By Casey Neill and Kathryn Bermingham
IT’S been a big few months at Hallam’s Wastech – from acquiring another business to opening a service centre and bringing in new trucks from Germany.
Taking home the Casey Cardinia Business of the Year Award, as well as this year’s Manufacturing Award, can now join the list.
Neil Bone accepted the honour at a gala dinner at Cranbourne Racing Club on Thursday 22 October.
Wastech designs, manufactures and provides equipment and services to the Australian waste and recycling industry.
“Thank you to (brother and business partner) Paul for putting up with me for 23 years,” Neil said.
“It’s the people that stand with you every day – that’s what makes a difference.”
The People’s Choice Award went to Village Way Café, 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 at 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.
Kevin and Nikki Slattery in 1988 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.
Kelly Sports Berwick won the Home-Based Business Award from finalists Helping Hand Is Here and Jotterbug Creative.
Darren Michelle 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 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 experiencing 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 empowering 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 solutions, assembly work, manufacturing, mail outs and catering.
We’ll have full coverage of the awards night on www.starcommunity.com.au on Friday 23 October and in Star News Group publications over the coming week.
