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I want to congratulate all the local businesses and organisations recognised at the Strathbogie Shire Business Awards on Friday.
The event was made possible by the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce and Go Nagambie, who together organised an incredible evening at Fowles winery in Avenel.
Special thanks to Steph Swift and Belinda Beer, the presidents of these two groups, for their continued dedication and support for local businesses. They are steadfast in protecting, supporting and encouraging growth in our region – a region that has endured COVID lockdowns, floods, extreme power outages and a labour shortage.
Thanks to their efforts our towns have become places that people want to visit and, even more, move to.
From splash parks to accommodation, wineries, restaurants, cafes and the efforts of local volunteers, all the nominees offer something crucial to our region.
Mitchelton Wines received the Tourism Excellence award, with Euroa Caravan Park also commended. Waterways Lifestyle Village won the Large Business award, followed by Mawson’s Bakery in Euroa. The Small Business award went to Eighteen Sixty and Next Door. Bernie, your coffee, toasties and meals are outstanding. Traci Stumer of NAB Nagambie won the Employee Recognition award for a job she loves, and GMCU Euroa received the Service Excellence award. Adam Walker of Euroa SES was recognised with the Youth Recognition award, and Avenel Equine Hospital won the Excellence in Agriculture award.
I look forward to seeing our towns continue to grow, our businesses continue to thrive and visitors enjoying the best of what our region has to offer.