After last year’s Golden Crow Awards had to be presented virtually, manager Serena Hardwick said it was a pleasure to announce the finalists to a gathering of around 100.
“That’s the first time we’ve actually been able to announce the finalists in person for three years now,” she said.
“It was just so nice to be in a room of businesses celebrating something because the last two years have been pretty tough.”
A total of 55 finalists were named across 15 categories including ‘Outstanding Start Up’, ‘Employer of Choice’, ‘Outstanding Business Leader’ and the ‘People’s Choice’.
“There’s just a very good vibe at the moment and it was really nice to see the diversity of businesses too,” Serena said.
Launched in 1984, the awards celebrate organisations and individuals showing excellence in growth and entrepreneurship, as well as revenue and occupational success.
The Golden Crow Awards will be held on 27 August and from there some of the winners will progress to the regional awards.
“It actually showcases Wagga as a place to do business because we have so many great examples of success here,” explained Serena.
“The Outstanding Startup category is always a strong category that seems to be forever growing with so many entries.”
She said that despite the struggles, business surveys of the past two years had highlighted the growth of the region.
“The Riverina Murray has outperformed the rest of the state the whole time in terms of business confidence, and I think that is a lot to do with the investment that is happening here,” she said.
“The finalists for these awards are representative of lots of different industries and different size businesses, so it’s really exciting to see.”
Outstanding Start Up
- Australian Medical Advocacy Group
- Bunkr Gym
- EmuTel
- Encore Electrical and Entertainment
- Riverina Gin
- Sew Me School of Fashion and Design
- Small Stars
- The Little Yellow House Gallery and Studio
Outstanding Young Business Leader
- Claire Zollinger – Raine and Horne
- Danielle Nye – National Audits Group
- Greg Dillon – Bunkr Wagga
- Jacob Gutherie – Cobrapparel
- Nic Gannon- Snap Fitness
Employer of Choice
- Active Physiotherapy
- Bower Wood Lawyers
- Charles Sturt Campus Services Limited
- National Audits Group
- Raine & Horne Wagga Wagga
- Riverina Oils
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
- National Audits Group
- Riverina Oils
- Squad Employment and Training
- The Art Factory
Excellence in Small Business
- Heavenly Hair Skin & Nails
- Knights Deli
- RSP Services Pty Ltd
- SILK Laser Clinics Wagga Wagga
Outstanding Employee
- Dana Bryon, COMPACT Incorporated
- Gemma Lamont, Alan Harris McDonald
- Karen Dobson, Wettenhalls Regional Express
- Maddison Owens, JRC Electrical Services
Excellence in Innovation
- AgriFutures Australia
- Encore Electrical and Entertainment Solutions
- JRC Electrical Services
- Prefabulous PTY LTD
Excellence in Micro Business
- Cobrapparel
- I am Enough Coaching
- Wattle and Wildflower
Outstanding Community Organisation
- Centacare South West NSW
- REACH for Training
- Squad Employment and Training
Excellence in Large Business
- Big Springs Water
- Charles Sturt Campus Services
- New Directions Disability Services Pty Ltd
Outstanding Business Leader
- Grant Harris, Raine & Horne Wagga
- James Stanbridge , The Drug Detection Agency
- Shivawn Jeans, SILK Lazer Clinics Wagga Wagga
Excellence in Sustainability
- Andersens
- Big Springs Water
- Riverina Oils
Excellence in Business Ethics
- Alan Harris McDonald Pty Ltd
- Bower Wood Lawyers
Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety
- Calvary Riverina Hospital
- Charles Sturt Campus Services Limited
The People’s Choice
- Cobrapparel
- Craft Brew and BBQ
- David Pattison Physio
- Morburn Collection
- NRMA
Congratulations to all finalists!
The 2022 Golden Crow Awards will be held on 27 August and you can purchase tickets to the event here.