Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

There are so many small and family businesses on the Central Coast. In my electorate of Robertson, there are more than 16,000. These businesses are a big part of what makes the Central Coast such a fantastic region to live in and to work in, and it's why events like the Gosford Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are so special. I was really pleased to be able to attend again this year and pay tribute to some of our outstanding local businesses.

Mitch Manson, a young physiotherapist from Brisbane Waters Private Hospital, was named Outstanding Young Employee. Brisbane Water Legacy was awarded Excellence in Social Enterprise—a fantastic achievement for Peter Lawley and his team. Blake Zibara took home the award for Start Up Superstar for his digital marketing business Happy Hippo Media. Excellence in Micro Business was presented to LEP Digital, and Excellence in Small Business was awarded to Coastal Gourmet 2U, owned and run by Russell Clarke and his partner, Cathy. I'd like to congratulate Gosford Private Hospital who received awards in four separate categories: Outstanding Business Leader, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Business, and Outstanding Employer of Choice. Well done to Matt Kelly and the whole team at Gosford Private Hospital. I offer my congratulations also to the Gosford Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce President, Rod Dever, and his executive committee, and the indefatigable Suzanne Hunter, from the Blue Mushroom events group, for putting together another successful awards presentation, and I thank the sponsors. To the finalists and winners, thank you for all you do for our region. I look forward to seeing all of you continue to grow and prosper and employ more people on the Central Coast.

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