Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to acknowledge some business excellence award winners in my community over the last few weeks. On Saturday night, the Richmond Valley Business Excellence awards were held.

I want to acknowledge the Excellence in Retail award won by Metcalf Quality Meats—Mick, Nicole and the staff. The Retail Highly Commended award went to Liberty Fuel Services at Evans Head. Congratulations to the owner, Marie Mortimer, and to employee Bridie Garwood, who took out the Employee of the Year award. The Excellence in Hospitality award went to the Casino RSM club—to Neale and the team, well done. The Excellence in Trade and Construction award and the Business of the Year award was won by Casino Tyre Professionals—Scott Brereton, Leah Beaumont and the team, congratulations to you. The Best New Business award went to Lighting, Electrical and Data—to Christina and Shayne, who took this business over quite recently and have done a great job: well done. The Excellence in Beauty and Fitness award went to the Ivy Room Hair Studio. Congratulations to Abby and her team. The Excellence in Sustainability award went to the Kookaburra Early Learning Centre; to Naomi Higgins, the director, and her team: well done. The Best Home-Based award was won by Sabihah Couture—congratulations to Annalise Burton, the owner and designer. The Excellence in Professional Services award was won by LJ Hooker real estate in Evans Head—congratulations to Brian and Dianne, and their team.

The Excellence in Community, On Focus award went to Fiona Miller, the CEO, and all the workers: congratulations. The Community Highly Commended award was won by the One Voice Choir, who did a show called Gallipoli 1915, which was a great show. The Apprentice Trainee of the Year award went to Sacha Clark: congratulations. The Trainee Highly Commended award went to Jodie Soloman and the Wurlitzer Bakery at Evans Head. The Business of the Year award was won by Casino Tyre Professional Services. The People's Choice award was won by Wurlitzer Bakery at Evans Head. The owners, Helen and Mick, and their daughter Sandra, employ 33 staff over their two bakeries, so congratulations to them. The Hall of Fame award went to Frank Karam: well done, Frank. The Induction for Lifetime award to the Hall of Fame went to Nell Pinkerton, Maryanne Bentley, and Jack and Dennis Londy. The sponsors were Richmond Valley Council, Crowe Horwath, NCMC, Tursa, Metgasco, On Focus, Country IT Computers, Home Timber and Hardware, and Casino Travel Shop, so thank you to the sponsors.

Also just recently, the Kyogle Business Awards were held. I want to congratulate their winners as well. The Best Large Business award was won by Michael Smith from his group: well done, Michael—a well-earned award. The Best Small Business and Business of the Year award was won by Gateway Fine Foods at Kyogle Cafe and Kyogle Deli. Well done to owners Debbie and Ian McQueen. The Best New Business award went to Kyogle Quality Meats. The owner, Rhys Thomas, has owned it for two years. Well done to Rhys. The Employee of the Year award was won by Margaret Murray, who works for Oaten and Hoffman Pty Ltd. Congratulations to Margaret. She has worked there for 30 years and has been a wonderful person there. The Customer Service award went to Care Connections: congratulations. The Community Service award was won by Louisa's Fine Foods, which do great work and have great things like fruitcakes and puddings. The Tradesperson of the Year award was won by Neal Nugent, who is the owner and director of Neal Nugent Electrical. Congratulations, Neal. The Young Entrepreneur award went to Timothy Hoffman. The People's Choice award went to Patches of Kyogle. I congratulate them all for the work they do in our communities.

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