FOUR local businesses secured category wins at the 27th annual Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards.
Leongatha businesses Sweet Life Café and Cakes, and AW Smith & Sons, Dalyston’s Empowered Lactation Consulting, and Port Albert’s Boat Harbour Jetty B&B were among an esteemed list recognised for their industry success.
AW Smith & Sons has received impressive recognition in the Hall of Fame for its outstanding longevity, innovative practices and unwavering commitment to customer service over decades of operation.
Sweet Life Café and Cakes won the Hospitality and Food Service Award.
The café is a values-driven business that has grown through adaptability, quality service and a strong connection to its local community.
With a clear vision and passion for what it does, the business continues to evolve and diversify to meet changing customer needs, making it a valued provider in Leongatha’s hospitality sector.
Its ability to evolve with industry changes while maintaining strong community ties and delivering consistent quality sets them apart as a leader in regional business excellence.
Empowered Lactation Consulting was recognised in the Microbusiness category.
It is a values-driven business that has successfully expanded access to high-quality lactation support through innovative telehealth services.
With a strong focus on inclusivity, strategic planning and community engagement, it continues to grow and evolve, making a meaningful impact for women and families across Gippsland.
Boat Harbour Jetty B&B received an award in the Accommodation and Tourism category.
It is a well-established, award-winning business that has carved out a distinct niche by blending luxury accommodation with immersive local and
cultural experiences.
Despite its small scale, exceptional customer focus, strategic marketing and passion-driven approach have earned it strong industry recognition and a loyal following.
Tequa Plumbing & Civil won the region’s top business award – taking out Business of the Year.
The awards were presented at a gala dinner at the Federation University auditorium where more than 350 people came together to celebrate the best of the region’s business sector.
Awards chair Graeme Sennett congratulated the winners on their achievement.
“The variety and diversity of businesses across the Gippsland region is remarkable,” he said.
“Once again, the calibre of the awards’ finalist has provided the judges with a huge challenge in selecting winners from such an impressive array of businesses.”
Mr Sennett said Tequa Plumbing & Civil’s strategic foresight, focus on people and technology, and commitment to workforce development, was a clear indication of its role as a leader in addressing industry challenges head-on.
“Demonstrating a passion for their industry and their people by delivering initiatives like the Tequa Academy and address industry-wide staffing challenges, show how Tequa Plumbing & Civil is providing for long term sustainability to enable future growth and development.”
Chief executive of major sponsor Latrobe Health Services Ian Whitehead also congratulated the winners.
“The winners of the Gippsland Business Awards exemplify the drive and excellence that define our region,” he said.
“Latrobe Health Services is proud to support their success in our first year as naming rights sponsor.”
Each finalist is assessed and independently rated by five different judges across eight judging criteria.
For more information, refer to www.gba.org.au.
