TENTERFIELD’S business fraternity has laid down a marker that will prove hard to beat with last Thursday night’s inaugural awards gala hailed a complete success.
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A packed room nestled into the School of Arts for the first ever Business and Tourism Awards.
Twenty-nine different local businesses had been nominated over 11 different categories.
The night was overseen by Tenterfield Shire Council’s Business Development Officer Harry Bolton and special guest MC Kim Trieste Hastings.
“I thought it was an outstanding night,” Tenterfield mayor Peter Petty said.
“It was great to see – if that’s the first one then it is a great start.
“The atmosphere was great all night – I know some of the people who won awards were pretty moved,” he said.
There were hors d’oeuvres, a two course dinner and plenty of wine courtesy of Deetswood Wines.
Each award was hotly contested with Sexton and Green nabbing three on the night.
But the big winners were Oracles of the Bush for Event of the Year and Corner Life and Style which beat out strong competition to win the Business of the Year.
“We were so surprised and gobsmacked."
- part owner of Business of the Year winner Corner Life and Style, Judy Murphy
“It is just starting to sink in a little I think.
“It’s been so lovely to receive lots of emails and phone calls and people popping in to congratulate us,” she said.
The big win has left her and business partners Julie Hurtz and Deb O’Neill thrilled and excited for next year.
“It’s given us a real buzz and excitement in the shop – the evening was beautiful.
“It was fun and everyone was really happy and excited,” Ms Murphy said.
She credited the organisers for piecing together such an event on their first foray into awards dinners.
“Everyone did a fantastic job and there were no hiccups.
“We’ll be there next year, not to defend the crown but just to enjoy the evening,” Judy said.
Winners:
Apprentice/trainee of the year – Josh Lowe
Excellence in Customer Service – Sexton and Green
Excellence in Hospitality – Tenterfield Golf Club
Excellence in Retail – Premier Meats
Excellence in Agribusiness – Bald Rock Beef Jerky
Excellence in Service Industries – Kristen Lovett Accounting Services
Excellence in Manufacturing/Construction – Whitton Engineering and Drafting
Excellence in Tourism – Best Western Henry Parkes
Excellence in Innovation – Corner Life and Style
Event of the Year – Oracles of the Bush
Business of the Year – Corner Life and Style