Benjamin Millar
The best businesses in the area will be recognised in a gala ceremony next month when the City of Melton Business Excellence Awards returns.
After going on hold during 2020 due to the second wave COVID-19 lockdown, the awards are back this year to honour those who have gone above and beyond in serving the local community.
The 21 finalists have just been revealed, with businesses from hospitality and trades to professional services and creative industries being recognised for their work.
These local businesses are now in the running to win a business excellence award across ten categories, including the ultimate Business of the Year accolade.
Now in its 14th year, the awards are about recognising and rewarding the vital contributions that local businesses make to the City of Melton.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the quality of entrants across each of the categories was exceptionally high.
“I’d like to congratulate each of these businesses for making it as finalists among a high caliber of applications,” Cr Majdlik said.
“The quality of finalists this year is testimony to the exceptional services and products on offer here in the City of Melton, as well as the resilience local business operators have shown throughout the pandemic.”
All applications were assessed in a two-stage judging process by the awards’ independent partner, Small Business Mentoring Service, an incorporated not-for-profit association supported by the Victorian Government and Small Business Victoria.
Cr Majdlik said the awards are one of a number of council initiatives helping local businesses during difficult times.
“I’d like to thank the award sponsors, including official media partner, the Star Weekly, and principal sponsor, Atherstone Exchange for helping to make these awards possible.”
The winners will be announced at a special gala event in November that will be held either online or in person.
The finalists are:
*Award for Innovation: Cross the T, ProTech IT Solutions, Witchmount Estate Winery
* Award for Adaptability: Emagineering Computers, Events 720, Graze with Michelle
* Award for Creativity: All Fun Parties, Blissful Inspirations Cakes, Jaslar Pearl
* Award for Accessibility and Inclusion: Discovering Strength, Outlook Environmental, Tuya Colour Cosmetics
* Conscientious Employer Award: Springs Dental Group, Poolside Melton, Tabcorp Park
* Award for Sustainability Leadership: Hayden’s House Food & Produce, Lady and the Hair, Melton Toyota
*Award for Disability Inclusion: Dancesport Westside, Melton Music, Specialist Hoops Basketball
All finalists are in the running for the Mayoral Achievement Award and Business of the Year Award, while past award winners have the chance to take out the Hall of Fame Award.
