A LARGE crowd attended the 2018 Oberon Business and Tourism Awards presentation night on Friday at the Oberon RSL Club.
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The awards again attracted strong support with a huge number of businesses and employees nominated in a range of categories.
Oberon Business and Tourism Association president Helen Lowe said the association had achieved a lot in the past 12 months, including a new website, local telephone directory and Christmas lights competition.
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"Oberon Shop Local vouchers started in 2006 and in 2019 we anticipate that $500,000 has been kept in Oberon,” she said.
"Tonight, we recognise the contribution businesses, individuals and community groups have made to Oberon."
Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz reminded the crowd of the extensive range of businesses in Oberon and said it was amazing to see more new businesses opening in the town.
Cr Sajowitz said the awards showcase success stories in the areas of business leadership, business ethics, sustainability, innovation and employee recognition.
“Congratulations to all the nominees. It must be very rewarding to be recognised by your community,” she said.
Guest speaker, Parkes mayor Ken Keith, thanked the association for inviting him to what he said was such an important event.
Cr Keith, who has spent 35 years on council, received an Order of Australia Medal in 2008 and currently serves on 19 committees on Parkes Shire Council.
Cr Keith said small businesses are the lifeblood of country towns, supporting and sponsoring sport teams.
"Statistics say for every $1 spent in Oberon, 46 per cent revolves and goes back into the community,” he said.
"Companies engaging local suppliers leads to increased growth."
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said there had been lots of nominations and everyone nominated should be proud.
"Those receiving awards should display them in their place of business to remind customers of their achievements," he said.
WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP
Excellence in Agribusiness, Farming, Sustainability or Rural Achievement
Runner-up: Oberon Industrial and Farming Supplies. Winner: Ray White Emms Mooney.
Excellence in Construction, Trades, Manufacturing
Runner-up: GWD Earthmoving. Winner: Oberon Concrete.
Excellence in Food, Hospitality
Runners-up: A Little Taste of Thai and Oberon Farm Meats. Winner: The Universal Eatery.
Excellence in Professional Services
Runner-up: Kenny Spring. Winner: Morse Accounting Services.
Excellence in Small Business, Under 20 Employees
Runner-up: Westside Petroleum. Winner: Tarana Hotel.
Excellence in Business, Over 20 Employees
Runner-up: Mangan Logging. Winner: Mayfield Garden.
Excellence in Tourism, Events or Promoting Oberon
Runner-up: Jenolan Holiday Park. Winner: Mayfield Garden.
Excellence in Community Services
Runner-up: Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Inc. Winner: Rotary Club of Oberon.
Excellence in Health and Lifestyle
Runner-up: Full Circle Martial Arts. Winner: Oberon Pharmacy.
Excellence in Business Innovation
Runner-up: Westside Petroleum. Winner: The Laundry Pad.
Outstanding Apprentice, Trainee or Young Employee
Runner-up: Albert Whalan from Oberon Farm Meats. Winner: Dominica Koudrin from Oberon Pharmacy.
Best New Business
Runner-up: Forever Bouquets. Winner: Oberon Smash Repairs.
Employee of the Year
Highly commended: Bev Fisher, Oberon RSL Club; Chris Cole, Highland Pine Products; Dan Child, Mayfield Garden; Kristy Rusten, Shell Oberon; Rebecca Setter, Jenolan Holiday Park; Peter Price, Oberon RSL Club; and Lynne Causer, Visitor Information Centre. Runner-up: Glenys Newstead, Ray White Emms Mooney. Winner: Kim Mawhood, Morse Group.
People's Choice Award
Oberon RSL Club.
