2011 Award Winners

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Jodie Parsons

Jodie is Branch Manager of Quirindi and Werris Creek branches of New England Mutual. Jodie Parsons has made a major contribution to the success of these branches, with effective guidance and influence in staff performance and member’s satisfaction generally.

Jodie exhibits a genuine care for members and the wider community where she is an active member of the local fishing and motorcycle clubs, fundraising for charities such as “Can Assist”, and helps out at the golf club for example.

A worthy winner in an exceptionally talented and qualified category.

Highly Commended:
Allan, Tina (Quirindi RSL Club)
Chapman, Jennifer (Jim Greenland & Co)
Charters, Amy (Quirindi Retirement Homes Ltd, “Eloura”)
Cleal, Jenni (Quirindi Retirement Homes Ltd, “Eloura”)
Love, Dwight (Quirindi Engineering)
Lyons, Dale (Liverpool Plains Shire Council)
Neylle, Stan (Quirindi Tyre Service)
Parry, Ellen (Werris Creek Pharmacy)
Patton, Corallee (Carlo’s Supa IGA)
Shaw, Jenni (Shaw’s Fruit & Veg)
Smith, Anna (Quirindi High School)

HAROLD HAWKER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

WINNER: Reilly’s Menswear

This award is given to any individual, business or organisation to recognise and honour their dedication, loyalty, passion, courage and foresight that have contributed to make the Liverpool Plains a better place to live. It is in recognition of Mr Harold Hawker, who in March 1929 successfully moved at a meeting in town for the establishment of the Quirindi Chamber of Commerce.

Tonight is testament to the success of his belief that commerce in Quirindi needed an organisation to promote, protect and further its interests.

Almost 18 years earlier, in May 1911 a business had changed hands in Quirindi that was to become synonymous with the very name of Quirindi itself.

Today that business is still situation at 280 George Street, where upstairs in 1929 Harold Hawker’s motion was seconded by Mr John Joseph Reilly, who was to became the inaugural President of Quirindi Chamber of Commerce.

Today, John (Francis) Reilly, grandson of the inaugural Chamber President is a highly regarded successful businessman in Quirindi and the owner and operator of the same business - Reilly’s Menswear.

Reilly’s still epitomes the true definition of a ‘Gentlemen’s Outfitters’. As John says, ‘we have no intention of changing the location or ambience of the shop, which is old world, with old fashion service, and which our many customers tell us not to change’. His staff is a great team with plenty of common sense and generally know the size and clothing requirements of their many customers.

It is with great pride that Quirindi Chamber of Commerce awards the Harold Hawker 2011 Award for Excellence to Reilly’s Menswear.

CHAMBER RECOGNITION AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Winner: Hilary Gunning

Quote: “You get more out of contributing that what you give. I have always felt that one should support the district instead of sitting back and expecting everything to come to you”, epitomises the community spirit and contribution that Hilary Gunning has brought to Community Service over her many years of involvement.

Hilary has worked with most of the schools in town; Hilary worked for the ‘Girl Guide’ Association. The Quirindi Show Society has been part of her life, being a member of the Ladies Auxiliary assisting with school, cooking, and horticultural sections. Hilary was Miss Showgirl coordinator for 11 years. Hilary has been a member of Red Cross since 1977, the Anglican Church, joined the Nursing Home Auxiliary in 2006 and is a volunteer at ‘Eloura’. Gardening is supported, Hilary belong to Quirindi Gardening Club. Hilary is a member of Quirindi Probus Club, and Willow Tree CWA.

Typically Hilary cannot think of one a particular ‘proudest achievement’ but having been President and Secretary of many organisations replies simply, for example she gets pleasure out of being able to assist buying a piece of equipment needed at Eloura Retirement Home.

We can truly say this lady is a very worthy winner of the Community Service Award.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Quirindi Veterinary Group

The BUSINESS OF THE YEAR excels in all aspects of business practice with its high level of professional and customer service. It uses performance indicators to monitor the business and have an ambitious five year business plan for the future.

To win this award ‘would be fantastic and validate our business objectives’ said owners Tony Batterham and David Frith.

It is the standout business for this premier award, and is to be congratulated on its dynamic approach to all it achieves.

TOURISM AWARD

Winner:  Rail Journeys Museum
 
The Rail Journeys Museum was established in 2005, twelve months after Werris Creek had been identified as one of the most disadvantaged areas in NSW.

Rail Journeys Museum now brings in an average 1000 visitors a month who make a valuable contribution to the local economy of Werris Creek and Quirindi.
Presently 45 volunteers are involved with the museum which is now looking for additional help as it prepares to expand its facilities by refurbishing the first floor of the museum.

If you haven’t been there yet, I recommend a visit! You will be impressed.

Highly Commended: Quirindi Rural Heritage Village

AGRIBUSINESS AWARD

Winner: North West Farm Machinery

North West Farm Machinery has been in business for nine years.

Owner, Roger Moylan says his employees and customers are like an extension of his family. Every week all staff members sit down and have a suggestion meeting of which many have been taken on board and implemented.

All employees pride themselves on their customer service, product knowledge and understanding of their customer needs.

Roger has 10 year, 2 year, 12 month and a 3 month business plan contributing to North West Farm Machinery’s ongoing growth.

In his word ‘Winning this award would be HUGE’ it would mean a lot to the staff because they have contributed to the success of the business.’

Highly Commended: AMPS Commercial Pty Ltd

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS AWARD

Winner: Quirindi Veterinary Group

Quirindi Veterinary Group delivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service to all their clients from their three businesses.

The Veterinary Clinic commenced in 1970; Quirindi Feedlot Services (the largest veterinary health consultancy for beef feedlots in Australia) started in 1997 under Dr Nigel Nichols and Quipolly Equine Centre began last year. All provide qualified professional care from highly skilled staff.

The Quirindi Veterinary Group currently employs 25 staff.

It demonstrated excellent professional business practices and planning with very strong staff involvement and operates in a exemplary manner.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Winner: Merinda Recycling

Merinda Recyclers (Quirindi) Pty Ltd was established in 2009 and continues to employ a large number of indigenous people which is part of their charter.

The business operates landfill and receival sites at Quirindi, Werris Creek, Willow Tree and receival sites at Pine Ridge and Spring Ridge with the main recycling centre at Quirindi able to achieve 100% recycling of all materials received.

Merinda Recyclers have diversified, and also now operate a landscape supplies business at the Quirindi recycling centre which brings significant benefits to monthly cash flow, whilst providing gardeners and new home builders with their needs.

Controlled by a Board with monthly accountability, Merinda Recyclers operate a non-subsidised successful business with sound business management principles.

Merinda Recyclers have clear specific plans to further develop methods to utilise and extract materials for recycling in the future and bring benefits for our environment.

Highly Commended: McKellar, Cam

SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Travis Marr (Westrac, Tamworth)

Runner Up: Tickle, Erika (Beautiful Image, Tamworth)

Highly Commended:
Allan, Zoe (Commonwealth Bank, Quirindi)
Hartin, Kirsty (Country Classic Hair & Beauty, Quirindi)
McNamara, Nicholas (Gowings Toyota, Quirindi)

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jason Lobsey (Gowings Toyota, Quirindi)

Highly Commended:
Hyde, Tahlia (Country Classic Hair & Beauty, Quirindi)
Patton, Megan (Instyle Hair Studio, Quirindi)
Saul, Josh (Northern Inland Electrical, Quirindi)

TRAINEE OF THE YEAR

Winner:  Emma Gilbert (Millers I.T., Quirindi)

Highly Commended: Mercer, Nathan (Quirindi RSL Club)

BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD

Winner: The Present Cupboard

A fresh new business with an original idea that went on line, in 2009. Employing two people full time. Born out of the saying “My husband always forgets!” It provides a much needed gift service in keeping with current trends of on line shopping. The Present Cupboard represents a business leveraging ‘internet technology’, to conduct business ‘over the horizon’; as such, the business rated very highly in the area of ‘business vision’. The Present cupboard is a contemporary and modern company which Quirindi can be proud of.

RETAIL BUSINESS AWARD (five, or less employees)

Winner: Quirindi Florist & Gifts

Quirindi Florist & Gifts displayed a strong community focus; particularly with sensitivity and a high level of caring support, for community members during times of emotional need. They have been in business for seven years and now employ four people. Their care and devotion to the community has been recognised by many, who have taken the time to convey messages of heartfelt gratitude.

Quirindi Florist & Gifts proprietors, and best friends, Kerry Challenger and Leanne Croft have further expanded opening Gunnedah Florists this year. Kerry and Leanne are passionate about their service and the quality of their product sourcing directly from reliable growers throughout NSW and Queensland.

RETAIL BUSINESS AWARD (six, or more employees):

Winner: Quirindi Bakery

Quirindi Bakery is a little business with a big heart for the community. Operating since 2002, and nowing employing six staff with a focus upon ‘pleasing the customer’, it holds a dream for the future of the business and the township of Quirindi.

The owner of Quirindi Bakery, Helen, personifies the true grit, determination, perseverance and dedication – required to be a successful entrepreneur and important part of the local Quirindi community.

From humble and very early beginnings (starting her first business at age 13) - Helen typifies a focused collective community spirit; wanting to do ‘more’ and ‘please’ the customer. Helen has a dream for the future and deserves local business community recognition and support.

For someone who operates a ‘little shop’, Helen has a very big heart.

Highly Commended: Werris Creek Pharmacy

SERVICES/TRADE AWARD

Winner: Brian Smith Plumbing Pty Ltd

With a focussed intent of providing Quirindi and district with service excellence and ensuring all urgent customer requests are fulfilled within 24 hours, Brian Smith Plumbing now employs 10 people in achieving its business objectives.

Brian began his business in 1992 and over the last 19 years has supervised 13 apprentices in completing their trade certificates.
Sound business practices have ensured its success in winning the Services/Trade Award.
 
Highly Commended: Aztek Roofing
 

MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION AWARD

Winner: Country Mile Signs

Country Mile Signs is another example of a Quirindi business, which started eleven years ago, now employing five people and conducting ‘business over the horizon’; with operations and markets spanning the mining and tourism industry sectors - nationally.

Country Mile Signs conduct stringent business operations and managerial practices, spanning rigorous internal systems, to remain competitive, provide customer support and meet strict compliance requirements of clients.
 
Though the business pursues business development opportunities nationally, management and staff are proud members of the local community and aim to support a broad spectrum of charities, sporting and school groups.

The business has a vision for the future, a plan for the now, and a history of being a proud local with a national outlook.

The town should be proud and acknowledging of a business personifying a ‘can do’ approach, to doing business, far and wide.

Highly Commended: McVicar Timber Group and Didjies with a Difference

HOSPITALITY AWARD

Winner: Graze Restaurant

Graze Restaurant has not only ‘raised the bar; for Hospitality in the Quirindi area – the restaurant has ‘raised the bar’ for the whole New England/
Northwest area.

Within a short period of time, Graze has become a ‘quassi tourist mecca’! – bringing many people into the Quirindi/Willow Tree area – a testimony to the outstanding business vision, management practices, customer service focus and community understanding – demonstrated by the entrepreneurial lead and spirit of the owners.

Graze is focused upon people – comprising customer, staff, visitor and suppliers of services to the business; where everyone is treated as a source of inspiration for the next idea to raise the bar further.The sophisticated and relaxing ambience of Graze Restaurant is paralleled with ‘behind the scenes’ state of the art technology, an experienced and thorough understanding of business practices, and a clear sense of purpose and passion, inherent in the heart of good leadership.

In winning this award, acknowledgement is provided to the staff and suppliers, who helped – bring Graze restaurant ‘to life'.

mobile 0438 352 350 | PO Box 292, Quirindi NSW 2343 | president@quirindichamber.com.au
© Quirindi Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Inc (ABN 54 436 611 320)