Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (10:51):
I had the privilege of attending the 30th Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards. What a night it was! Businesses in the Hunter electorate absolutely dominated the stage, taking home loads of awards. Today I want to recognise and congratulate our local winners. Running a business is never easy, and the recognition that comes with these awards is well deserved.
The Access and Inclusion award went to Hunter Valley Tours, operated by Julie Newman. Julie started her tour business in 2015 as the first Hunter tour business to provide access for those with mobility issues. Because of Julie, everyone can enjoy wine tours of the beautiful Hunter Valley. In the category of Home Based business, Outback Jess was 'highly commended'. In the Financial and Real Estate Services category, LJ Hooker Cessnock took home the top award. Bryce and Mellissa Gibson do an amazing job and are always actively engaged in our community through fundraising initiatives and local events. In the Hospitality and Tourism category, Our Italian Table in Pokolbin was 'highly commended'.
The General Business award went to Dragonfly Cakes at Weston, owned by Fiona Campbell. Fiona specialises in creating bespoke wedding cakes and event cakes with a strong focus on weddings. Each cake is made from scratch using premium ingredients. If you're looking for the perfect cake to match the perfect event, this is the place to go.
I was grateful to present the awards in the category of Health Services. The clear winner this year was Initial Response Group, run by Dan and Emma Coutts. Initial Response Group provides specialist training and safety services focused on preparing individuals and organisations for effective responses in emergency or critical situations.
In the category of New Start business, Confetti Finance was 'highly commended'. Bryan Hampton from Vintage Connections was 'highly commended' in the category of Customer Service - Individual. Young Entrepreneur of the Year was a big category for the Hunter, with Aleesha Hardie from OAR Holistic Beauty & Wellness receiving 'highly commended' and Alice Farrelly from Reformed Bookkeeper announced as the winner.
Hunter locals also featured heavily in the category Business Woman of the Year. Julie Newman from Hunter Valley Tours was 'highly commended' and Kurri local Lee-Anne McAllister from McAllister Legal Services was awarded winner. Initial Response Group and LJ Hooker Cessnock were both named finalists for the top Business of the Year award.
Make sure you get out and support our local businesses. They are the lifeblood of our local communities. Congratulations to all the winners and those who were highly commended. Keep up the good work. Thank you to the event organisers for putting on a fantastic event. It was a pleasure to be there. I'm looking forward to going to next year's awards.
