THE Casey Cardinia Business Awards gala dinner celebrated, recognised, awarded and applauded the region’s best businesses at Cranbourne Racing Club on 22 October.
City of Casey Mayor Mick Morland said the awards were just one initiative to promote and support the development of small business in Casey and Cardinia.
He said an expert panel received and judged 111 applications which highlighted the diversity of small businesses across the region.
Wastech claimed the top honour, the Casey Cardinia Business of the Year Award, and the manufacturing category.
The People’s Choice Award went to Village Way Cafe ahead of Dandy Mart Hampton Park and SJD Homes.
Paul Sloothaak has switched careers from shop fitter to pastry chef to open the Pakenham eatery with wife Christina who has worked in the hospitality industry for the past 15 years.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park won the Tourism Award, pipping Pakenham Racing Club and Quest Narre Warren to the post.
The tourist attraction’s director Michael Johnson said conservation was a priority for the sanctuary and it had helped to save the orange-bellied parrot from extinction.
Ambrosia beat fellow finalists Cardinia Park Hotel and O.MY Restaurant for the Hospitality Award.
It has a focus on share-style eating and incorporates guest feedback into menu updates.
Beaconsfield Dental took out the Environmental Sustainability Award ahead of K and D Bak Painting and Decorating, and Ten-Rose International Simmental.
More than 60 solar panels line the roof of the practice, widows are double glazed, there’s LED lighting, a compost bin and water tanks, and the patient bibs and cups are biodegradable.
Successful Endeavours won the Business and Professional Services Award from Jotterbug Creative and Metamorph CG.
Ray Keefe started the company from home in 1997 and has since been recognised with award nominations and wins.
Cranbourne Bodyworks took home the Trades and Construction Award, beating K and D Bak Painting and Decorating, and KD Landscapes.
In 1988 Kevin and Nikki Slattery opened the small shop on an unsealed road to buy and sell cars and now employs 14 qualified tradespeople.
Car MegaMart won the New Business Award ahead of Metamorph CG and Pawz Ink.
It has developed well beyond expectations since opening 19 months ago and has more growth to come.
Darren Michelle of Kelly Sports Berwick won the Home-Based Business Award from finalists Helping Hand is Here and Jotterbug Creative.
He started the coaching for kids franchise in 2010 as a way to spend more time with his wife and child and has since added Pakenham and Seaford franchises.
Hero HQ took home the Health Education and Wellbeing Award from finalists Emerald Medical Centre and the Kinders Together Association.
Nikki Jurcutz started the first aid training company in 2010 after arriving at countless scenes during her time as a paramedic to find people were unprepared to act effectively.
Husband and wife team Dan and Jenny Patience have, over the past five years, grown an empty Pearcedale horse paddock into a business that has experienced at least 40 per cent growth each year.
JD Propagation won the Agriculture Award from Mountain Harvest Foods and Ten-Rose International Simmental.
Pawz Ink won the Retail Award ahead of fellow finalists Berwick Mazda and In Beauty.
Nicole Timmons’s decided to switch from dental nurse to dog groomer and opened the pet boutique in Berwick Village two and a half years ago.
Waverley Industries is more than a reputable business – it’s an organisation that empowers individuals, and it won the Social Enterprise Award from Casey North Community Information and Support Service and Cranbourne Information and Support Service.
Across its Hallam and Notting Hill locations, Waverley Industries employs about 300 adults with special needs, specialising in packaging, assembly work, manufacturing, mail outs and catering.
