Local businesses awarded and supported to keep thriving
Last updated on 13 June 2023
Winners of the inaugural Telstra Macedon Ranges Community Choice Awards 2023 have been announced, while support continues to be provided to local businesses tendering for Council work.
Following an amazing response to the first-time awards, 78 local businesses were nominated by residents and visitors who felt they went above and beyond in displaying excellent customer service.
From those nominees, the winners of this year’s awards as decided by public vote were:
- Riddells Creek Nursery (Riddells Creek) - Agribusiness and Primary Production
Sponsored by Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Associations
- Zenkai - Complete Recovery of Health (Woodend) - Health and Wellbeing
Sponsored by Macedon Ranges Shire Council
- Fook Shing (Kyneton) - Hospitality and Accommodation
Sponsored by Macedon Ranges Industry Groups
- Laser Blanks (Romsey) - Retail and Service
Sponsored by Telstra
- Magnum Signs (New Gisborne) - Trades and Manufacturing
Sponsored by nbn Local
Mayor Annette Death said it was great to give the community a chance to shine the spotlight on their favourite local businesses.
“Given the new format of these awards, we were really pleased by the number of nominations and the positive response we’ve had in general,” she said.
“We hope this gets the word out about businesses in the region that are doing great things – congratulations to all of the winners and nominees.”
The new Community Choice Awards reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to support local businesses in alternating annually with the Business Excellence Awards, which will return next year.
Following a successful tendering and procurement session earlier in the year, Council will be hosting another session on 12 July, where local businesses can learn more about Council’s procurement process and how best to apply for tenders.
Council contracts totalling more than $12 million have been awarded to local businesses over the past four years, with locals also among an additional $33 million worth of contracts budgeted for, such as those on supply panels.
“It’s important we empower local businesses to better position themselves for these opportunities, as they give so much back to our local economy and provide local jobs,” Mayor Death said.
The session at Council’s Gisborne Administration and Service Centre is free, but bookings are essential.