Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last Friday night, the 2014 Shoalhaven Business Awards were held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre in Nowra, with more than 350 attendees, a taiko drum performance and over 50 finalists from across the Shoalhaven. There were over a dozen winners, but there was one very special woman in particular: Deb Tozer from CareSouth, who I would like to single out. Deb is incredibly passionate about her community and about her work. She is a proud advocate for the disability and carer sectors as well as short-term crisis accommodation services. Deb very deservingly won the Shoalhaven Business Leader award, something I believe is a first for any not-for-profit in our region.

I would also like to congratulate the following award winners: Young Business Executive, Niki Willdig of Tovedale Developments; Young Entrepreneur, Paul Sassall of Nowra Farmers Market; Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety, Employer of Choice and Excellence in Sustainability, Nowra Chemicals; Excellence in Export, Cherub Rubs; Excellence in Business, Integrity Real Estate; Excellence in Small Business and Innovation, Curran Plumbing; Excellence in Resources and Manufacturing, Hanlon Windows; Excellence in Business Ethics, GJ Gardner Homes—especially noting their work with the Variety Club; and Excellence in Retail and Personal Service, South Coast First Aid.

Once again, congratulations to all of our finalists and winners, and a huge thankyou to both Shoalhaven Business Awards and their sponsors for pulling off what is always one of the highlights of our local Shoalhaven social calendar.