2024 Business Award Winners

Empire Signs Group has taken the top award of Business of the Year in the 2024 Campaspe Murray Business Awards.

Murray River Council Mayor, Cr John Harvie said the awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements and immense contribution of businesses across the region.

"Our businesses are the backbone of our community, and it's wonderful to be able to recognise their dedication and achievements through the awards."

"It's great to see winners from all corners of the area, showcasing the incredible diversity and strength of our local economy."

"We hope the awards continue to inspire ongoing excellence and growth in our business sector," Cr Harvie said.

This year's awards attracted 60 applications across 14 categories, with the awards ceremony being held at the Rich River Golf Club on Wednesday, 30 October. Each category had two external judges who reviewed the applications and conducted onsite visits to gain a better understanding of the businesses.

Campaspe Shire CEO Pauline Gordon said this year was especially exciting with the addition three additional categories, Excellence in Health & Wellbeing, Excellence in Marketing and the Community Impact Award.

"The popular People's Choice Award, saw a tremendous response with over 3,700 votes cast from the community for their favourite business."

"It was wonderful to see the new, yet very popular business, Gargarro Cafe, taking out both the People's Choice Award along with the Best New Business Award," Ms Gordon said.

The selection panel from the two Council areas said the following about these winners:

Business of the Year – Empire Signs.

Empire Signs is a deserving winner of the Business of the Year award, demonstrated by their dedication to innovation, strong client relationships, and continuous improvement. With a diverse and skilled team, they consistently push the boundaries of what signage can look like, creating unique and high-quality work. Empire Signs has shown resilience in managing economic slowdowns, such as during COVID-19, by proactively pitching ideas to new clients and investing in new equipment to boost efficiency. Their commitment to continuous improvement is evident through their use of business software, setting KPIs, seeking client feedback, and engaging professional guidance to scale their long-term goals.

Servicing national companies from their Kyabram base, Empire Signs is a well-presented business that continues to exceed expectations in both productivity and client satisfaction.

Employee of the Year – Carmel Beck from Echuca Regional Health.

Carmel's leadership in building and supporting a high-performing team is exceptional. She is dedicated to regularly checking in with team members and ensuring their well-being. Carmel has played a pivotal role in developing new programs and leading the team through significant changes at Echuca Regional Health, making her an invaluable asset in the change management process and to the overall success of the dental service.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Vanessa Bronsgeest from Soap Bar Co.

Vanessa exemplifies the spirit of a young entrepreneur, having grown her business from a side hustle into a thriving venture. Her ability to diversify and create products based on customer feedback shows strong business acumen. With a clear vision of making her brand a household name, Vanessa's hard work and creativity are driving her success. The judges are confident that with the foundation she has built, her business will continue to grow and achieve even greater success.

Community Impact Award – Winter Blues Festival.

The Winter Blues Festival is a shining example of collaboration between local businesses that delivers significant economic and social benefits to the communities of Campaspe Shire and Murray River Council. Remarkably, the event is organised entirely by a team of volunteers. Over its 24-year history, the festival has grown from a small gathering of musicians to a 4-day event featuring 48 performers across 20 venues in Echuca Moama. The festival is estimated to inject $10 million into the local economy during what was once a quiet winter period, benefiting multiple industry sectors and providing free live music for the entire community to enjoy.

People's Choice - Gargarro Café

The Gargarro Café has quickly become a beloved community hub and a shining example of local success. Located within the Gargarro Botanic Garden, the café has played a pivotal role in revitalising Girgarre. Since its opening, the café has received rave reviews for its quality food, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service. The café's success is not just measured by its popularity among locals and visitors, but also by its significant contributions to the community. It has created jobs, supported local suppliers, and provided a much-needed gathering place for residents.

The business category winners of the 2024 Campaspe Murray Business Awards are: