Top honours for local businesses
Four West Gippsland businesses were named the best in their categories at the Gippsland Business Awards gala dinner on Friday night.
Harmans Wines at Wattle Bank took out the top honours when it was named business of the year at the 28th annual awards event, while Mirboo North's Andy McCarthy joined an impressive list of Gippsland business leaders to be inducted into the Gippsland Business Awards hall of fame.
West Gippsland businesses to collect honours included: Ten-Rose International Simmental at Longwarry; Progressive Physiotherapy Group, Warragul; Mac&Ernie, Warragul; and, Pettits Jewellers, Warragul.
Each GBA finalist was assessed and independently rated by five different judges across eight judging criteria. Judges' comments for the West Gippsland category winners were:
Environmental, horticulture, agribusiness - Ten-Rose International Simmental, Longwarry - "applies deep agricultural knowledge and advanced technology to continually improve cattle performance, productivity and market outcomes. Its commitment to innovation is matched by investment in land regeneration and environmental stewardship, is an impressive example of productive, forward-looking and sustainable agriculture."
Healthcare services - Progressive Physiotherapy Group, Warragul "has built its success around people, creating a supportive culture that values the goals and strengths of patients and employees. Its considered approach to growth, strong operational safeguards and genuine contribution to the local community demonstrate a sustainable healthcare business where commercial progress and positive human outcomes go hand in hand."
Microbusiness - Mac&Ernie, Warragul - "purpose-led and deliberately human in an increasingly automated market, Mac&Ernie has maintained a clear identity by championing the people and small businesses at risk of being left behind. Its thoughtful planning, strong market positioning and evidence-based growth journey, together with an unwavering commitment to regional communities, make it an authentic and influential Gippsland business.
Retail - Pettits Jewellers, Warragul - "a long-established family business, Pettits Jewellers has evolved by responding to changing customer expectations while preserving the expertise and personal service at the heart of its reputation. Its customisable products, innovative virtual try-on technology and commitment to staff development create a convenient and highly personalised experience that positions the business for sustained success."
Awards chair Graeme Sennett said this year's winners represented the best of the region - "people who work hard, lift others up and show what's possible when local businesses thrive together."
"They demonstrate excellence, innovation and resilience. They are all setting the benchmark for what regional business can achieve," he said.
Mr Sennett said Harman Wines' strategic foresight, focus on people and technology, and commitment to workforce development, was a clear indication of its role as a leader in addressing industry challenges head-on.
Mr McCarthy was recognised for his contribution to Gippsland business, renewable energy and the wider community. From a small Mirboo North start-up, he built Gippsland Solar into one of Australia's leading solar and battery businesses, creating local jobs, championing regional opportunity and helping drive Gippsland's energy transition.
Other award winners included:
Accommodation and tourism - Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre, Cowes
Business and professional services - Yellow Brick Road, Leongatha
Engineering, manufacturing, construction - Carter Marine Group, Bairnsdale
Food, wine, hospitality – Harman Wines, Wattle Bank
Beauty, personal, cosmetic services - Skin and Tonic Gippsland, Moe
The Gippsland Edge – Scarlet and Grace, Sale
New Business - High Country Hooch Distilling Co, Glenaladale
Trades, transport, technical services - Rural Fibre Co, Morwell
Wellness and personal care services - Yallambee Traralgon Village for the Aged - Margery Cole
