After more than 128 nominations were assessed, finalists in the Deniliquin Business Chamber’s Excellence Awards have been announced (see below).
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The annual awards program recognises local achievers in the business community.
Across the 13 categories, various businesses and individuals were selected for their service and commitment.
And it’s all thanks to community support through nominations, and the response from businesses and employees, say organisers Lauren Ryan and Susie Wallace.
‘‘We are thankful for the community taking the time to acknowledge and nominate businesses and staff,’’ Mrs Ryan said.
‘‘We get nominees bursting into tears they are so overwhelmed that a member of the public has acknowledged them.
‘‘And seeing the year that it is, businesses and staff have done well to take the time to submit an entry and be considered.’’
And some categories were particularly popular.
‘‘We had a great response especially for excellence by employees,’’ Mrs Wallace said.
‘‘This is an individual nominated by their community and backed by their employer.
‘‘We’ve also had a lot of nominations for excellence in customer service, as well as community not-for-profit organisations.’’
Now that finalists have been selected, the judging panel’s work really begins.
‘‘We have external judges from outside Deniliquin so there’s no bias,’’ Ms Ryan said.
‘‘Our judges are Alison McLean, Merran Socha and Krystal Maytom.’’
Ali McLean is with Hay Shire Tourism, and is a project management specialist with a focus on regional tourism and economic development. She has worked with both public and private sector businesses across Australia for the past 20 years, helping to deliver everything from The Long Paddock Touring Route to individual business plans.
Krystal Maytom is a Business Enterprise Centre business advisor and has worked extensively in public relations and event management. She brings experience in the community services industry, in both the youth and disability sector.
Merran Socha is economic and industry development liaison with Berrigan Shire Council and has more than 20 years of business experience in the tourism industry. In her role with Berrigan Council, she brings a passion for promoting visitors to regional areas, as well as supporting aged care, education and transport.
Tickets for the gala award ceremony on September 3 are now on sale, with numbers limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Go to www.deniliquinchamber.com.au/awards.
The Pastoral Times has been major sponsor of the business awards for more than 15 years.
The finalists are as follows:
Outstanding Trainee or Apprentice - Alyssa Townsend - CareSouth; Ben Blenkerion - Deniliquin Automotive Electrical.
Outstanding Employee - Latitia Oliver - Total Bliss Massage & Beauty; Shannon Spalding - Soul Pattinson Chemist; Elle Parsons - Deniliquin Travel Centre; Luke Moffitt - Deni Car Care; Aileen Hayes - Homes Out West; Terri Bootsman - Evolve Fitness + Wellbeing; Felicity Gallagher - Josh’s Bakehouse; Jessie Jennings - Josh’s Bakehouse; Kasey Dighton - Purtill Group; Olivia Brown - Deniliquin Health Service.
Outstanding Young Business Leader - Jordan Purtill - Deni Clothing Co; Adam Connally - Harry Pepper Coffee; Kearea Thommers - Red Rose Diner; Stacey Crampton - Pure Serenity Massage and Beauty.
Outstanding Business Leader - Iain Goodway - Deni Golf Resort; Katrina Knuckey - Deniliquin Mitre 10; Sivonne Binks - Sivonne Creative.
Excellence in Sustainability - SunRice Deniliquin; Gallpen Dairy; Excellence in Work, Health & Safety; Purtill Group; Josh’s Bakehouse.
Excellence in Business - Purtill Group.
Excellence in Small Business - Riverina Funeral Services; Deni Play on the Plains Festival Ltd; Evolve Fitness + Wellbeing; Wired Entertainment; Josh’s Bakehouse.
Excellence in Micro Business - Bennetts Painting & Decorating; Body Harmony; Deniliquin Travel Centre; WishyWorld Embroidery; Red Rose Diner.
Outstanding Community Organisation - CareSouth; Deniliquin Visitor Information Centre & Peppin Heritage Centre; Naponda Store; Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre Aboriginal Corporation
Deniliquin Boat Club; Vinnies Services Deniliquin; Intereach Limited; Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committeee.
Outstanding New Business - Clear Lifestyle Support; Leaves and Vines Nursery; The Laughter Lady; Sambo’s Electrical; Ellie’s Emporium; Harry Pepper Coffee; Cruizin* Diner; Olivia’s Lash Cave.
Excellence in Customer Service- Individual Category - Andrew Nicholls - Navorina; Cheryl Dixon - Coles; Danny Mulcahy - Edward River Library; David Glenn - Deniliquin Yamaha; David Leech - Concept Computer Systems; Dianne Gardiner - Deniliquin Hospital; Donna Jefferies - Party Pack & Wrap; Geraldine Thommers - Red Rose Diner; Jacinta Goodear - Riverside Pest Management; Kacey Dighton - The Depot; Kassey Collett - Leaves and Vines Nursery; Kylie Green - Deniliquin Children’s Centre; Mel Wilson - Deniliquin Children’s Centre; Michael Howe - Riverina Watermatic; Paul Lehman - Dyson Group; Rhonda Nevison - Mitre 10; Terri-Lee Dashwood - North Junction Service Centre; Tiarna Taylor - Deniliquin McDonald's.
Excellence in Customer Service - Business Category - All Clean Deniliquin; Deniliquin BIG4 Holiday; Park Deniliquin Eyecare; Deniliquin Showcase Jewellers; Deniliquin Travel Centre; Deni Tyre Service; Elders Rural Deniliquin; Eric Sims Pharmacy; Josh’s Bakehouse; Just Jeans; Navorina; Owen Edwards Plumbing; Red Rose Diner; Scoop n Brew; St George Bank Deniliquin; The Exchange Hotel; The Depot Deniliquin; The Reject Shop; The Warehouse Deniliquin.
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