Liam McNally
On Wednesday, September 27, hundreds fluttered into the Windmill Gardens reception for a night that would celebrate the most outstanding businesses in the area, the Melton Business Excellence Awards.
Guests were greeted by chandelier lighting in the main room, along with a banquet of food and music in the lakeside gazebo.
By 7pm the crowd settled in their seats, as actor Shane Jacobson, who emceed the event, warmed up the room with Aussie-larrikin humour and a few of his own favourite business lessons, before Melton mayor Lara Carli’s opening speech.
“It truly is a pleasure to be here this evening at the 16th annual City of Melton Business Excellence awards where we celebrate you, the leaders of our business community and recognise the outstanding achievements that have stood you apart form so many others,” Cr Carli said.
“Your dedication, innovation and determined entrepreneurship and leadership is an incredible asset to our community and is what makes our region one of the most resilient and hard working business communities in Melbourne’s west.
“I am truly proud to acknowledge each and every one of you for being here and for making a difference within our community.”
The Melton business community is made up of more than 15,000 diverse enterprises, and on the night 10 were awarded for their success across 11 categories.
The top award on the night was the Business of the Year, which went to Western Region Health and Osteopathy. Earlier in the evening the business won the award for Health, Wellness and Care.
Western Region Health is an Allied Health provider that has provided treatment and management to over 8,000 patients in Melton and Bacchus Marsh across more than 20 years.
With owner and director Dr Jade Scott unable to attend the awards attend on the night, chief executive Michael Mannix stepped in for the acceptance speech and stunned Dr Scott with a surprise video call.
A teary-eyed Dr Scott and her young daughter expertly dealt with being greeted by a famous Australian actor and an applauding crowd to give warm thanks for the award.
Dr Mannix said it was amazing to receive the two awards and the recognition they bring.
“It’s pretty exciting… It’s great to have recognition within a society and in a community where we want to build people up. These sorts of nights are fantastic,” he said.
“In the last year it has been the focus on getting back to hands-on care. I think that we were so isolated for so long… we’ve realised that our health is the most important and something you need to be able to invest into.
“It’s a testament to the team and everyone’s hard work and the community, we’re thankful for everyone that got us here.”
The Mayoral Achievement Award went to Pecks Road Cafe, a new family business serving up artisanal doughnuts crafted by personal trainer-turned chef Albin Lawang, who promotes an emphasis on mixing indulgence into a healthy lifestyle.
“Great coffee and desserts were quite a drive from our area, we want to bring that high standard to the west and make it a place for locals and a destination for people to travel to,” he said.
“[The award] is pretty incredible, we’re super grateful for everyone, our staff, our family, our partners who have been super, super supportive. We wouldn’t be where we are now without them.”
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Myles Gray, the award for New Business or Start Up went to Starboard Games, the Professional Services award went to BudgetNet Plan Management, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award went to Watervale Dental, the Disability Inclusion Initiative went to Discovering Strength, Ms Peacock Restaurant and Bar took out the Visitation and Hospitality award, Living Koko got the Sustainable Product or Process award and Aspire Lawyers was awarded for innovation and transformation.
