Businesses from around the Gwydir shire came together for the Annual Vocational Education and Gwydir Shire Business Awards presentations, held at the Roxy Theatre. The event, catered by the Bingara Central School P&C, was sold out before the event. Guest speaker, Edwina Sharrock, founder of the web-based business, Birth Beat, spoke of the trials of setting up and expanding her business. Nominations for the business awards were strong this year.
Large Business Award
A delighted Ann Willis and her team at Bizclean, winners of the large business awards.
Bizclean Mats & Hygiene Services is based in Warialda won the large business award. Bizclean has been in operation under various names for over 25 years.
Bizclean services a vast area within the region with Tamworth and Gunnedah in the south; Armidale, Glen Innes, and Tenterfield in the East; Stanthorpe, Warwick and Goondiwindi in the North; Moree, Narrabri and Wee Waa in the west. Plus many other towns on the fringes.
With decades of experience Bizclean has found what people value and continue to attract and retain a strong customer base. Bizclean are also strong supporters of bush families and communities through investment in community groups including the Warialda Rugby Club, Gwydir Business Awards, Red Cross and Warialda District Chamber, sponsoring town beautification programs and supporting tourism and local artists.
Ann Willis and her team not only provide a prompt, reliable and high quality service to the region, they are also a tremendous asset to Warialda and our shire, employing and supporting the local community.
Small Business Award
Laura Cush, Natalie Martin with their employers, Christine and Russell Smyth.
The small business of the year was awarded to Ray White, Bingara and Warialda. After gaining decades of experience as a producer of Stud and Commercial cattle in both Queensland and New South Wales, Russell and Christene Smyth opened Ray White Rural Bingara and have been instrumental in the upturn of the Real Estate Market in the town. Following the success of the Bingara branch they opened a second premises in Warialda and are going from strength to strength.
Christene, Russell and their staff, provide professional advice on the purchase or sale of residential, rural or commercial property and expert opinion on the optimum market for livestock.
Christene and Russell are proactive and involved in the community and want to see Gwydir Shire thrive and prosper. They provide excellent customer service, and go above and beyond to help their clients.
Bingara Laundromat
Start-up Business Award
The award for the start-up of the year, for businesses under two years old, went to the Bingara Laundromat. The Bingara Laundromat is a fabulous new addition to the Bingara central business district providing locals and travellers with a much needed laundry service.
With Bingara voted the number one free inland campsite in Australia – and the influx of campers to town this title brings, the owners identified a gap in the market, and saw the need for a dedicated laundry facility to cater for these travellers.
The laundromat also provides a great service for locals to wash large items and pet blankets. The owners opened the business earlier this year and are providing prompt, friendly and informed service.
