Business awards nominations open

By Ewen McRae

A winner of a 2018 Melton Business Award is encouraging others to get involved with this year’s awards.

Hope Street Youth and Family Services won the Community Contribution award for Not-for-profits last year.

Chief executive Donna Bennett said the win was a vindication of a lot of hard work.

“We have received a lot of support for the work that we do from the Melton community,” Ms Bennet said.

“We were ecstatic to win the award last year. It was a fantastic recognition of the work that we do in the local community, and it was also an award for all our partners and community groups who are behind us and enabling us to do this work.”

Hope Street helps rent emergency accommodation for “at risk” youth in Melton and constructs its own emergency accommodation.

Ms Bennett urged locals to engage with the awards.

“I would encourage people to nominate,” she said.

“One of the things I’ve learnt from nominating is I’ve got to see so many other fantastic businesses that are making a difference in the local community.

“There are so many people in the city of Melton with skills and vision, so this is a great way to make connections with the community and see what else is out there.”

Nominations for 12 categories, recognising home businesses, trades, creative, professional, hospitality and more, are open until April 29.

Special awards including the Mayoral Achievement Award, Best Access and Inclusion Business Award and overall 2019 Business of the Year will be selected from the winners of those categories.

All award winners will be announced at a dinner at the end of August.

Nominate at: www.melton.vic.gov.au/Services/Business/Business-Support-Events-Training/Business-Excellence-Awards