By Danielle Kutchel
Twelve businesses from across the City of Casey have been recognised as finalists in the 2021 Casey Business Awards.
The finalists, across four award categories, were announced at a business breakfast held on Thursday 13 May at Bunjil Place.
They were chosen from a strong field of 81 entries in the first awards ceremony since Covid.
Many attendees commented that it was the first time they had attended such a function since before the pandemic – making it a special morning for all local businesses who have weathered the Covid storm.
Simon Griffiths, founder and CEO of Who Gives A Crap, gave an inspiring and humourous speech recounting his own experience founding a small business, and how it has grown over the years to occupy a special place in the market and homes of customers – especially during the toilet paper shortage of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He shared his top tips for businesses, including encouraging local business owners to think about their purpose and impact on the world.
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff congratulated all the finalists and wished them luck for the awards, with winners to be revealed at a gala event on Friday 25 June at Bunjil Place.
“These awards are an opportunity for council to celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements and contribution of Casey’s vibrant and diverse business community,” Ms Duff said.
“It’s great to be able to give recognition to those innovative local businesses who are excelling in their fields, and at the same time, give businesses the opportunity to come together to learn from one another and celebrate each other’s successes.”
Judge Kathy Racunica, who is head of campus at Federation University Berwick, acknowledged the tough task the judging panel had in choosing the finalists.
“I was thrilled to be involved as a judge in this year’s awards and was highly impressed with the calibre of applications,” Ms Racunica said.
“As applications were assessed, myself and the judging panel were struck by the resilience, leadership and innovation demonstrated by Casey’s business community and congratulate all those who took part.”
The Casey Business Awards are just one of a suite of measures introduced by the City of Casey to assist local businesses.
All participants have also been offered free business mentoring and are invited to participate in valuable business development workshops to build on their strengths and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
For more information about the Casey Business Awards, visit www.businessincasey.com.au or contact Tamara Ekanayake, Team Leader, Economic Development on 9705 5200.
This year’s Casey Business Awards are proudly supported by major sponsors, Zeemo and Bendigo Bank, category sponsors Mirvac, St John of God, MatchWorks, and media partner Star News Group.
The Casey Business Awards 2021 finalists are:
Resilience Category
Gumboots Child Therapy Services
L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Café, Florist and Art Space
Powerplant Project Services
Innovation Category
Australian Precision Technologies
Commercial Facilities Management
Doogood Australia
Employment Category
Atura Dandenong Hotel
Berwick Dental Studio
Lynbrook Vet
Business Leadership Category
Berwick Physiotherapy
Blairlogie Living & Learning Inc
United Solar Energy
