Federation University Gippsland Business Awards gala presentation night has come and gone, and those best in the business have been named.
Two of Sale’s six Gippsland Business Awards nominees were awarded category winners: Scarlett & Grace in Manufacturing/Export and Siesta Central Apartments in Accommodation.
The Foster-based boutique beverage producer, Gurneys Cidery, won the top honour at the awards, being named the prestigious Gippsland Business of the Year.
More than 300 people from across Gippsland attended the gala on Friday, August 26, to celebrate the best of the region’s business sector.
Bairnsdale business James Yeates & Sons Pty Ltd was inducted into the Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame, joining an impressive list of Gippsland businesses.
Gippsland Business Awards chair, Graeme Sennett, congratulated the night’s winning businesses.
“The standard of this year’s entrants demonstrates the depth and variety of businesses across the region as well as creativity, ingenuity and tenacity,” he said.
“The finalists were all outstanding, so it was a difficult task for the judges.”
Mr Sennett said Gurneys Cidery demonstrated a well-defined business plan, encompassing technology and environmental interests, along with innovation in cider production, wrapping and storage.
“With initial exports of cider to Japan and strong demand throughout Australia, Gurneys Cider produces unique, small batches of traditional dry ciders from the fruit of thousands of purpose-grown heritage apple trees,” he said.
“The cider production shed, and award-winning Cellar Door is becoming a highly visited tourist destination showcasing South Gippsland’s growers, producers and craftspeople.”
A board of five judges across eight judging criteria assess and independently rates each Gippsland Business Awards finalist.
This year’s judges said that Siesta Central Apartment’s had a number of positives that led to their success as 2022 Gippsland Business Awards winners.
“A clear plan, focus on delivery and above benchmark return guest numbers demonstrates delivery of a successful strategy, through differentiated product, high client satisfaction and staff development,” the judges said.
Determination and willingness to go above and beyond set Scarlet & Grace out from the rest.
“Scarlet & Grace is a business that goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, especially through customer support and a solid focus on delivering quality products in a competitive marketplace,” the judges said.
