Gundagai’s Wren Store and Styling owner Renee Lindley (left) and The Bush Chemist Cootamundra won the Super Star Customer Service Awards. Photo: Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
Cootamundra and Gundagai business owners were recently honoured for their resilience and achievements within their respective communities.
The Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has taken over the organisation of both the Gundagai and Cootamundra business awards, hosting them as two separate events.
The awards celebrated the hard work, resilience, and dedication of local businesses, organisations, and the individuals behind them.
“The Gundagai Business Awards went extremely well,” CGRC’s tourism and economic development officer for Gundagai Casey Polsen told Region.
“It was the first time we’ve held them here in Gundagai. It was all trial and error, but it turned out to be a great night. We had about 80 attendees.”
Ms Polsen reported receiving positive feedback from local business owners about the awards.
“It was a good opportunity to bring everyone together,” she said.
“People were happy to see other business owners and talk to like-minded individuals. They enjoyed the collaboration and catching up with those just two doors down, whom they rarely see due to their busy schedules.
“We always strive to improve our relationship with businesses as a local council, and this was a nice way to achieve that and become more involved with them.”
CGRC’s tourism and economic development officer for Cootamundra Leah Sutherland said the 2024 Cootamundra Business Awards was a celebratory night of recognition.
“It was a highly successful event, celebrating the achievements and contributions of local businesses, organisations and individuals,” Ms Sutherland said.
“There were 109 people … nominees, their workmates and family gathered at the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club to celebrate the announcement of category winners.
“All enjoyed a delicious three-course meal. Emcee Paul Braybrooks kept the night on track.”
Ms Sutherland said the businesses and organisations were the backbone of the Cootamundra community.
“The businesses and organisations provide economic, social and cultural benefits that larger corporations often can’t replicate,” she said.
“They create jobs for residents, foster social connections and act as gathering places that strengthen community bonds.
“Recognition of these businesses, organisations and individuals through the business awards plays a vital role in strengthening the local economy, enhancing community ties, and promoting a culture of excellence among businesses.”
Winners of the Gundagai Business Awards, held on 11 October at the Gundagai Services Club:
Outstanding Employee (BNSW Aligned) – Anthea Cooper – Riss & Co Hair
Outstanding Young Business Leader (BNSW Aligned) – Josey Potter – Morewool Shearing
Outstanding Business Leader (BNSW Aligned) – Bonita Taylor – Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre
Excellence in Innovation (BNSW Aligned) – Gundagai Lamb
Excellence in Sustainability (BNSW Aligned) – Highfield Farm and Woodland
Outstanding Community Organisation (BNSW Aligned) – CanAssist Gundagai
Outstanding New Business (BNSW Aligned) – Defiance Co
Excellence in Business (BNSW Aligned) – Smarts Butchery
Outstanding Tradie – Gus Pollack – Eccleston’s Plumbing
Outstanding Individual Customer Service – Amy Turner – Turner Accounting & Taxation
The Super Star Customer Service Award – Wren Store & Styling.
Winners of the Cootamundra Business Awards, held on 18 October at the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club:
Excellence in Business – Country Med Group
Outstanding New Business – Black Cat Patisserie and Chocolate
Outstanding Young Business Leader Highly Commended – Jason Bates of Bah Bah Food & Wine by Stockinpiggle & Stockinpiggle Farm & Pastured Pig Stud
Outstanding Young Business Leader Award – Tegan Wineman of Riverina Music Therapy
Outstanding Business Leader – Keryn Bell – Cootamundra Preschool
Outstanding Employee – Kellie Close – The Bush Chemist Cootamundra
Outstanding Tradie – South West Slopes Carpet Cleaning
Excellence in Innovation – The Olde General Store
Outstanding Community Organisation Highly Commended – Country Education Foundation of Cootamundra; Winner – Riding For Disabled Cootamundra
Super Star Customer Service Award – The Bush Chemist Cootamundra
Individual Dedication to Customer Service Award – Ryan Radnedge of Cootamundra Supa IGA
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