Best chamber in the region

Other local winners on the night included the Deniliquin Plains on the Plains Pty Ltd for Excellence in Small Business and SunRice for Excellence in International Business.

Local businesses and individuals were finalists in 13 categories on the night, including Chamber of the Year.

Most won their way through to the regional awards after wins at the Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards, hosted by chamber.

Some also self nominated for the next level of competition.

The full list of local nominees were: Jack Fitzpatrick, Tessa Chartres, Deni Ute Muster, PhysioFit with Britt, Miranda Rose, CareSouth, Iain Goodway, Deni Play on the Plains Festival Ltd, Deni Golf Resort, Deniliquin Riverside Caravan Park, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Murray Irrigation Limited and Deniliquin Veterinary Clinic.

Deniliquin Business Chamber executive officer Kate Pitt, who accepted the chamber’s award on the night, said it was a chance to showcase that Deni is a “true can do community”.

“Deni was so well represented - every single time a Deni finalist was mentioned the cheering was intense,” Ms Pitt said.

“The mix of individuals and businesses representing Deniliquin showcases the strength and diversity of our business sector.

“In particular we were very proud to see our young businesses leaders Tessa Chartres and Jack Fitzpatrick and business leader Iain Goodway represent Deni. We were told these awards were the most hotly contested.

“The community of Deni can pat itself on the back as Deni will now have two businesses managed by volunteer boards (chamber and the Play on the Plains) that are in the New South Wales Awards.

“Being at the awards also provided us all with the opportunity to catch up with high-profile government and industry representatives.

“Without exception, every one we spoke with had a very high opinion of Deni.”

The Outstanding Local Chamber Award recognises innovative projects undertaken in the past 12 months by a local chamber that aims to improve economic, environmental or social impacts.

Deni was up against Albury Business Connect, whose representatives were quick to congratulate the chamber team in attendance on the night.

“We were thrilled to win at a regional level, as this shows our chamber is highly thought of within the Riverina Murray region.

“The light this shines on our business community is very welcome, but more importantly it gives us credibility within Business New South Wales and that is a game changer when it comes to applying for backing for regional conferences, events and funding.

“We’re proud to say we’ve worked hard to make a difference!

“Some of our standout projects include the Tradie Night, Deni Lights Up Christmas Lights Competition, Have Yourself a Very Local Christmas Shopping Promotion, a-MAY-zing Weekend including the Doggy’s Day Out, Business After Hours, Coffee with Chamber, Drinks with Chamber, the Edward River Council meet the candidates' forum, Small Business Month - which is coming up again this month - and the Deniliquin Business Chamber Excellence Awards.

“Business New South Wales regional director Serena Hardwick has spoken so highly of our Deniliquin Business Chamber Business Excellence Awards and was amazed at the amount of business and community support, particularly with regard to the Chamber/Riggall scholarship and the Construction Apprentice of the Year - Will McKern Scholarship.

“Business New South Wales executive director David Harding presented us with our award, which was very fitting as he has a genuine knowledge of and interest in our region. He was also instrumental in having Minister Tara Moriarty visit earlier in the year.

“I must acknowledge our chamber executive - president Paula Rutter, vice president Angela Parker, treasurer Jennifer Edwards and committee members Leesa Muir and Iain Goodway - and my fellow staff members in Christine Caldow, Rebecca Flisher and Helen Flisher.

“I also invite people to follow the Deniliquin Business Chamber Facebook page for more information of projects to come, and other helpful information for your business.”

Play on the Plains’ Excellence in Small Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key areas of business excellence.

This category is open to businesses with five to 20 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at the time of entry.

John Mulham accepted the award on behalf of the team, who have been hard at work preparing for this weekend’s Ute Muster.

John commended the entire team for the huge amount of work they do year-round, all for one long weekend showcase.

He also extended thanks to the Deniliquin community for their amazing volunteer efforts, the support from sponsors, and, of course, the festival goers who make the event such a success.

The Excellence in International Business Award recognises a business that exports its products or services internationally, in order to build a positive reputation for Australian products and services and to deliver opportunities for business growth and success.

Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of export.

Collecting the award on behalf of SunRice group was board member Julian Zanatta.

SunRice was founded almost 75 years ago in the Riverina region and now exports to more than 50 countries, bringing back profits of about $1/2 billion into our region.

SunRice Group takes great pride in their products and their exceptional team.

Their strong relationships with growers, suppliers, customers, and the communities in which they operate are key to their continued success.