WINNERS of the inaugural Telstra Macedon Ranges Community Choice Awards have been announced, with businesses in Romsey and Riddells Creek featuring among the recipients.
Residents and visitors made 78 nominations of businesses who they felt displayed excellent customer service.
The winners of this year’s awards as decided through public vote were:
Riddells Creek Nursey, Riddell Creek – Agribusiness and Primary Production, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Associations;
Laser Blanks, Romsey – Retail and Service, sponsored by Telstra;
Zenkai – Complete Recovery of Health, Woodend – Health, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Shire Council;
Fook Shing, Kyneton – Hospitality and Accommodation, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Industry Groups;
Magnum Signs, New Gisborne – Trades and Manufacturing, sponsored by nbn Local.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Annette Death said it was great to give the community a chance to shine the spotlight on their favourite local businesses.
“Given the new format of these awards, we were really pleased by the number of nominations and the positive response we’ve had in general,” she said.
“We hope this gets the word out about businesses in the region that are doing great things – congratulations to all of the winners and nominees.”
The new community choice awards reflect council’s commitment to strengthen businesses, with the awards to return next year.
Following a successful tending and procurement session earlier this year, council will host another session on July 12 for businesses to learn more about council’s procurement process and how to best apply for tenders.
Cr Death said council contracts totalling more than $12 million have been awarded to local businesses over the past four years.
Macedon Ranges businesses are also among an additional $33 million worth of contracts that council has budgeted for.
“It’s important we empower local businesses to better position themselves for these opportunities, as they give so much back to our local economy and provide local jobs,” she said.
The session at council’s Gisborne Administration and Service Centre is free, but bookings are essential.
or call 5421 9674.