Small businesses are the backbone of the local community, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, who congratulated the finalists of the East Gippsland Business Awards at a function in Lakes Entrance this morning.

“It was fantastic to see so many operators represented at the breakfast this morning and I was pleased to be able to present certificates to those in the sustainability category,” Mr Bull said.

“All these businesses employ a significant amount of staff, a number of them at a young age, and are great supporters of local charities, community groups, organisations and emergency services.

“This sort of recognition is what they deserve and I congratulate them for it.

“It was also fantastic to see that 73 local operators made 126 entries for this year, which is a record number of entrants.

“I now look forward to seeing who can take out the top award in each of their categories at the gala dinner on October 19,” Mr Bull said.

Finalists include:

Food and Fibre: Culinaire, Dennison Foods Manufacturing, Lightfoot & Sons.

Franchises: Aussie Disposals, GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland, The HIIT Factory Bairnsdale.

Health and Community Services: Bloom Hearing Specialist, BOLD Dance & Arts, Natural Health Bairnsdale.

Hospitality: Albert & Co Catering, The Central Hotel Motel Lakes Entrance, Waterfront Retreat at Wattle Point.

Marine: Ashworth Maritime Services, Lakes Entrance Fisherman’s Cooperative, Webster Marine.

New Business: Down to Earth Farm Retreat, Haasle Free High Country Tours, Sailors Grave, Salt Boxing Studio, The Doggie Den, The Dutch Oven.

Personal Services: Danielle Milito Massage, The HIIT Factory Bairnsdale, The Pixie Palace.

Professional Services: Inspiring Success, Simon Anderson Consultants, SKIDZ Driver Training,

Retail: Batteryland Bairnsdale, Omeo FoodWorks, Target Bairnsdale, Venture Out Australia.

Supporting Youth Employment: Cells Café, Kennedy Trailers, Target Bairnsdale.

Tourism: Bemm River Holiday Accommodation and Boat Hire, Venture Out Australia, Waterfront Retreat at Wattle Point.

Trades, Construction and Manufacturing: Dennison Foods Manufacturing, GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland, Kennedy Trailers.

Young Achiever in Business: Bec Blennerhassett - High Society Dance, Laura Waites - Elders Bairnsdale, Rachel Hewett - Momentum Health.

Environmental / Sustainability: Dennison Foods Manufacturing, GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland, Ride the Koalas.

Customer Service Excellence: Batteryland Bairnsdale, Bemm River Holiday Accommodation and Boat Hire, GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland, Omeo FoodWorks.

Disabled, Aged and Family Friendly: Bloom Hearing Specialist, Cells Café, The HIIT Factory Bairnsdale.

Innovation: Dennison Foods Manufacturing, p-i-l-a-t-e-s Pty Ltd, Ride the Koalas.

Thursday, September 28, 2017