Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (9:51):

I was honoured to have the chance to attend the Singleton Business Awards, and I'm thrilled to say that business in Singleton is thriving. I want to take this opportunity to recognise and congratulate all the award recipients for their well-deserved wins.

Loop Organics were recognised for Excellence in Sustainability. Morgan Engineering were recognised for Excellence in Innovation, and they also took out the category of Excellence in Large Business. Star Club Equestrian Program Inc. took out the category of Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion. They also won the biggest honour of all: Singleton Business of the Year. Well done to all involved in this business on such a great achievement. Meyn Street Meats won the category of Excellence in Retail, and let me tell you I had the privilege of popping into this butcher not too long ago, and it's a meat lover's dream. Hunter Urban Dance Studio won Excellence in Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle. The category of Outstanding Community Organisation was taken out by the Singleton Neighbourhood Centre. Novaskill Hunter Valley were rewarded for their Excellence in Professional Services. The People's Choice Award for Best Customer Service was awarded to HSV Heaven. Congratulations to Murray Robb from HSV Heaven who won the award Singleton's Most Awesome Tradie. Topping off a great night for HSV Heaven, Jessica Stewart was recognised as Young Business Leader of the Year. The award of Outstanding Start Up was presented to Think.Do.Speak. Hollydene Estate wines took home the category for Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism. Wake Ag Contracting won Excellence in Agriculture. Soldier On won the category of Excellence in Supporting Local Veteran Community. Congratulations to Mary-Ann Holland from the School of Infantry, who was recognised as Employee of the Year. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Thapthimthong from School of Infantry won the big award of Business Leader of the Year. Well done to Mary-Ann and Richard. You should be proud to have received such great honours. Excellence in Micro Business was presented to Supreme Sandstone. SportsPower Singleton won the category of Excellence in Small Business. The President's Award was presented to Bulga Coal in recognition of the flood relief and recovery undertaken in the July 2022 floods that impacted Broke, Bulga and Milbrodale villages. Finally, three well-known local businesses collectively reached 80 years of business operations in this area. Congratulations to HVL Group for 25 years, Ariel Conveyancing for 25 years and Pit Express for 30 years.

Thank you to Danny, Laura and Kelsie from Business Singleton and all of the sponsors for putting on such a great night. Once again, congratulations to all the award recipients. Your businesses are a big part of what makes Singleton a great place. And thank you for all you do in the Hunter as well.