Kyneton business Backman Builders took home the Business of the Year award from this year’s Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards.
Hosted at Mount Macedon Winery on Friday, August 30, the family-owned and operated local business also won awards in the categories of Excellence in Manufacturing, Trades, Retail and Innovation and Champion of Social, Environmental or Sustainability Principles.
Held twice a year, the council-run awards recognise businesses offering high-quality services to the Macedon Ranges and beyond and which provide local jobs, services and supplies.
A total of 42 businesses entered this year’s awards, with 25 finalists chosen by a panel of independent judges.
Gisborne’s 3 Little Pigs cafe was crowned with the People’s Choice award, with this category receiving more than 560 votes from the public.
Local personality Shane Jacobson was the MC for the awards and mentioned several personal anecdotes, recognising businesses well-known to him as a customer.
Macedon Ranges deputy mayor Janet Pearce thanked the businesses for their contributions to the community.
“To our many amazing local businesses: you bring so many positive benefits to the community and it’s great to be able to recognise the wonderful work you do,” Cr Pearce said.
Lancefield’s Rafael’s Coffee won the Excellence in Agribusiness and Food Manufacturing awards, Gentle Sensory in Gisborne won the Excellence in Health, Wellness and Care award, while the Excellence in Professional Services award was won by KGMG Creative from Woodend.
Mount Macedon’s Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat won the Excellence in Tourism and Visitor Experience award, the Small and Thriving award was won by KimCo from Woodend and the Young Achiever Award was won by Rebecca Philpot from Bug-A-Lugs Indoor Play Centre and OSHC in Kyneton and Woodend.
