Ocean Sounds named Business of the Year, as TerraLab and Wildlife Coast Cruises inducted into Hall of Fame

THE Bass Coast community came together for the 2024 Bass Coast Business Awards last night proudly celebrating the achievements of local businesses.

One hundred and seventy business owners, operators and supporters gathered at the RACV Resort at Inverloch for an evening to recognise and celebrate business success.

This year's awards highlighted the incredible diversity and talent within the Bass Coast region.

The event featured locally sourced food and beverages, trophies crafted by local artisans and local entertainment all coming together to underscore what makes Bass Coast unique.

The People's Choice Awards were a standout moment.

This year saw a remarkable increase in community engagement with over three thousand votes cast indicating the strong support local businesses receive from the Bass Coast community.

"We are incredibly proud of the exceptional talent and innovation showcased at the 2024 Bass Coast Business Awards,” said Bass Coast Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve.

“Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievements."

“These awards highlight not only the diversity of our local businesses but also the strong sense of community that supports them.”

“Thank you to everyone who made this event such a wonderful celebration of all that makes Bass Coast unique,” said Mayor Le Serve.

Organisers were thrilled to receive fifty-four applications from businesses for the judged categories across a wide range of industries, including home-based businesses, construction, health, retail, tourism, hospitality, and professional services.

Two new businesses were added to the Hall of Fame, Wildlife Coast Cruises in the Environmental Sustainability category and TerraLab in the Business Innovation category.

To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a business must have won that category three consecutive years in a row.

The judging panel, consisting of seven distinguished industry leaders, dedicated their time and expertise to selecting this year’s winners.

Organisers extended their gratitude to Chris Francis from Sustainability Victoria, Jennifer Carroll, GoTo Solutions, Kim Storey, Destination Phillip Island, Melissa Cashman, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Nicole Harman, Harman Wines, Rebecca Massaro, Interchange Gippsland and Terry Robinson of Destination Gippsland.

Sponsors were also thanked for their invaluable support, Westernport Water, Platinum Sponsor for Business of the Year, Destination Phillip Island, Gold Sponsor Marketing and Communications, Harman Wines, Gold Sponsor Environmental Sustainability, nbn Local, Gold Sponsor Business Innovation, Phillip Island Business Network, Gold Sponsor New Business, Phillip Island RSL Gold Sponsor Access, Equity and Inclusion, Watersure, Gold Sponsor Event Excellence, Interchange Gippsland, Silver Sponsor Health & Lifestyle, Telstra, Silver Sponsor Online, Mobile and Home-Based Business, and RACV Resort Inverloch the Venue Sponsor.

Business of the Year 2024 winner was Ocean Sounds. Judges remarked that the submission from Ocean Sounds stood out with detail and impressive statistics.

The Hills Are Alive Group provided extensive insights into visitor profiling, demonstrated significant sustainability initiatives and showcased a clear vision for the future.

Despite having a small team, they successfully organised a large-scale event, and had a comprehensive understanding of customers and markets, and excellent supporting documentation.

Congratulations to the full list of winners and runners-up.

Judged Awards:

Access, Equity and Inclusion

Winner Inverloch Healthcare

Runner Up Brinnie T Design

Business Innovation

Winner and Hall of Fame inductee TerraLab

Runner Up Native Seed Box Pty Ltd

Environmental Sustainability

Winner and Hall of Fame inductee Wildlife Coast Cruises

Runner Up Native Seed Box Pty Ltd

Event Excellence

Winner Ocean Sounds

Runner Up Tidal Seafood Festival

Marketing and Communications

Winner NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park

Runner Up Bass Coast Boat & Caravan Storage

New Business

Winner Native Seed Box Pty Ltd

Runner Up Made By Bronte

People's Choice Awards

Accommodation and Tourism Attraction

Winner Anchor Belle Holiday Park

Runners Up Maru Koala and Animal Park

Runners Up NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park

Food and Beverage

Winner The Muffin Lady

Runner Up Harman Wines

Hair and Beauty

Winner Hair By Karra

Runner Up Dead4eva Designs

Health and Lifestyle

Winner Cor Pilates

Runner Up Balance Health Phillip Island

Online, Mobile and Home-Based Business

Winner Made By Bronte

Runner Up Foodies On Phillip Island

Retail and Services

Winner Bass Strait Direct

Runner Up Bass Coast Boat & Caravan Storage

Trade

Winners C&K Welding and Fabrication

Winner ESI Solutions Pty Ltd