Emma McBride (Dobell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Saturday night, the Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 2018 Annual Business Awards at Kooindah Waters. The chamber was founded in 1925 and has over 200 active members. I was delighted to attend, having been involved in the judging again this year. The Business of the Year, Oddball Marketing, scooped the pool, also taking out awards for Excellence in Innovation, and Excellence in Small Business. Its founder, Michael Sandys, was also named Outstanding Young Entrepreneur 18 to 35. Seven years ago, Mike took the plunge to start his own marketing business which aimed to make Central Coast businesses stand out from the crowd and to create local jobs.

Other hardworking locals and businesses recognised on the night include: Outstanding Young Employee, Emily Miller of the Art House Wyong; Outstanding Business Leader, Laurinda Pericleous, whose business with her husband Nick, Nurses Now, was also named Outstanding Employer of Choice, which means so much to this family business that started around a kitchen table. Excellence in Social Enterprise went to the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council. The Start Up Superstar award went to Edward Gaughan of Australian Pest Specialists. Excellence in Business went to H&H Catering and was received by Julia Barnes. The Kevin Faulks Award, the Chamber Award for service to the community, went to Jared Hirst, Managing Director of Servers Australia.

I would like to acknowledge the Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce President Ron Stevens; the board; the chamber staff, Katrina and Nicole; and the event and category sponsors: Bendigo Community Bank, Delta Electricity, Battery World Wyong, Central Coast Council, Tuggerah Business Hub, Nurses Now, Mercure Kooindah Waters and Job Centre Australia. I am pleased to be involved with the awards.