Gunnedah’s Town Hall was packed with the region’s best businesses last night for the New England North West leg of the 2024 Business Awards.
“We’ve had a phenomenal response to our regional awards, which is a testament to the high quality of businesses and leaders who choose to live, work, and play in the New England North West,” New England North West Regional Director of Business NSW, Diane Gray, said.
“To all our finalists, a huge thank you for sharing your stories with us and providing us fabulous examples of tenacity, resilience, and dedication to your industry.”
The Business Awards “honour the ingenuity, resilience, and commitment” of businesses in NSW in a range of categories, from Outstanding Employee to Best New Business to Excellence in Diversity and Inclusions.
Mellibee Honey of Uralla, run by Geoff and Jody McNally, took out the Best New Business category.
Mellibee sells both raw and infused honey, taken primarily from blossom around Uralla.
The pair said they were honoured by the result.
“It’s just a huge recognition of all the hard work we’ve been putting in for the past couple of years,” Jody said.
For Geoff, it was a chance to check out what else is going on.
“It was interesting meeting other businesses, see what they’re doing, wag tails at each other.
Scott Blake took out the Outstanding Young Business Leader category, having created his Brooklyn Quarry in 2019 with his wife Michelle at Walcha Road five years ago, pulling basalt from the volcanic soil, to be made into everything from road base to decorative basalt columns.
“I guess it’s a pretty big feat to see all our hard work of the last five years,” Scott said.
“It’s good to get recognition, be recognised as young business leaders, and inspire others.”
“If I could give any advice, it’s to surround yourself with positive people,” Scott said, looking at Michelle.
Business NSW’s Executive Director David Harding made his third trip up from Sydney for the big night to congratulate the winners, and said that the region is one of the strongest business performers in the state.
“This evening, we had a room full of wonderful businesses nominated, with their supporters,” Harding said, “I congratulate them all.”
“During my tenure at Business NSW, we have invested – and reinvested – in the regions.
“We are seeing real leadership for the voice of business out of New England and the Northwest.”
Harding thinks that the region under-acknowledged for it success, saying that the New England isn’t quite getting the appreciation it deserves from the rest of the country.
“I think it’s bucking the trend,” Harding said, “I was driving from Tamworth to Gunnedah today, and reflecting not only on the spring weather and the wonderful greenery, but also on the attitude of business in this part of New South Wales.”
Walking through the paddock at Ag-Quip a few weeks ago, Harding said, he was hearing “over and over again positivity, enthusiasm – not ignoring the headwinds, but how to get around them.”
“The housing shortage, the skills crisis, and the rising price of energy, are still real issues for business, but overall there’s a sense of positivity.”
When asked if the region was underutilised, Harding said it wasn’t.
“I think the region is not under-utilised – I think it’s under-recognised. And I think it’s our job in Business NSW to make sure that it’s properly recognised for the innovation, enthusiasm, and contribution to the economy it makes.
Winners:
Outstanding Community Organisation – GLENRAC Inc
Outstanding Visitor Experience – Ben Falls Retreat
Excellence in Sustainability – CATCH Power
Excellence in International Business – SierraTrek Global
Outstanding New Business – Mellibee
Excellence in Micro Business – Merry Little Elderberry
Excellence in Small Business – Camp Grounds
Excellence in Large Business – Railway Hotel Gunnedah
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Central Hospitality Group
Outstanding Local Chamber – Glen Innes Business Chamber
Excellence in Innovation – SierraTrek Global
Employer of Choice – Under 20 Employees – Focus on Function
Employer of Choice – 21 Employees and Over – Central Hospitality Group
Outstanding Employee – Angela Brazel, Holistic Recovery
Outstanding Young Business Leader – Scott Blake, Brooklyn Quarry
Outstanding Business Leader – Under 20 Employees – Louise Whitton, Focus on Function
Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over – Belinda Kotris, Tamworth Family Support Service
Business of the Year – Central Hospitality Group
Top image: Scott Blake accepts award for Outstanding Young Business Leader (Tom Plevey)
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