Andrew Gee (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I wish to recognise the outstanding small businesses that took out major honours in the recent NSW Tourism Awards. Orange's Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort, and owner, Espen Harbitz, won gold in the four- to 4½-star deluxe accommodation category. Well done, Espen. Balloon Aloft, which operates in Mudgee, won gold and was inducted into the hall of fame in the adventure tourism category, as well as winning gold for excellence in accessible tourism. Borenore's Black Sheep Inn, and owners, Helen and Andrew Napier, were awarded gold in the hosted accommodation category. Bathurst Regional Council took out gold and a local government award for tourism.

Lithgow's Frankie's Restaurant and Bar, and owners, Chris, Michael, Sandra and Genna Inzitari, took out bronze in the tourism restaurants and catering services category. Mudgee's Sierra Escape, and owners, Cameron and Natascha D'Arcy, won gold in the unique accommodation category. Bathurst's Wilga Station, and owners, Mez and Hamish Keith, won silver in the unique accommodation category. Bathurst Visitor Information Centre won gold in the visitor information services category.

These outstanding businesses do an amazing job contributing to our local economy, employing local residents and attracting thousands of tourists every year to our beautiful region. Our nation needs to support and value our small businesses and all they do for our communities. We warmly congratulate all of our wonderful local award winners in the NSW Tourism Awards.