great privilege to be recognised alongside our peers,” he said.

The Circular Solutions award, presented by Cr Nick Cole, saw Camperdown’s Vintage Gnotuk and Oakbrook Collectables up against the Cobden Uniting Church Op Shop.

The award, which recognises businesses which have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable and circular economy practices including recycling, re-using, repair, re-purpose, re-design and reducing waste, was presented to Cobden Uniting Church Op Shop.

Op shop joint manager Barbara Cowley said she was “rather overwhelmed” with the recognition.

“It’s a privilege to win this award,” she said.

“It’s an encouragement and endorsement of what we’re doing and encourages us to keep doing what we’re doing.

“Thank you to all our volunteers.

“I’d just like to thank the Economic Development team, who are very approachable, encouraging and supportive.

“I’d like to congratulate all the other businesses – you’re all winners in one way or another.”

The Tourism Excellence award, presented by Cr Ruth Gstrein, saw The Courthouse Camperdown, Excuse Me Katies and Timboon-based business Ride With Us vying for the award.

The award, which recognises businesses which have contributed to the visitor economy with a commitment to improve social, economic or environmental impacts, providing a positive destination experience which increases visitation to the Corangamite Shire, was presented to Cobden-based Ride With Us.

Ride With Us representative Sandra Timmins said she was thrilled with the recognition.

“It’s the first time we’ve won an award,” she said.