WRWF Glen Innes Business Awards Recap
On the 20th of October Glen Innes Business Chamber hosted the first Business Awards since 2016 and what a night its was!
Hosted at the picturesque Glen Innes Golf Club, we were blessed with a warm spring evening and as guests arrived they were welcomed with a free drink and canapes served up at the Hamptons Bar. Everyone was dressed to the nines, taking pictures and enjoying a chance to spend a night out in Glen Innes. Joining the celebration were special guests Adam Marshall MP and guest speakers Nathan and Bonnie Hindmarsh who rolled up in style via vintage car.
As the sunset, the formalities began with Jim. A Barker, our MC for the evening. Jim welcomed Pat Lonergan GM of the Glen Innes and District Services Club who imparted a little history noting that this 320-person event was the largest since the clubs opening in 1901. This was followed by address from the Honourable Adam Marshal, Mayor Robert Banham and Chamber President Cassandra Hill. There was a clear sentiment among each of the opening addresses – the excitement and importance of relaunching the business awards.
Under a canopy of golden fairy lights, guests were treated to the delicious food prepared by SmoKing BBQ. An assortment of slow cooked and roasted meats, vegetables and fresh salads were shared among the 24 tables as the Excellence in Sector awards were announced followed by some time to eat and talk amongst friends.
Guests were entertained by the Glen Innes High School Dance team who gave a preview of their State School Spectacular dance performance complete with feathers and a costume change before the individual awards for Online Presence, Business Owners, Employees and Sustainability were announced.
A Highlight of the evening was the panel session hosted by Jim and Cass as they spoke with our guest speakers Nathan and Bonnie Hindmarsh. Known for his NRL career with the Parramatta Eels Nathans banter with his wife and Three Birds co-founder Bonnie was genuine, relatable and at times down dright hilarious. Together they gave a great insight into their business and work dynamic, passion for rural communities and importance of mental health. It was evident the trick to keeping things on track for the duo was coffee!
Again their passion for creating community was shown through Nathans primary school visits and reflected in café “The Tuckshop” which they opened in their home suburb to help create a meeting place for their community. Something that also resonated with the duo was access to health in rural areas so a Charity Auction for a signed Parramatta Jersey to raise funds for Attract Connect Stay was a just what the doctor ordered. At the call of Auctioneer Shad Bailey, the jersey raised $5,500 thanks to Luke Taylor and will go to attracting doctors to our wonderful town.
As the sweet and savoury charcutier boards arrived at the tables, guests began to try their hand at the 360 degree photo booth and take pictures in front of the gorgeous back drops around the venue. Then the moment everyone one was waiting for – the winners of the three people’s choice categories.
No one could mistake the excitement of Spencer Peters as he accepted his Award for Glen Innes’ Favourite Tradie from Nathan himself – what was meant to be a hug looked more like a tackle. This was followed by Glen Innes’ Farmer of the Year, Michael ‘Pickles’ Miller and finally the WRWF People’s Choice Awards was presented to Allcrete Concrete Solutions who were by far the largest and most present group in the room.
As the formalities closed, the band kicked off and the dancing began. It was a night of celebration which was only made possible by the support of the Glen Innes Community – our businesses, members, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors.
GIBC would like to commend all of the nominees, congratulate all of the winners, and thank everyone who was involved in the evening. We already look forward to planning our next event! If you missed out on the evening you can see a full list of winners here, or check out some snaps of the evening here.