Three Maffra district businesses were recognised at the 26th annual Gippsland Business Awards.
More than 300 people from across the region celebrated Gippsland’s business sector during the gala event, held in the Federation University auditorium in Churchill.
Maffco Brewery and Distillery won the food and wine producers award.
The judges commented that Maffco was “successfully evolving to meet market needs, adapting to satisfy customer expectations, with a commitment to offer something for everyone, while limiting environmental impact and supporting other local food and wine producers, sets this business apart”.
The hospitality award went to The Vines on Avon, which was seen as “a trusted venue with a personal approach that demonstrates a real community focus by doing what it can to give back”.
“Along with continuous facilities improvement and commitment to staff, The Vines on Avon are proud to provide assistance to other hospitality businesses in the area,” the judges added.
The Berry Dairy won the tourism activities and attractions award.
The judges said the business was “an innovative tourism business where commitment and passion has delivered great growth and a successful first year, with multiple challenges overcome, while utilising technology solutions to create a new tourism experience that provides high levels of customer satisfaction”.
Traralgon South-based Foundation Civil and Mining has won the region’s top business award, named Business of the Year winner, on top of claiming the mechanical trades and construction award.
Awards chairman Graeme Sennett congratulated all the winners on their achievement.
“Yet again, we are astounded by the calibre of the awards’ participants. The variety and diversity of businesses across the region is truly remarkable,” he said.
“With such an impressive array of finalists, once again, choosing the winners proved to be a challenging task for the judges.”
Mr Sennett said Foundation Civil and Mining had demonstrated exponential growth since it was established, driven by a strong focus on value and providing return on investment for major customers.
“Demonstrating a real passion for their industry and the local community, Foundation Civil and Mining has continually identified and capitalised on opportunities for growth, while also planning for their future development and long term sustainability.”
Dwyers Group, Bairnsdale, established in 1898, joined an impressive list of businesses to be inducted into the Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame.
Other winners on the night were Beachcomer Holiday Units, Lakes Entrance (accommodation); Indulge Yourself Beauty Therapy Skin and Laser Clinic, Moe (beauty and personal care); Regional Migration Australia, Traralgon (business and professional services); Baw Baw Physio and Fitness, Drouin (health and wellbeing); Native Seed Box, Wonthaggi (innovation); Plasgain, Drouin (manufacturing); The Collective Cospace, Traralgon (new business), and Moe Fresh Poultry (retail).
Each GBA finalist was assessed and independently rated by five different judges across eight judging criteria.
East Gippsland Shire mayor Tom Crooke presents the award for food and wine producers to Emma Painter and Nicky Reeves from Maffco Brewery and Distillery, Maffra.
Nicole Saunders from The Berry Dairy, Maffra, is pictured receiving the tourism activities and attractions award from South Gippsland Shire mayor Clare Williams.
