Lismore business excellence awards

PJs Country Fruit and Veg owners Brandon and Natasha Garred had an emotional night when they were named Business of the Year at the Lismore Business Excellence Awards.

The pair have run the store together for almost 20 years and were one of the first businesses to reopen with a makeshift shop after the floods in 2022.

By the end of 2023 they were back at Lismore Central with a dedicated team of just three full-time employees helping rejuvenate the business to its former glory.

“We were very surprised on the night and didn’t expect it at all. Tash nearly broke down in tears because she was that happy,” Garred said.

“Our staff are very loyal, and they’re a great team. Everyone puts in a lot of effort.

“We’re stoked to get recognised, we’re just a little fruit shop, you probably expect one of the bigger businesses in town to win the main award.”

PJs also won an Excellence in Small Business and Excellence in Retail and Personal Services award, while Brandon and Natasha were both named in the highly commended section as outstanding business leaders.

Sharni Crisp, Brandon Garred, Ash Thompson, Kurt Snelling and Natasha Garred from PJs Country Fruit and Veg. Photo: EVANNA KELLY

The event, hosted by Business Lismore with Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury as MC at the Turf Club, brought together more than 320 people to celebrate excellence, innovation and resilience in the local business community.

“It was a positive night that showed increasing confidence in Lismore,” Business Lismore secretary Felicity Hyde said.

“It is so positive to have so many businesses supporting each other. A lot of people stayed in town, bought outfits, and had lunch and breakfast.”

Joel Jensen Constructions won multiple awards including Employer of Choice, Excellence in Small Business and Excellence in Trade, Construction & Manufacturing.

The Levee Lounge and Bar had a successful night with Cameron Webster recognised as Outstanding Employee. It was also a joint winner for Excellence in Creative Industries and was highly commended for Outstanding Visitor Experience.

Other businesses to win multiple awards included Beyond Barriers Support as Outstanding New Business, with Michael Johnston named Outstanding Young Business Leader.

Newton Denny Chapelle won Excellence in Large Business, with Daniel Winkler-Maloney named Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year.