Northern Rivers businesses shine at state awards

FIVE Northern Rivers businesses shone at the Business NSW Awards at a gala event in Sydney last Wednesday.

Creativity, enterprise and innovation were on show at the International Convention Centre, with NSW Premier Chris Minns and Small Business Minister Steve Kamper joining the business community for the event.

Ballina-based Cumulus Visual Effects won the Excellence in Large Business category, while Michael Hampson from Norco Milk Co-operative in Lismore took out the Outstanding Business Leader (21 Employees and Over) award.

Lismore’s Social Futures was awarded for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, Potager – A Kitchen Garden in Carool won Outstanding Visitor Experience, and the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce won Outstanding Local Chamber.

Business NSW Northern Rivers regional director Jane Laverty said that taking away five categories at the state awards was a significant achievement for the Northern Rivers team.

“It tells a story about our region being a great place to establish and grow your business,” she said.

Outstanding Visitor Experience went to Carool’s Potager – A Kitchen Garden. Photo: SUPPLIED

“I often say that there is your everyday oxygen, and then there is your Northern Rivers oxygen – we grow good entrepreneurs here.”

Ms Laverty believes awards programs are important in helping businesses track and promote the achievment of their goals.

“Many businesses leverage the awards program to recognise the work put into the business by their teams,” she said.

“Being acknowledged for excellence motivates everyone to do better.

Social Futures, Senior Manager People and Culture, Samantha Albertini. Photo: SUPPLIED

“The program starts with our local chambers of commerce, who work tirelessly to support their members, and in partnership with Business NSW at the regional and state level, we collectively advocate for the needs of businesses to ensure they can maximise their potential.

“It can be difficult for a lone business leader to stick their neck out, so we ensure issues are elevated and supported with data and research and then advocate on their behalf.”

To find out more, visit businessnsw.com/regions/nsw-regions/northern-rivers