The Margaret River Region is home to a diverse array of incredibly talented businesses, and the MRCCI was proud to recognise and reward their efforts at our sold out 11th Annual Business Awards Gala Wednesday 29 August 2018 at the magnificent Eight Willows Retreat Lakeside Function Centre.
What a night it was! Finalists and dignitaries braved the wild and woolly weather to enjoy a spectacular event filled with live music and entertainment, delicious food and wine, and a whole lot of fun, cheering each other on and celebrating the achievements of peers and local businesses.
Attended by 34 business finalists as well as local politicians and Chairs from Margaret River’s leading industries, the black tie event was hosted by guest emcee Nola Marino, and was crafted to showcase the best of the Margaret River Region including delicious local beverages, mouth-watering courses from locally acclaimed chefs including Rustico and Settlers Tavern, and amazing desserts and service by the talented hospitality students from South Regional TAFE. Live entertainment included fantastic music and dance performances from South West Swing and Margaret River Theatre Group.
Awards from eleven business categories were up for grabs as well as four major awards totalling $15,000 in prizes! It was a tough competition this year with so many talented businesses in the region, any finalist could have taken the top spot in their category.
Business Person of the Year was awarded to Brad Adams of Ocean Grown Abalone. This inaugural award was presented to Brad to recognise his exceptional entrepreneurialism and determination, taking vision to grow wild abalone on artificial reefs in Flinders Bay and turning it into a world first business, now exporting by the tonne and the biggest employer in Augusta.
The 2018 Business of the Year went to Amanda and Tent Carroll of rok Kombucha, who were recognised for their fantastic business model, brilliant branding and personal, modern-day approach to creating a high demand, quality health product. The Runner Up to Business of the Year was Jane Ashton of Southern Light Events, described by the judges as a power-ball of ideas, creativity, courage and joy.
Other big winners of the night:
Grape Escape South West Tours, taking home the Arrived and Thrived Award and Outstanding Visitor Experience.
Margaret River Surf School who took home the Micro and Magnificent Award as well as the People’s Choice.
Fair Harvest who were recognised for their environmental excellence.
Margaret River Cowaramup Electrical Services were praised for their community spirit and ongoing support for the local community.
To view all the winners, click here
At the end of the night MRCCI President Steven Castan congratulated both the winners and organiser for another successful tribute to Margaret River’s vibrant business community, noting the benefits for not just for business but for the broader community.
“The flow on effect of the business awards raises the profile of the Margaret River brand both intra and interstate. We receive a lot of positive feedback from businesses about the marketing opportunities they’ve gained and the increase in turn over. Entering also requires businesses to step outside their daily operations and review their planning, customer service, commitment to the environment and community, etc. Again, the feedback on this is that it’s a very beneficial activity for business owners.”
Congratulations once again to all the winners and finalists of the awards and thank you to our emcee Nola Marino, the incredible chefs and the service staff! Thank you as well to Xanadu Wines, Cape Grace Wines, rok Kombucha and the Beer Farm for providing drinks and thank you to Settlers Tavern for providing the food! With so many talented and successful businesses in the region, MRCCI looks forward to what may come in the next year of business in the Margaret River Region.
