Wednesday 30 October 2024
Your host for this evening: Lehmo
Get ready to be entertained by Lehmo, a seasoned comedian who brings laughter to every corner of the globe.
With over fifteen years of experience headlining comedy clubs and performing on international stages,
captivating audiences from the bustling cities of the USA and UK to the vibrant cultures of Ireland, South Africa,
comedian; he’s a master of corporate entertainment. Having spent a decade as a chartered accountant in the corporate world, Lehmo possesses a unique understanding of business integrates into his performances. Whether it’s an AGM, team bonding
day, Christmas dinner, or conference, Lehmo’s sharp wit and infectious humour have delighted audiences of all sizes and backgrounds.
His expertise in corporate comedy is so celebrated that he even created an entire festival show around the subject—Taxing Lyrical—which left audiences rolling in the aisles.
And here’s a fun fact: Lehmo once held the Guinness World Record for the most jokes told in an hour—a staggering 549 jokes in just sixty minutes! With Lehmo at the helm, prepare for an evening of laughter, entertainment, and unforgettable moments at our upcoming business awards dinner.
Welcome to the Campaspe Murray Business Awards, where we come together to celebrate the best in local business! From the smallest ventures to the largest enterprises, these awards recognize and honour our most outstanding businesses, visionary business owners, dedicated staff, innovative young entrepreneurs, and impactful community organisations.
Local businesses are not just economic drivers; they are the heart and soul of our community. These awards highlight the significant social contributions made by organisations through service excellence, inclusive and ethical practices, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
The awards also serve as an opportunity for businesses to reflect on their performance, gain valuable feedback from our esteemed judges, and benchmark themselves against their peers.
Our finalists have undergone a rigorous and detailed judging process, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the judges for their time, effort, and thoughtful consideration. The high standard of finalists this year has been a pleasure for our judges to evaluate, and they have been inspired by the many exceptional businesses in the Campaspe Murray area.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful sponsors of the 2024 Campaspe Murray Business Awards. Their generous support, along with that of the individual category sponsors, makes these awards possible and reflects their commitment to fostering and promoting local business excellence.
For complete coverage of the Gala Awards Presentation Evening, be sure to pick up a copy of the Riverine Herald on Friday, 1 November, the Campaspe News on Tuesday, 5 November, and the Kyabram Free Press on Wednesday, 6 November.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Awards. We hope you thoroughly enjoy the Gala Presentation Evening, and we wish the best of luck to all our finalists.
Proudly presented by Campaspe Shire Council and Murray River Council.
These awards are proudly sponsored by the following local businesses
Riverine Herald
Nichol Trading People’s Choice Award
Campaspe Murray Business Awards includes a People’s Choice Award, allowing the public to vote for their favourite finalist business. The People’s Choice Award category allowed finalists the opportunity to promote their success as a finalist within their own networks, encouraging their supporters to vote for them. The People’s Choice Award voting was open for a period of six weeks, 3680 votes were received during this time.
Now in its third generation as a family-owned and operated business, Nichol Trading is one of the largest fertiliser retailers in northern Victoria, which has a mixture of fertiliser, transport, mechanical services and agriculture.
Husband and wife duo Brian and Glenda Nichol are second-generation owners of Nichol Trading, working closely with their sons Brook and Kyle. They strive to deliver outstanding customer service, knowing the importance of having good relationships with our business partners, accountant and business coach.
After becoming the Business of the Year winner in 2015, Nichol Trading chose to sponsor this important event.
FINALISTS — Nichol Trading People’s Choice Award
Businesses:
Adore Pilates
Advance Computing Pty Ltd
Barham High School
Bar Lee
Bendigo TAFE Echuca
Billabong Ranch Adventure Park Pty Ltd
Brady Electrical Contracting
CLRS Community Living & Respite Services
Collins Booksellers Echuca
Cristie Lincoln Photography
Cross Carpet Cleaning
Echuca Regional Health
Echuca Service Centre & 4 x 4
Empire Signs Group
Envirovac Industries Pty Ltd
Gargarro Café
Healthy Tummies Pantry
Jen’s Hens Certified Organic Free
Range Eggs
Let’s Do Coffee
Luca Solutions Kyabram
Mathoura Bowling Club
Moama Dental Clinic
Moulamein Preschool Inc
Murray Haven Homes
Pool Ezy Echuca
Portwine Joinery
Restore Studio
Riverbank Moama
Sap Architecture
Soap Bar Co
SR Health
Taysha’s Family Daycare
The Town Barber Rochester
Total Books Accounting
Tulla Natives
Young Entrepreneur
Britt Allman – Adore Pilates
Shaun Amos – Sap Architecture
Vanessa Bronsgeest – Soap Bar Co.
Chloe Cross – Cross Carpet Cleaning
Employee of the Year
Jacki Avers – Collins Booksellers Echuca
Carmel Beck – Echuca Regional Health
Katherin Liddell – Healthy Tummies Pantry
Emma Squires – Luca Solutions Kyabram
Moama Bowling Club Best Home Based Business Award
Open to any business operating from the home of the proprietor.
Moama Bowling Club is thrilled to sponsor the “Home-Based Business” category at the Campaspe Murray Business Awards, recognising these entrepreneurs’ vital role in our vibrant community. We understand that home-based businesses represent the heart of our local economy, fostering innovation, flexibility and sustainable growth. These individuals often juggle the demands of family life while pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, showcasing remarkable resilience and determination. By supporting this category, we aim to shine a spotlight on the dedication and hard work of individuals who have chosen to build their businesses from the comfort of their homes. Moama Bowling Club remains committed to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in our region, and we are honoured to play a part in recognising and encouraging these local heroes.
FINALISTS — Moama Bowling Club Best Home Based Business Award
Cristie Lincoln Photography
I have the best job in the world, getting frontrow seats to amazing things: Amazing Homes, beautiful people, thriving businesses, and gorgeous weddings.
I have brought the most up-to-date advanced technology to Echuca Moama with the Matterport system.
This system allows me to bring Echuca Moama and surrounding towns up to date with Virtual
Cross Carpet Cleaning
In 2021, at the age of 21, I launched Cross Carpet Cleaning with a passion for cleaning and helping people.
Amid the challenges of the COVID lockdowns, it initially restricted access to clients’ homes.
On Christmas Day of that year, a severe horserelated injury landed me in the ICU, sidelining me for three months.
Upon recovery, I returned quickly, booking up and needing to expand due to high demand.
Soap Bar Co.
Soap Bar Co. is a home-based business that operates out of a beautiful studio that we created from scratch.
We offer local pick-up and delivery and ship Australia-wide directly to customers and wholesale.
World, transforming any space, whether big or small, inside or outside, into a virtual space for everyone to experience worldwide.
Seeing our amazing towns through my lens, whether it’s my good ol’ Canon, my Drone or the Matterport system, brings me so much joy.
Services include photography, drone photography, floorplans and virtual tours, visit cristielincolnphotography.pixieset.com
Cross Carpet Cleaning has grown to a team of 10 and is expanding again. Servicing over 100 homes and businesses weekly.
Our extensive services include carpet, upholstery and tile steam cleaning, domestic and commercial cleaning, window cleaning and specialised cleaning.
We are a registered NDIS, TAC, and WorkSafe provider, proudly serving the Goulburn Valley area.
Being a home-based business gives me the flexibility to choose my own hours and operate Soap Bar Co. in a flexible but professional way. Our studio is not open to the public, but can be viewed via our social media platforms.
FINALISTS — Moama Bowling Club Best Home Based Business Award
Taysha’s Family Daycare
Taysha Worthy opened Taysha’s Family Daycare in January 2023 in Barham, NSW, and is registered with Intereach Family Daycare.
Taysha’s Family Daycare currently offers daily care to children aged 0-4 and school holiday care for children aged under 12.
A mother of three, Taysha has been in the early
Portwine Joinery
Portwine Joinery, a family-owned home-based business with over 20 years of experience, specialises in high-end custom cabinetry for renovations and new builds.
Our dedicated team excels in providing personalised service and superior craftsmanship, using innovative CNC machinery to deliver precise, high-quality results.
childhood education and care industry since 2020. She began studying for her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care before opening the daycare and completed it earlier this year.
Taysha’s Family Daycare emphasises play-based learning, with the program tailored to each child’s individual strengths, interests and needs.
Colour consultations are available by appointment in our workshop to help clients with design choices and ensure a perfect match for their vision.
Proudly serving Echuca, Moama, Rochester, Lockington, and surrounding areas, we bring our clients’ visions to life with attention to detail and a passion for excellence.
2022 Best Home Based Business winner Vast Creative.
Elevating Real Estate with Stunning Photography and Virtual Tours
Cristie Lincoln specializes in capturing properties with precision—offering professional real estate photography, immersive Matterport tours, detailed floorplans, and dynamic drone footage.
Showcase your property at its best—contact Cristie Lincoln Photography for high-quality visuals that make an impact!
McPherson Media Group Best in Retail Award
Open to any retail business selling directly to the general public.
The Riverine Herald is honoured to sponsor the “Retail Business” category at the Campaspe Murray Business Awards. Local retail stores are the lifeblood of our community, providing essential goods, services and unique shopping experiences that enrich our region. Through innovation and determination, they have continued to serve our community, supporting local jobs and sustaining our economy. By celebrating their success, we acknowledge these businesses vital role in maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of our local market. The Riverine Herald is proud to support and recognise their contributions.
FINALISTS — McPherson Media Group Best in Retail Award
Let’s Do Coffee
Our customers are the reason why we get up in the morning.
Operating for over 10 years, Let’s Do Coffee has evolved and grown, with our coffee being consumed in every state and territory in Australia.
We have achieved much over the years with wholesale and premium coffee brands.
Collins Booksellers Echuca
Collins Booksellers Echuca is a brick-andmortar bookstore based on High St.
We entered our business in the Murray Campaspe Business Awards as our product knowledge and customer service sets a high standard in the retail industry.
We are thrilled to be a finalist in the retail category.
Healthy Tummies Pantry
Getting enough protein can be difficult for many on a gluten-free diet, but one Kyabram store is leading the way in providing nutritional products for sensitive tummies.
Committed to offering the best products, Healthy Tummies Pantry sells a vast range of high-quality and, most importantly, yummy, gluten-free protein products.
From whey protein powder and protein powder
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED…
We can assist you with choosing your next read, whether it be for yourself or a gift. We have everything from board books to young adult, adult fiction, and non-fiction + cooking, gardening, and the most beautiful home design books.
Supporting our local community Call in and see Cindy, Jacki & Kerri today!
In 2023, we built a new coffee roastery facility in Echuca with a fleet of coffee carts and vans.
One of our biggest achievements in the last year is partnering with others, such as a local soap business, a candle maker, a woodworker, a wattle farmer and finally, cafes, to retail our premium coffee to their customers. Coffee is happiness in a cup, and we are happy to serve it.
We love talking to our customers about new and upcoming book releases and hopefully helping customers find a new favourite author or genre.
If we won the retail award, it would be incredible.
Not many people see the hard work and long hours that go into running a business, and this highlights we are doing a great job.
banana bread mixes to protein cookies and bone broth, there is truly something for everyone.
Healthy Tummies Pantry has evolved from being an experimental business to a booming one.
We have a physical store, an online store, and a café, which makes us a strong finalist in the retail category.
The Town Barber Rochester
My name is Matt McMillan, owner and operator of The Town Barber Rochester, which provides exceptional classic and modern on-trend haircutting services.
I was encouraged by other local business owners to enter the Campaspe Murray Business Awards as a great way to network and let more
Pool Ezy Echuca
Pool Ezy is your locally owned and operated pool and spa installation, maintenance, service and retail business.
The Pool Ezy retail store, located at 22 to 24 Cornelia Rd, Echuca, has everything you need to maintain your pool or spa.
We have a range of spas on display, all your
people know about The Town Barber Rochester. It means a lot to me to be considered a finalist in the excellence in retail category after all the hard work I have put in over the last two years since opening, and to win the category would be an honour.
chemical needs, pool and spa accessories to have fun in the water and offers free water testing in-store for everyone, whether you have purchased your pool from them or not.
We can turn your dream pool or spa into a reality and then take the hassle out of its maintenance, offering full pool maintenance and cleaning services.
Proud Finalists In The 2024 Campaspe Murray Business Awards - Retail
We couldn’t have done it without you. Without our wonderful customers and those who have supported our family business there would be no Pool Ezy. If you know our team, and have supported our journey, we want to take this opportunity to say “Thank You”
Telstra Best Professional Service Business Award
Open to any business providing professional service to the general public or other businesses.
Telstra proudly supports the Professional Service Business category at the Campaspe Murray Business Awards.
As Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company, we offer a full range of communications services that help all businesses thrive. Telstra believes people give purpose to our technology, and that purpose is to build a connected future so everyone can thrive. Building simple, easy-to-use technology and content solutions, including Australia’s largest and fastest national mobile network.
Telstra is proud to help our customers and Campaspe and Murray River businesses improve their lives and work through connection.
FINALISTS — Telstra Best Professional Service Business Award
Total Books Accounting
Total Books is a small business helping small businesses.
Tracy Brennan, founder, provides taxation, business advice, accounting and bookkeeping services.
Accounting and taxation do not have to be boring, and being able to relate to and build relationships with clients is the key to longterm clients for Tracy.
Like all small businesses, Total Books has had a few setbacks, including relocating after water
and flooding issues.
Now, in the third office on the same street in the past three years, it’s a third time lucky.
Specialising in rural and regional small businesses, Tracy is passionate about the Koondrook-Barham community and volunteers in many local community groups, providing free accounting and treasurer services.
For more information, visit www.TotalBooks.net.au
Moama Dental Clinic
Moama Dental Clinic is a vision realised after an 8000 km journey and is now the premier dental practice in the region.
Our state-of-the-art facility features the latest dental technology, supported by a skilled and experienced team.
We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, treating every patient like family. Our team of six dentists and one oral health
Advance Computing Pty Ltd
Advance Computing, established in 1999, is a prominent IT services provider based in Kyabram and employs a team of 34 local people.
The company specialises in managed IT services, cloud solutions, software development and cybersecurity.
With a commitment to empowering businesses through technology, Advance Computing offers customised solutions tailored to meet unique business needs.
therapist ensures personalised care and upholds the highest standards of quality and integrity.
Unique to our region, we offer an in-house general anaesthetic theatre for anxious patients and specialised All-on-Implant procedures.
We believe God created teeth, and we recreate smiles.
Our expertise spans consulting, project management, and strategic IT planning, ensuring clients achieve operational efficiency and security.
Celebrating over 25 years in the industry, Advance Computing continues innovating and supporting businesses across Australia and now internationally, contributing significantly to their clients’ successes.
For more information, visit www.acomputing.com.au
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Empire Signs Group
Empire Signs Group is built on integrity and service, we aim to make our clients’ signage experience as easy as possible.
We’re about people and relationships, building strong connections with clients who, in turn,
Luca Solutions Kyabram
Luca Solutions aims to help clients build and develop sustainable, profitable businesses.
Our skilled and experienced team empowers business owners with their finances by removing the confusion, fear and uncertainty and replacing them with clarity, control and freedom.
We understand that business operations can be difficult, and problems that require a solution can arise, requiring the right information and
become lifelong customers.
We offer various professional services, such as graphic design, project management, sales and pre-press expertise, which are crucial to our operational success and client relationships.
people to support you.
Luca Solutions offers a range of cloud-based account solutions, financial education and support services for small to medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Services include bookkeeping payroll and superannuation, Xero training and support, finance administration, financials and tax returns, budgets and forecasts reports and benchmarking.
Foodmach Excellence in Manufacturing & Trade Award
Open to any business involved in manufacturing, fabricating, processing or value-adding or providing a Trade Service.
Foodmach is an award-winning, advanced engineering-to-order business based in Echuca. We deliver automation solutions to safely put the products you know into their packaging. We work with some of the biggest names in food and drink, such as Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Asahi, Lion, and Heinz.
As Australia’s largest packaging integrator, we’re also one of the region’s largest manufacturers and employers.
Our local industry and community support our success, so it’s important to us that we give back. We’re very proud to sponsor the Excellence in Manufacturing and Trade Award and wish all our talented colleagues the best.
FINALISTS — Foodmach Excellence in Manufacturing & Trade Award
Echuca Service Centre & 4x4
Echuca Service Centre & Echuca 4x4 offers a wide range of motor vehicle mechanical services and repairs from our state-of-the-art automotive repair centre, located at 1 Northern Hwy.
Offering a One-Stop Car Service Workshop for all mechanical needs. Our team works to be the best in the industry for Echuca and surrounding areas.
Envirovac Industries Pty Ltd
Envirovac Industries is dedicated to delivering exceptional liquid waste collection and disposal services.
With our expertise in liquid and septic waste removal, hydro excavation, jetting, drain cleaning, CCTV pipeline inspection, and pipe relining, we have established ourselves as a trusted provider in the community.
Our team is available around the clock, ensuring we address all your liquid waste requirements comprehensively and effectively.
Portwine Joinery
Portwine Joinery, a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience, excels in the manufacturing and trade of high-end custom cabinetry for renovations and new builds. Our dedicated team utilises state-of-the-art CNC machinery to deliver precision and highquality craftsmanship.
We offer personalised service, from initial
We take great pride in providing a high level of customer service and quality workmanship. If you have any questions regarding your car, caravan or trailer, see the team at Echuca Service Centre.
Echuca Service Centre sees Repco Authorised Car Service as the perfect program to bring a professional image to their professional operation.
Located in the Echuca/Moama region, we proudly extend our services to surrounding towns and beyond.
Our commitment to staying updated with the latest technologies in vacuum loading and liquid waste management enhances our safety and efficiency, making us the local experts you can rely on. Trust us, the local experts, to get your liquid waste management done right.
For more information, visit www.envirovacindustries.au
design consultations to final installation, ensuring each project meets our clients’ unique needs.
Proudly serving Echuca, Moama, Rochester, Lockington, and surrounding areas, we bring our clients’ visions to life with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
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FINALISTS — Foodmach Excellence in Manufacturing & Trade Award
Brady Electrical Contracting
Brady Electrical Contracting, a NECA member, specialises in industrial, commercial, and residential spaces, focusing on quality workmanship, lighting design and sustainability.
With over 50 years of industry experience in the electrical and construction trade, we emphasise comprehensive management for each project. Our fleet, machinery, and equipment can be dispatched quickly and are available 24/7 for
Empire Signs Group
At Empire Signs Group, we are proud of our ability to manufacture almost any kind of signage in-house by our team of qualified signwriters and fabricators.
With great attention to detail, we set out to deliver a high-quality product.
Not only do we custom-make signage, but we also offer installation and maintenance services to ensure high-quality results for years to come.
any emergency breakdown.
We are the primary choice for industrial, commercial, and domestic projects across regional Victoria.
From fit-outs, power analysis, commercial solar systems, lighting and design installations to motor control centre manufacture, and SCADA and PLC programming, we provide the right electrical solutions for your project, no matter the size.
SERVICE CENTRE & ECHUCA 4X4 Your local mechanic, backed by Repco.
Echuca Service Centre & Echuca 4x4 offers a wide range of motor vehicle mechanical services and repairs from their new ‘state of the art’ automotive repair centre.
• New car servicing • Air conditioning service
• Auto transmission service • Brake service and repairs
• Wheel alignments and tyres • Steering and suspension
• Log Book Service • Exhaust systems
• VIC and NSW roadworthiness inspections
• RMS Pink Slips eSafety checks • RMS Blue Slips
• Roadworthy Certi cates • Panel beating
• Spray painting • Tyres and Wheels – Sales and Service
Echuca Service Centre & Echuca 4x4 are the area’s exclusive distributor of IRONMAN 4X4 products.
Kagome Excellence in Health and Wellbeing Award
This category is open to any business providing Health and Wellbeing services to the community.
Founded in 1899, Kagome’s dedication to crafting the highest-quality tomato products has been unwavering.
As the nation’s largest tomato processor, we thrive in the sun-kissed soil of the Campaspe Murray region, where their journey from seed to table ensures each product delivers the robust, natural flavours you know and love.
With a global presence, we are committed to collaborating with growers, partners, and customers to deliver innovative and sustainable value-added products that delight and exceed expectations in taste, health and value.
Kagome’s passion for quality and community support is at the heart of our mission to promote wellbeing and innovation.
FINALISTS — Kagome Excellence in Health and Wellbeing Award
Moama Dental Clinic
Moama Dental Clinic is a vision realised after an 8000 km journey and is now the premier dental practice in the region.
Our state-of-the-art facility features the latest dental technology, supported by a skilled and experienced team.
We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, treating every patient like family.
Our team of six dentists and one oral health
therapist ensures personalised care and upholds the highest standards of quality and integrity.
Unique to our region, we offer an in-house general anaesthetic theatre for anxious patients and specialised All-on-Implant procedures.
We believe God created teeth, and we recreate smiles.
Restore Studio
Restore Studio was founded to create a natural healing, growth, empowerment and education space.
The health and happiness of the families we care for are our why.
We stand for healthy families and understand how important it is to feel and function at our best within our nervous system so we can thrive instead of survive.
Our highly skilled chiropractors provide
paediatric, prenatal, pregnancy and family care with brain-based and nervous systems chiropractic care.
That means our neurologically focused chiropractic care looks at you beyond symptoms.
We believe everybody should be regulating optimally with ease.
For more information, visit www.restorestudioco.com
FINALISTS — Kagome Excellence in Health and Wellbeing Award
SR Health
SR Health Wellness Clinic, founded by principal practitioner Sanjay Ranchhod, strives to enhance the health and wellbeing of the local communities.
Offering Rochester and surrounding communities a safe and welcoming environment to overcome pain, injuries, stress and tension.
SR Health Wellness Clinic practices massage therapy, including deep tissue massage,
Adore Pilates
Adore Pilates is a boutique Reformer Pilates studio located in the heart of Moama.
Featuring 10 state-of-the-art reformer beds in a spacious modern studio, classes are designed to deliver a full-body workout focusing on form and fun.
Suitable for beginners to more advanced pilates enthusiasts, your highly skilled reformer
myofascial release therapy and sports massage. Having worked in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years, Sanjay’s passion and depth of knowledge, shine through in his exceptional client results and his ability to always find a solution.
Opening SR Health Wellness Clinic and being able to help the local communities is one of his greatest blessings.
teachers will ensure you always work to your full pilates potential.
Owner and teacher Britt Allman is passionate about helping people realise just how good their bodies are designed to feel through movement.
Britt and her team are located at 3/48 Meninya St, Moama.
Committee for Echuca Moama Excellence in Marketing Award
This category recognises creativity and innovation in the promotion of products, services and/or destinations.
Formed in 2011, the Committee for Echuca Moama is a not-for-profit, politically independent, member-based organisation that works with the community and businesses to make our community a prosperous, vibrant, diverse and inclusive place to live.
C4EM is delighted to sponsor this year’s Excellence in Marketing category and congratulate the winner who has worked hard to identify their customers’ needs and develop compelling marketing strategies.
FINALIST — Committee for Echuca Moama Excellence in Marketing Award
Soap Bar Co.
In the short 16 months that Soap Bar Co. has been operating, marketing has been one of our strongest business elements. We have grown our social media accounts to over 35K followers across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and Threads, and our standout is Instagram, with over 25K followers alone.
Sadly, our Instagram was hacked this past month, and we lost everything overnight. Having to start from scratch, our new account grew to over 1K followers in just 24 hours. We pride ourselves on in-house photography, content creation and engaging our followers and customers with a split of soap and personal life within our content.
Committee for Echuca Moama – a voice for our community
C4EM aims to unite key stakeholders across the Echuca Moama region to foster innovative, cross-industry collaboration that addresses the community’s most pressing challenges.
C4EM has collaborated on many projects, with our current focus on workforce, education and training, the Bridge Arts Project, CCTV cameras and lobbying for the retention of irrigation water across the region.
Members have the ability to identify local challenges and work towards solutions through collaboration, subcommittees and networking events.
Want to know more?
Head to our website at www.c4em.com.au where you can sign up to our newsletter or email us to learn more about becoming a member.
COMMITTEE FOR
ECHUCA MOAMA
Melville & Hicks Lawyers Employee of the Year Award
This award recognises the excellence of an individual employee who has shown outstanding effort in providing exceptional value to his/her employer and to customers.
Melville & Hicks Lawyers sponsor the Employee of the Year award because of our commitment to recognise and reward the exceptional work of the employees who work in small business in the Murray Campaspe region. It is important to recognise and reward the contribution by employees to their respective workplaces and the value they bring to the businesses they work in and the community those businesses serve. Without small businesses, the region cannot thrive, and without committed, diligent, and skilled employees, those businesses would not exist.
FINALISTS — Melville & Hicks Lawyers Employee of the Year Award
Jacki Avers — Collins Booksellers Echuca
I nominated Jacki Avers for Employee of the Year, as I honestly couldn’t run my business without her.
Jacki started working for Collins Booksellers the day that I bought the business six years ago and wasn’t a book reader ... needless to say, that has changed.
She runs the business like she owns it, and whatever store or business you own, you’re only
as good as the employee who has the most contact with customers.
Jacki is knowledgeable, has great customer service skills and is friendly and helpful to everyone who comes through the door.
I am thrilled that Jacki is a finalist for this award because she definitely deserves it.
— Collins Booksellers Echuca owner Cindy O’Neill
Carmel Beck — Echuca Regional Health
Carmel Beck has been an employee of Echuca Regional Health since 1981 when she commenced as a dental assistant to the first dentist employed by the health service.
Carmel exemplifies the ERH organisational values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence and supports the delivery of care that is culturally safe, high-quality and
responds to the needs of our community. Carmel is strongly connected within the community and this greatly enhances her ability to support the delivery of care when it’s most needed.
ERH is proud of Carmel’s finalist nomination in the Employee of the Year category.
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Melville & Hicks Lawyers have quickly established themselves as one of Echuca-Moama's leading law rms providing legal services for property transfers, land development, estate litigation, probate, wills, succession planning, agribusiness, commercial and leasing matters in both Victoria and New South Wales.
Led by Hugh Melville and Patrick Hicks, the rm is highly skilled and ef cient and aims to provide direct, practical solutions and guidance to its client base.
FINALISTS — Melville & Hicks Lawyers Employee of the Year Award
Katherine Liddell — Healthy Tummies Pantry
Katherine came to the Healthy Tummies Pantry in February 2022, initially part-time, but now full-time.
Her resume and application struck me as someone Healthy Tummies Pantry needed to have.
Her resume listed skills such as problemsolving, disagreement-solving, cleaning, and menu selections, but the funniest thing was that the job of MOTHER was at the bottom of these skills.
Emma Squires — Luca Solutions
Being Kyabram born and raised, I take great pride and feel extremely privileged to be able to work within my hometown.
When I reflect over the years I have spent in the workforce, something that always manages to be highlighted is that each job has a large component in customer service, which I am passionate about.
Providing open communication while upholding professionalism is something that
The Riverine Herald is proud to sponsor the Best in Retail Award in the Campaspe Murray Business Awards. We congratulate all finalists for their excellence in innovation, customer service, and community impact These businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy, and we’re excited to celebrate those who go above and beyond to deliver an outstanding retail experience.
This was the funniest, but most honest application I had seen.
She was really surprised when I told her why she got the job.
I have hit the employee jackpot with her customer service, loyalty, and hard work.
Katherine treats Healthy Tummies Pantry as her own, and watching her go from strength to strength has been a pleasure.
— Healthy Tummies Pantry owner Debi Kitt.
is appreciated throughout the community and naturally develops a growth within not only myself but the business I work for.
Luca Solutions came into the picture for me a little over two years ago when I was searching for my ‘place’.
I have been given the opportunity to showcase my love for customer service, being challenged to enhance that service to an even higher level, which I love, and continuing to learn each day.
2022 Employee of the Year winner Olivia Wescombe.
From those who prepare meals for our patients, to the clinical staff providing essential care, to the team tending the gardens where people find solace during life’s toughest moments. Our staff also includes those who answer the phones, assist with appointments, keep the technology running smoothly, and ensure our accounts are managed and paid on time. All working collectively to serve our community.
Rich River Golf Club Excellence in Hospitality Award
Open to any business offering hospitality, food, accommodation or entertainment.
Rich River Golf Club is proud to host the Campaspe Murray Business Excellence Awards this year. These awards provide an opportunity to celebrate our local businesses and their people. This year Rich River Golf Club is excited to sponsor the “Excellence in Hospitality” category. Congratulations to all the finalists in this category and all categories. It is such an achievement to be recognised as one of the best in your industry, in our community. Well done.
FINALISTS — Rich River Golf Club Excellence in Hospitality Award
Mathoura Bowling Club
The Mathoura Bowling Club is small in size and prides itself on being a value-for-money family-friendly country club.
The club has a full bistro with function rooms, TAB, Keno and ATM, free camping with wellkept and clean amenities, a kids’ playroom and two bowling greens.
Over the last few years, the club has made investments back into itself, which has resulted in a 266 per cent increase in membership
Bar Lee
Bar Lee, nestled inside the award-winning Echuca Distillery, offers unforgettable locally crafted drinks, delectable cuisine and warm, welcoming hospitality.
Priding themselves on great customer service, Bar Lee is an experience, not just going out for dinner.
All staff are highly trained with a passion for
since 2019.
Being nominated for “Excellence in Hospitality” acknowledges all the hard work the staff and members have done to ensure the Mathoura Bowling Club is at the top of its game.
Mathoura Bowling Club is at 1/9 Moama St, Mathoura, open from 11am to late seven days a week.
For more information, visit mathourabowlingclub.com.au
hospitality and customer service.
Bar Lee’s nomination reflects the restaurant and bars commitment to great service to locals and visitors to Echuca Moama.
Bar Lee is at 555 High St, Echuca, open from noon Wednesday to Sunday.
For more information, visit www.barlee.net
FINALISTS — Rich River Golf Club Excellence in Hospitality Award
Riverbank Moama
Set against the backdrop of large gumtrees and on the banks of the Horseshoe Lagoon, an inlet of the Murray River, you will find Riverbank Moama.
With an indoor table, on the deck overlooking the water, or even a dog-friendly garden dining table, arrive and be greeted and looked after. Relax in the surroundings while the bartender shakes you up a Passionfruit Martini.
Gargarro Café
Gargarro Botanic Garden Café is more than just a café — it’s a hub for community groups, a venue for local functions, and a serene spot to enjoy a meal with friends in a garden setting. Owners Joel and Leon, who grew up locally, are deeply invested in creating a warm and welcoming space for regulars and visitors alike,
Then enjoy flavourful French-influenced modern Australian dishes made in-house, including sharing plates of panko-crumbed oysters or every guest’s favourite, Scallops gratinated with mornay sauce, French Gruyere cheese and pork belly crumble.
Pair the handmade gnocchi prawn with a local Pinot Grigio before ending on a sweet note with dessert.
with a strong focus on highlighting locally sourced goods.
Whether hosting beautiful functions, catering for local events, or serving café-goers tasty food and wine, Gargarro Café consistently aims to create memorable experiences for its patrons.
WELCOME TO MATHOURA BOWLING CLUB
Located between the tourist hubs of Echuca-Moama and Deniliquin, our small club offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with great value. Whether dining in the Bistro, enjoying a drink in the Sports Bar, or trying your luck in the TAB/Keno, you'll feel right at home.
We welcome new members and visitors for bowls, social activities, or events, with plenty of options for functions and barefoot bowls. As the region’s smallest club with the biggest heart, we guarantee it’s worth the drive!
1-9 Moama Street, Mathoura (03) 5880 3200 www.mathourabowlingclub.com.au
2022 Excellence in Hospitality winner Moama Bakery Pty Ltd.
River
Greenham Best Agribusiness Award
Open to any business (viticulture, horticulture, dairy, livestock, etc) providing goods and/or services within the primary industries or who value add to agricultural products.
“Greenham is proud to sponsor the Best Agribusiness category as we believe it’s important to support and recognise the achievement of local businesses that foster growth and innovation in the sector. Our Tongala facility is a major employer and dependant on the viability of agriculture in this region.” — Greenham joint managing director Grant Ryan.
FINALISTS — Greenham Best Agribusiness Award
Tulla Natives
Tulla Natives is a home-grown native plant enterprise based in Wakool, NSW, for all your garden and plantation needs.
From potted stock for the home gardener to wholesale supply, we are your one-stop shop for revegetation projects, shelter belts and fodder crop plantations, including CSIRO Anameka
saltbush (TM), and we offer larger-scale contract planting services.
All stock is propagated on-site and hardened to ensure our plants are the toughest they can be. Visit on advertised open days or contact us to make an appointment. Let us help with all your planting needs.
Jen’s Hens Certified Organic Free Range Eggs
Jen’s Hens Certified Organic Free Range Eggs is our local genuine certified organic free range egg supplier.
We rehome older birds to make way for new birds.
Entering the Campaspe Murray Business Awards has brought Jen’s Hens to a wider
audience and highlighted the region’s ability to produce high-quality food.
Organic food production is a growing industry. Winning this award would allow Jen’s Hens to promote the viability of organic food to its local and interstate customer base and potentially grow Jen’s Hens business further.
Coolabah Turf Best Professional Service Community Award
Open to any not-for-profit organisation that provides a service to the community. These businesses may trade in surplus as long as no person or organisation is paid a dividend.
Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower and supplier of premium instant turf and lawns for life. The Coolabah team produces and delivers sustainable instant turf and lawn solutions to Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers.
Coolabah Turf has long believed that a healthy business requires strong, vibrant communities in which to live, work and play. Therefore, it is excited to sponsor the Professional Service Community category.
FINALISTS — Coolabah Turf Best Professional Service Community Award
Murray Haven Homes
Murray Haven Homes is a 55-bed age care facility set within spacious gardens and landscaping.
Opened in 1982, Murray Haven has become home to many older persons within our community and surrounding district.
Our community-based home provides quality of care and supports our residents to live the life they choose.
Barham High School
Barham High School entered the Campaspe Murray Business Excellence Awards to recognise and celebrate the hard work, dedication and innovative practices that the school community has implemented.
The school aims to highlight its commitment to excellence in education and its positive impact on students and the broader community.
Participation in the awards provides an opportunity to showcase the school’s
Murray Haven residents are regularly entertained by local artists, singing along to their favourite tunes and then socialising over a cup of tea and homemade goodies from the kitchen.
Murray Haven Homes acknowledges and appreciates each staff member’s dedication to caring for and supporting the residents of Murray Haven in living the lives they choose.
achievements, share best practices, and gain valuable feedback to improve further.
We are proud of our achievements in wanting to continually improve to benefit the community’s youth, who are our future leaders.
Our staff feedback from our People Matters Survey indicated that Barham High School is a positive working environment, and we want to lead by example within our community.
FINALISTS — Coolabah Turf Best Professional Service Community Award
Bendigo TAFE Echuca
Located in the heart of Echuca Moama’s business district, Bendigo TAFE Echuca Campus’ Skills and Jobs Centre is an essential resource for individuals aiming to join the workforce, engage in training or develop new skills.
It also assists employers in fulfilling their workforce needs.
This Victorian Government-funded service offers free career advice on training and
Community Living & Respite Services
Community Living & Respite Services is delighted to be a finalist in the Campaspe Murray Business Awards Best Professional Service — Community category.
CLRS delivers services to people with disability and young people in care through our residential supports, providing in-home and community support and enabling access to activities and capacity building through social
Echuca Regional Health
Echuca Regional Health is located on Yorta Yorta country and serves 52,000 people in the Campaspe Shire and Murray River Council. Established in 1882, the health service has served the community for 142 years, providing a comprehensive range of acute, medical, surgical and sub-acute services, a cancer and wellness centre, education and training, a residential aged care facility, headspace and a broad range of community services.
Moulamein Preschool Inc
Moulamein Preschool, a cornerstone of our community, proudly celebrates 50 years of providing early childhood education and care. Run by a dedicated volunteer management committee, the preschool has thrived thanks to its amazing staff and volunteers, who are strategic thinkers focused on future community needs.
This year marks Moulamein Preschool’s golden anniversary, and the exciting news is that they
employment opportunities through qualified career advisors.
Services are confidential and accessible to anyone in the community, both in-person and online.
Since opening in 2023, the centre has collaborated closely with schools, employers, and community organisations, supporting over 700 individuals.
enterprises, customised employment programs and various group activities.
CLRS has been recognised as a great workplace with excellent management practices and a highly engaged workforce.
Our vision of empowering individuals and families to live the life they choose in a community enriched by the inclusion of all is key to our success.
Over the past year, ERH provided care to 28,696 people in the Emergency Department, admitted 17,167 inpatients, performed 4415 operations, supported the birth of 362 babies and provided approximately 70,000 community and homebased services.
ERH takes pride in providing a safe, calm and connected environment for both our staff and the community we serve
have received their license for a daycare facility.
The team is now recruiting staff to open this new room, the culmination of a long and dedicated effort.
For the second time, Moulamein Preschool is a finalist in the Campaspe Murray Business Awards in the Professional Services Community category.
For more information, visit www.moulameinpreschool.com
SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 142 YEARS
ERH provides a comprehensive range of acute, medical, surgical and sub-acute services plus residential aged care, a broad range of community healthcare services, Cancer and Wellness centre, headspace & education and training.
We take pride in providing a safe, calm and connected environment for both our staff and the community we serve.
Leading the way
Barham High School has recently been selected as an Excellence Awardee for the ‘‘Best Regional School’ in Australia!
Barham High School offers a very broad curriculum for students to study from. Including five VET courses and Extension 2 English and Extension 2 Mathematics! Buses transporting from Moulamein, Wakool, Kerang, Cohuna, Murrabit and many more.
Every student is known, valued and cared for to succeed in life post-school.
Community Bank Tongala & Mathoura Best New Business Award
Open to any new business that commenced operations in the past three years.
Community Bank Tongala and Mathoura are excited to sponsor the Best New Business category. We are passionate about our community and have reinvested over $1,000,000 back into our local town via grants, sponsorships and scholarships. By supporting new local businesses, we celebrate their role in helping our community grow and create jobs. This sponsorship shows our commitment to encouraging fresh ideas and local talent, contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
FINALISTS — Community Bank Tongala & Mathoura Best New Business Award
Soap Bar Co.
Soap Bar Co. is a new business, in operation for 16 months, growing from an idea to a flourishing company.
In this short amount of time, we have an inventory that we try to keep stocked at a base level of 1500 bars of soap and they go out the
door as fast as we can make them.
We have a huge local following, customer base and customers Australia-wide.
We are so in love with what we have created and excited to see what’s next for our pretty little business.
SR Health Wellness Clinic
SR Health Wellness Clinic, founded by principal practitioner Sanjay Ranchhod, strives to enhance the health and wellbeing of the local communities.
Offering Rochester and surrounding communities a safe and welcoming environment to overcome pain, injuries, stress and tension.
SR Health Wellness Clinic practices massage therapy, including deep tissue massage,
Adore Pilates
Adore Pilates is a boutique Reformer Pilates studio located in the heart of Moama.
Featuring 10 state-of-the-art reformer beds in a spacious modern studio, classes are designed to deliver a full-body workout focusing on form and fun.
Suitable for beginners to more advanced pilates enthusiasts, your highly skilled reformer
myofascial release therapy and sports massage. Having worked in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years, Sanjay’s passion and depth of knowledge, shine through in his exceptional client results and his ability to always find a solution.
Opening SR Health Wellness Clinic and being able to help the local communities is one of his greatest blessings.
teachers will ensure you always work to your full pilates potential.
Owner and teacher Britt Allman is passionate about helping people realise just how good their bodies are designed to feel through movement.
Britt and her team are located at 3/48 Meninya St, Moama.
FINALISTS — Community Bank Tongala & Mathoura Best New Business Award
Sap Architecture
Sap Architecture provides high-quality architectural services in the Campaspe Murray region.
Sap Architecture serves residential clients and a select number of commercial clients.
Our designs prioritise functionality and sustainability, ensuring that each project fosters inspiring spaces with minimal environmental impact.
Gargarro Café
Since opening in 2023, Gargarro Botanic Garden Café has been bustling, serving both local patrons and travellers.
More than just a café, it’s now a go-to for local catering and functions, a hub for community group outings, and — after many years running a successful coffee van — a place to enjoy
We transform your vision and ideas into the project of your dreams, handling everything from concept to completion
We pride ourselves on offering a client-focused approach to our design services.
Our comprehensive service guides clients from the initial design stages through to the production of construction drawings and offering support during the construction phase. Moreover, we co-ordinate any additional consultants necessary for the clients’ project.
fantastic coffee.
Having grown up locally, Joel and Leon are passionate about connecting with the community, sourcing local ingredients and building an inviting, functional and versatile venue that embraces its unique location and offers something for everyone.
Commercial & Residential Architecture
admin@saparchitecture.com.au www.saparchitecture.com.au
Discovery Parks Group Excellence in Tourism Award
This category is open to any business offering goods, attractions or services to the visitor economy.
As a leading provider of holiday park accommodations, Discovery Parks understands the importance of tourism as a driving force for regional development and economic growth. Their sponsorship reflects their dedication to enhancing the visitor experience and fostering a thriving tourism sector that benefits the entire community. This award encourages innovation and excellence within the tourism industry by recognising and rewarding excellence, ensuring that the region remains a top destination for travellers.
FINALISTS — Discovery Parks Group Excellence in Tourism Award
Billabong Ranch Adventure Park Pty Ltd
At Billabong Ranch, enjoy a leisurely horse trail ride through the magnificent red gum forest, suited to all ages and riding abilities, from seven years old and up.
The Billabong Ranch also has a Family Fun Park with indoor mini golf, pedal boats, rock climbing, a playground, beach volleyball, table tennis, outdoor ten-pin bowling, frisbee golf, indoor archery, camel rides, bungee trampolines, a merry-go-round, pony rides and a fully licensed family cafe.
Bar Lee
Bar Lee is passionate about collaborating with local businesses to enrich the tourism experience in Echuca Moama. Known for its exceptional customer service, Bar Lee has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
With a focus on showcasing the premium spirits crafted by Echuca Distillery and featuring fresh, local produce, Bar Lee goes beyond just
With inviting cabins, caravan sites and opportunities for fun, Discovery Parks will make your next holiday a breeze. Pack the bags, grab the family, it’s time for adventure.
BOOK NOW discoveryparks.com.au
Billabong Ranch hosts large group getaways and school and holiday camps for up to 160 guests in bunkhouse cabin-style accommodation.
Billabong Ranch can come to you with camel and pony rides, an animal nursery, carriage rides and hires.
Billabong Ranch, corner of Glanville and Tehan Rd, Echuca.
For more information, visit www.billabongranch.com.au
being a bar and restaurant—it’s a true regional experience. Our expertly trained staff are dedicated to ensuring every visit is memorable. As part of the “Excellence in Tourism” initiative, Bar Lee is proud to demonstrate its capabilities as a welcoming hub for the entire community.
You can find Bar Lee at 555 High St, Echuca, open from noon Wednesday to Sunday.
For more information, www.barlee.net.
FINALISTS — Discovery Parks Group Excellence in Tourism Award
Riverbank Moama
Riverbank Moama is a destination establishment that ticks many boxes, location, service, food and much more.
Set against the backdrop of large gumtrees and on the banks of the Horseshoe Lagoon, an inlet of the Murray River, you will find Riverbank Moama.
Frequented by locals and enjoyed by those travelling and making a trip to Moama, Riverbank Moama offers the perfect place to
Gargarro Café
Gargarro Café offers more than just a pitstop for travellers passing through one of Victoria’s quieter areas — it’s a destination in itself.
The two-storey modern building is beautifully contrasted by expansive botanic gardens complemented by the natural soundtrack of the region’s prolific birdlife.
gather and catch up with friends and family of all ages.
With indoor, on the deck overlooking the water, or dog-friendly garden table dining, Riverbank Moama offers food with a view for you to arrive at, be greeted and looked after.
Riverbank Moama is located within Moama Waters tourist park, so you can enjoy that cocktail with your dinner before returning to your villa. We also offer takeaway meals.
Owners Joel and Leon grew up locally and are passionate about showcasing the region’s offerings, from locally sourced wines and ingredients to baked goods and hospitality.
Gargarro Café embraces its unique location, positioning itself as a premier licensed function venue that appeals to both locals and out-oftown guests.
Echuca Regional Health Community Impact Award
Community Impact category spotlights and honours a business or organisation whose selfless efforts have made a tangible, measurable impact on the community.
Echuca Regional Health proudly sponsors the inaugural Community Impact Award. It is wonderful to shine a light on the unsung heroes in our community who provide essential services, helping our community thrive and navigate through events that impact upon us. ERH takes pride in being a part of the wonderful community that we serve. Congratulations to all nominees in this category.
FINALISTS — Echuca Regional Health Community Impact Award
Brady Electrical Contracting
Brady Electrical Contracting has illuminated the spirit of community in the Campaspe and Murray region with their generous support of many local community projects. Based in Kyabram, the business delivers community support well beyond town boundaries.
Annually, the team at Brady Electrical Contracting brings holiday cheer to families by setting up giant decorations that create lasting memories during this magical season. Many of these installations are made possible through Council’s financial support however following the devastation of the October 2022 floods, Brady Electrical Contracting were keen to provide the town of Rochester with some holiday cheer free of charge to ensure Christmas was still a magical time of the year.
Moama Bakery
David and Jacqui Wegener, owners of Moama Bakery, have become pillars of the Echuca Moama community through their extraordinary generosity over the last few decades.
Supporting local sports clubs, schools, and community groups, the business donates an incredible 3900 loaves of bread each year, along with substantial financial sponsorship to many clubs and organisations.
The product donations help to ensure students start their day well with a meal, while also aiding organisations like the Men’s Shed,
Winter Blues Festival
For 25 years, the Winter Blues Festival Committee, a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers, has been at the heart of one of Echuca Moama’s most impactful events. It began with six street performers in the Port and has grown into a community-wide event that straddles both sides of the Murray River and features around 50 performers 125 shows in over 20 venues.
Drawing around 20,000 attendees annually, the festival has transformed the slowest weekend of the year into one of the busiest, generating over $10 million in added economic activity for the region.
They knew the town was hurting and wanted to do their bit to help them on the recovery journey.
Aside from spreading Christmas cheer, Brady Electrical Contracting helps other local community groups with initiatives, such as lighting up the historic Kyabram Plaza Theatre, supporting the Kyabram Fauna Park with new displays and lighting and the list goes on.
By providing their services and products free of charge, Brady Electrical Contracting demonstrates an unwavering commitment to enhancing community life. Their contributions have brought joy and a sense of unity to the region, making them a truly deserving finalist for the Community Impact Award.
churches, and numerous fundraisers.
In addition to their food contributions, Moama Bakery introduced a “Coffee and a Chat” initiative in collaboration with local schools, fostering social connections for newcomers and those feeling socially isolated.
Moama Bakery’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around them has had a profound impact, making them a standout nominee for the Community Impact Award.
Beyond economic benefits, the Winter Blues Festival is a free, family-friendly, and inclusive event that enriches the community’s cultural life and encourages social connection, fostering improved mental health outcomes. With no paid employees, the volunteer committee’s tireless efforts are to be acknowledged and celebrated. They donate many hours of their time to deliver a first-class event that locals and visitors alike look forward to every year.
To be able to deliver an event of this calibre free from charge is very rare. Congratulations to the organising committee
EDGE FM Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Any young entrepreneurs, 35 years of age and under, who has developed their own successful business were eligible to enter this category.
Edge FM is proud to support the Campaspe Murray Business Awards, and it’s our pleasure to align our business with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, which supports and recognises young business leaders who are driving regional economic growth. We love to celebrate great success and recognise amazing achievements to encourage others to excel in their businesses. The connection that ACE Radio — Edge FM has with local businesses and our wider community is one that we value greatly.
FINALISTS — EDGE FM Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Chloe Cross – Cross Carpet Cleaning
My name is Chloe Cross, a 24-year-old entrepreneur originally from Cranbourne, Victoria.
I moved to Rushworth six years ago for a scenic change and to pursue my passion for horse riding.
At 21, I founded Cross Carpet Cleaning out of a desire to help others maintain clean and safe environments.
Growing up with parents who owned their own businesses, I was inspired and guided by them and the local business community.
Today, I am proud to run a successful company with 10 workers, serving clients with dedication and professionalism.
FINALISTS — EDGE FM Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Vanessa Bronsgeest – Soap Bar Co.
In 16 short months, I turned a small idea into a thriving business.
I am proud to call myself the founder and creator of Soap Bar Co.
It all started with a bar of soap, and now I am making 400 bars a week to keep up with
Britt Allman – Adore Pilates
I was born and raised locally, and I discovered my love of movement during high school, which led me to qualify as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer.
After undergoing knee reconstruction in 2015, I was introduced to Pilates and quickly realised its benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Shaun Amos – Sap Architecture
Since my days in primary school, I’ve harboured the dream of running my own architecture practice.
This vision became a reality with the inception of Sap Architecture, which has swiftly grown to serve around 70 clients in two years.
The growth in our client base since 2022 stems from exceptional service and high levels of client satisfaction, leading to recommendations
demand. I attend local markets, sell directly to customers online and have over 35 stockists Australia-wide.
I am on my way to becoming a well-known Australian brand whose products you will see in washrooms around our beautiful country.
My curiosity and desire to share these benefits inspired me to complete my Certificate IV in Pilates (Mat and Reformer), along with pre and post-natal training and APPI Clinical Pilates training.
In 2023, after five years of teaching Pilates and 11 years of group fitness, I opened my boutique reformer Pilates studio, Adore Pilates.
within their networks.
Through effective management and strategic planning, we have been able to handle an increasing workload without compromising on the quality of service.
Consequently, Sap Architecture stands as a testament to the fulfilment of a childhood aspiration and the power of efficiency.
2022 Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner, Kyle Bartlett — 7 Beans Coffee.
Business of the Year
The Business of the Year award recognises a business that has demonstrated outstanding achievements, performance and innovation. This award is open to any business that has won an award category.
2022 Business of the Year winner
SLTEC Fertilizers had a night to remember winning the Business of the Year award at the Campaspe Murray Business Awards.
The Tongala-based business beat a hot field to claim the top gong on a glittering awards evening at Rich River Golf and Country Club.
In a hectic five-minute period, SLTEC Fertilizers won the Foodmach Excellence in Manufacturing Award before completing a memorable double.
“We’re grateful to the judges for voting for us, we’re over the moon,” owner-director Jamie McMaster said.
“To win the Excellence in Manufacturing was a
great thrill and then this, I’m over the moon.”
Established in 2005 by the McMaster family, SLTEC Fertilizers is a leading manufacturer of fertilizers based in Tongala.
The family has strong links to the Goulburn Valley region.
“My grandfather’s grandfather was Tom McMaster, who built the Shamrock Hotel in Rochester,” Mr McMaster said.
“Tom was the first to use irrigation in the Goulburn Valley and I’m using that water now for fertilizers.”
SLTEC Fertilizers prides itself on being innovators in the field, having a strong research
and development focus.
The company’s manufacturing plant is a worldstandard, high volume operation, supplying product to a wide range of customers with their professional, logistical and agronomical support.
SLTEC Fertilizers is committed to supplying high-quality products with more than 70 standard formulations on the product list, with the capability to meet the nutritional needs of their clients through custom blends.
Mr McMaster said SLTEC Fertilizers had gone from strength to strength in recent years and is exceptionally proud of his team.
2022 Business of the Year winner, SLTEC Fertilizers.
and the 2024 winners are...
CATEGORY WINNER
Nichol Trading People’s Choice
Moama Bowling Club Best Home Based Business
Riverine Herald
McPherson Media Group Best Retail Business
Telstra
Best Professional Service – Business
Foodmach Excellence in Manufacturing & Trade
Kagome Excellence in Health and Wellbeing
Melville & Hicks Lawyers Employee of the Year C4EM Excellence in Marketing
Rich River Golf Club Excellence in Hospitality
Greenham Best Agribusiness
Coolabah Turf Best Professional Service – Community
Community Bank
Tongala & Mathoura – Best New Business
Discovery Parks Group Excellence in Tourism
Echuca Regional Health – Community Impact
Edge FM Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Business of the Year