Northern Bellarine businesses gathers for service awards

A DRYSDALE-BASED café has taken home the top honour at one of Bellarine North Rotary Club’s biggest nights of the year.

The overall winner of the Rotary Club’s Service Excellence Awards, JR’s Coffee Lounge, was commended with a plaque, certificate, and a cheque for $200 at the awards in late-May at Portarlington Golf Club.

The business had survived the economic hardship of COVID-19, and also endured a disruptive two-year period due to the construction of Drysdale’s new library.

Rotary club officer Caroline Rickard said the Bellarine North Rotary Club presented 52 certificates on the night, almost double compared to last year’s awards.

“The night ran very well and feedback from attendees was very positive,” Ms Rickard said.

“There was lots of conversation and laughter.

“This proves the word is getting out as last year we presented 27 certificates.

“This event lets the businesses know how much they are appreciated by their customers and continue to encourage excellence in customer service.”

More than 100 people attended the event in total, representing businesses on the Northern Bellarine, ranging from milk bars, cafés, computer shops and vehicle service businesses to name a few.

“Attendees learnt about what our club of volunteers has done both here and overseas, and chatting to a couple of business owners, they commented on how impressed they were to find out about what the Bellarine North Rotary Club have achieved,” Ms Rickard said.

“We thank the many businesses who supplied donations of vouchers and gifts for our raffle, these were very much appreciated by the winners.

The rotary club will begin receiving public nominations for next year’s awards in March.