Three Cobram small businesses were recognised at the annual Moira Shire Business Achievement Awards in Yarrawonga on Thursday, September 12.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson said it is important to acknowledge the businesses in the region that exemplified innovation, creativity and dedication in the ways they are serving their communities.
“Successful businesses not only fuel our economy but add to the vitality and vibrancy of our region,” he said.
Brian Walsh Funerals, Ambience Bakery and A1 Engineering each took out awards at the ceremony held at the Sebel.
Brian Walsh Funerals received the award for Moira Shire Business of the Year.
Brian Walsh Funerals owner Brian Walsh said it was gratifying to receive the recognition from the community.
“I just want to say thank-you [to my staff and fellow business people] for the effort and support that they’ve given us over the last 30 years,” he said.
“It was a little bit exciting, a little bit daunting.”
Mr Walsh also received the Outstanding Business Champion award.
“For me, it probably hasn’t fully sunk in,” he said.
Ambience Bakery on High St took out Best Retail Business Award.
Ambience Bakery owner Renee Lincoln said it was a great achievement for herself and staff to celebrate.
Mrs Lincoln wanted to ensure her staff knew how proud she was of them.
“I think that’s the majority [reason] of why [we] won the award,” she said.
The award comes as the Lincolns are set to start construction work on a larger Ambience Bakery on Murray St, beginning early October.
“We evolve very quickly ... I try to think of new ideas all the time,” Mrs Lincoln said.
A1 Engineering on Broadway St, owned and operated by Anthony Barca, was recognised with the Excellence in Manufacturing Award.
“I was definitely shocked and humbled by it,” Mr Barca said.
“We’ve been in business for 31 years. It was great to be recognised among your peers and fellow community.”
Other award winners included Yarrawonga Automotive, Yarrawonga (Best Professional Service Business), The Olde Creamery, Numurkah (Excellence in Horticulture), and Rex James Stockfeed, Nathalia (Excellence in Agriculture).
More than 500 businesses from across Moira Shire were nominated in this year’s awards, with the community voting to support the businesses they felt most deserving of recognition.
Council received more than 7400 votes from the community.
“I would like to thank everyone who has participated in this process and contributed to the 2024 Moira Business Awards being a true celebration of local business,” Dr Emonson said.
• Photos contributed courtesy of Rhonda Doyle Photography.