Businesses celebrated at inaugural awards

BUSINESSES from across the Corangamite Shire dressed up to the nines to mark the presentation of the inaugural Corangamite Business Awards on Wednesday.

Putting on the ritz: Camperdown Pharmacy was among the businesses recognised as finalists for the Corangamite Business Awards on Wednesday.

The Corangamite Business Awards ceremony was held at the Theatre Royal in Camperdown, with many business owners and staff enjoying a social night out with drinks, nibbles and a special photo booth.

The night also including viewings of nomination videos of the finalists for each of the five categories – Growers and Producers, Outstanding Customer Service, Circular Solutions, Future Shapers and Tourism Excellence.

Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin said the awards were a celebration of the spirit of local businesses.

“It’s fantastic to celebrate the businesses within Corangamite Shire and the great work they do day in and day out,” she said.

“As mayor and as someone who proudly calls Corangamite home, I am continually inspired by the passion, dedication and resilience of our local business community.

“Each finalist represents the very best of our region – hardworking, innovative and deeply connected to community.

“Your efforts contribute so much to the strength and vibrancy of Corangamite, and we are proud to recognise your achievements.”

Congratulations: Corangamite Shire mayor councillor Kate Makin congratulated all businesses named as finalists for the business awards.

The Growers and Producers category was taken out by Cooriemungle’s Apostle Whey Cheese.

“I think the most important thing for anyone striving to achieve something is belief in themselves because there’s lot of negative people out there that say you can’t do it,” Apostle Whey Cheese’s Julian Benson said.

The Outstanding Customer Service award was taken home by Cobden’s Hampden Veterinary Clinic.

Hampden Veterinary Clinic’s Anthony Down said he was “really proud” of his team.

“It’s a great moment for the clinic and for everyone involved,” he said.

“Congratulations to all the finalists and to everyone who went to the effort to nominate businesses.”

Camperdown Pharmacy was a runner-up in the customer service category, with owner Sarah Baker feeling proud of the nomination.

“We feel extremely lucky, and it’s so nice to be recognised for the customer service that we try and provide every day,” she said.

Port Campbell’s Real Pizza Pasta Salads took out the award for the Circular Solutions category.

“I’m proud of my team – without the team behind us at Real, we wouldn’t have got this far,” Real’s Kylie Treble said.

The winner of the Future Shapers category was Timboon’s Effluent Solutions Australia.

“It’s a great achievement for our small team,” Effluent Solution Australia’s Luke Walker said.

“We put a lot of hard work in, so it’s good to get recognition. It’s good recognition for the whole team.”

Tourism Excellence winner Keayang Maar Vineyard’s Jerram Wurlod said he was proud of and appreciated the recognition from council.

“We’re just excited about being a part of the tourist economy in the shire,” he said.

“We think there’s huge potential there, and we’re really looking forward to being a part of it for a long time into the future.”

Runner-up to the final category of the night was Camperdown Courthouse, with Alison Byrne saying the volunteers were “delighted and absolutely excited” by the nomination.

“All the hard work our volunteers have put into supporting the Courthouse – it’s really recognising them,” she said.