Macedon Ranges Shire Council is encouraging residents and visitors to the area to vote for their favourite local businesses in the inaugural Telstra Macedon Ranges Community Choice Awards.
An extension of the Business Excellence Awards program, the awards seek to recognise and celebrate those who go above and beyond in their day-to-day business.
The awards also aim to promote businesses in the shire who are consistently performing to an excellent standard, whether they be well-known or hidden gems.
A total of 79 businesses were nominated. Nominations for Excellence in Customer Service will be decided by popular vote in each of the following five categories:
- Agribusiness and Primary Production, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Associations.
- Health and Wellbeing, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
- Hospitality and Accommodation, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Industry Groups.
- Retail and Service sponsored by Telstra.
- Trades and Manufacturing, sponsored by nbn Local.
Telstra’s regional engagement manager Marcus Swinburne said the Telstra team was proud to be partners of the awards for 2023 and 2025.
“We look forward to celebrating some of the Macedon Ranges most exciting small [and] medium-sized businesses, putting them in the spotlight and helping provide a platform to recognise their achievements,” he said.
Mayor Annette Death said the Macedon Ranges had an abundance of outstanding businesses committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
“As a community, it is important we recognise and acknowledge the contribution our dedicated business owners make to our local economy, and support them so their businesses continue to thrive,” she said.
“We would love for visitors to get involved in nominating their favourite businesses and letting us know what keeps them coming back to our beautiful shire.”
Council’s planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said it was amazing to see such a positive response to the call-out for nominations.
“It shows how passionate our community is about supporting and rewarding local businesses for good service,” she said.
“The power is again with the people – I encourage everyone to follow up on these initial nominations and support who you think is deserving of this recognition with a vote.”
Voting closes June 2 and winners will be announced on June 13.
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