Community
5 June, 2026
Skipton grocers get national nod
A GROCER in Skipton recently received national recognition at the Australian United Retailers (AUR) 2026 Store Excellence Awards at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne.
Country Grocers Skipton was among 30 winners announced on the night last month, receiving the Community Spirit Award.
Store co-owner Allister Lee said it had been an “absolute privilege” to be recognised on the national stage, with their six-week youth employment program in partnership with Ballarat Specialist School receiving the nod.
“This program stems from a vision Ben (Decis) had during his time teaching at the Ballarat Specialist School, and we have been quietly running it for the past three or four years,” he said.
“Our sole focus is giving these incredible young people a genuine opportunity to learn, grow and work in a real-world environment.
“While the program requires immense dedication and can be challenging, it is equally rewarding.
“It demands a lot from our team—particularly Ashlee (Layley) and Courtney (Layley), who do a fantastic job mentoring and teaching these students every single day.”
Mr Lee said employment program saw strong benefits for participating students, with the program seeing 10 students each year participating.
“They gain hands-on experience in store presentation, inventory management, price ticketing and daily supermarket operations,” he said.
“It’s practical, real-world training and we are incredibly proud that several students have gone on to secure permanent employment with us after completing the program.
“Our staff do an amazing job guiding these students.
“It takes an incredible amount of patience and energy but the breakthrough moments make every single second worth it.
“The entire team puts in 110 per cent to ensure these kids get the most out of the experience, while Ben deserves immense credit for establishing the foundation that makes this platform possible.”
Mr Lee said staff members found the awards night “spectacular”, providing an opportunity to mix with like-minded people.
“As an independent local store, we don’t design our programs with awards in mind, so simply being considered was an honour – especially for a program that requires so much heart and effort to run each year,” he said.
“Winning an award centred on community spirit means everything to us.
“Standing in a room filled with top FoodWorks retailers from across the country and seeing our small community initiative put up in lights was a deeply special and humbling experience.
“This recognition belongs entirely to our team and our community.”
Mr Lee extended his gratitude to everyone who had supported the store’s initiative.
“To our customers: thank you. Every week the students are in, the store is buzzing with life,” he said.
“Our community has embraced these kids with open arms and endless encouragement.
“Without the unwavering support of our local shoppers, an initiative like this simply wouldn’t be possible.”
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