Family-run tyre company named business of the year

PLATEAU Tyres was the major winner at the Alstonville Wollongbar Business Excellence Awards with a gala night held at Summerland Farm.

It was named Business of the Year and received awards for Excellence in Trade, Construction and Manufacturing and Excellence in Micro Business.

The awards were held for the first time in seven years and were run by the Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce.

The tyre company is run by Paul and Nicky Pirlo with support from their children Lachlan and Zoe.

“It was a very big surprise; we weren’t expecting it at all,” Paul said.

“We were asked by the chamber to nominate our business and gave them a bit of a brief overview on what we do.

“We’ve been here seven years now and the local community really support us.

“Our son is involved, and our daughter has another job, but she gives us a hand with the book work as well.”

Paul and Nicky employ three permanent staff and recently hired two casuals to help meet growing demand.

The Federal Hotel at Alstonville won multiple awards including with Kelly Field named Outstanding Employee with Vincent Chee Outstanding Young Business Leader.

It was also named Employer of Choice for 21 employees and over

Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees & Over was won by Grant Sinclair from Northern Rivers Health- Alstonville, Goonellabah and Lennox Head.

It was also recognised as the Excellence in Large Business award winner.

Outstanding Trainee / Apprentice of the Year was won by Oscar Murchison from Reimann Electrical

Excellence in Creative Industries went to Monique Feain Ballet Coaching.

Other award winners on the night were: Alstonville Quality Meats (Excellence in Retail & Personal Services), ClubIT (Excellence in Business & Professional Services), Village Fresh Fruit and Veg (Excellence in Small Busisness) and Lotus Psychology (Excellence in Health, Care & Wellness Industries).

HOME Alstonville was recognised for Outstanding Visitor Experience, while Alstonville Tennis Club and Fair Dinkum Pickleball won community organistion and new business awards.