Saturday night’s annual Whitehaven Coal Narrabri Business Awards was a gala event which saw local businesses applauded by a capacity audience and recognised for their service to the community, their innovation and enterprise.

The 15th Narrabri Chamber of Commerce-hosted awards presentation dinner was one of the biggest yet staged, with a record number of nominations and a record attendance.

The Crossing Theatre auditorium presented a prestigious, glittering venue for the night, meticulously prepared by The Crossing Theatre team.

The top prize for Business of the Year went to Narrabri-based earthmoving and general contracting company, Specialised Civil Services.

Specialised Civil Services is a growing family business operating across a range of areas including general earthmoving, mine work, road construction, subdivision projects  and agricultural work. Company principal Ross McClure was a surprised recipient of the award.

He paid tribute to his co-workers, family and team, of 30 employees.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro was a guest speaker and presenter at the awards dinner. He said Narrabri shire was poised for an exciting future.

The annual event was hosted by Narrabri Chamber of Commerce and guests were welcomed by Chamber president Russell Stewart.

Guest speaker, Deputy Premier John Barilaro is a strong advocate for regional small businesses ‘the engine room of the economy.’

Mr Barilaro said Narrabri Shire was positioned for an exciting future.

He urged the business community to take advantage of the opportunities coming with the Inland Rail project.

“I believe this project will change the face of Narrabri Shire for generations to come,” he said.

“It is not often I can go to a regional town and be confident that there are exciting times ahead. I want to be part of that journey  – and I can assure you I will be on the journey with you” he told the audience.

Mr Barilaro applauded small business operators, the people who took the risks and showed courage in building their enterprises.

He said the government ‘didn’t create jobs, but aimed to create the environment to allow small businesses to be able to operate and employ.’

Mr Barilaro recalled he had attended the Narrabri Business Awards several years ago in a different Ministerial capacity and had been impressed.

“This is one of the best events of its kind in NSW,” he said.

The Courier will publish a special feature on the Narrabri Business Awards on Thursday, September  19.

 

Business Awards winners and runners up 2019

  • Business fostering trainee/apprentices: Winner – Anthony Adams Electrical. Runner Up – ATC Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
  • Hospitality: WinnerOutback Shack. Runner Up – The Crossroads Hotel.
  • Manufacturing/Industrial/Agribusiness: Winner – Specialised Civil Services. Runner Up – GCJ Glass and Aluminium.
  • Medical and Health Related Services: Winner – NuYu Day Spa and Beauty. Runner Up – Safety in Focus.
  • Retailing: Winner – Paradise Fresh Narrabri. Runner Up – Longies’ Sportspower.
  • Not for Profit/Community Organisation: Winner – Narrabri Hospital Auxiliary. Runner Up – 2MAX FM.
  • Trade/Service: Winner – Haymans Electrical. Runner Up – Nolan Building Co Pty Ltd.
  • Home Based Business: Winner – K9 Bathtime. Runner up – McGrath Farrier Service.
  • Tourism: Winner – Narrabri Show Society. Runner Up – CountryLink Office, Narrabri
  • Innovation in Business: Winner – J A Smith Business Solutions. Runner Up – Tiemens Creative
  • Business Supporting Local Business: Winner – Santos.  Runner Up – Namoi WasteCorp
  • Employer of Choice up to five employees: Winner – Barden Pump Services. Runner Up – Narrabri Real Estate.
  • Employer of Choice more than five employees: Winner –  Australia Post. Runner Up – Best Employment.
  • Best New Business: Winner – AllPets Veterinary Service. Runner Up – Thyme to Eat.
  • Customer service: Winner – McKechnie Bros. Runner Up – Vision Splendid.
  • Young Entrepreneur: Winner – Allison Bell. Runner Up – Stuart Southwell.
  • Narrabri Business of the Year 2019: Specialised Civil Services, Narrabri

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