A STANDING ovation paid tribute to a Millicent business owner during the town’s business awards held recently.
At the Millicent Business Community Association (MBCA) annual awards held in the Millicent Civic and Arts Centre, the crowd of about 150 fellow business people and their employees stood to acknowledge Sukhchain Dhaliwal, of New Heaven Indian Restaurant and Millicent IGA supermarket, when he was awarded the Community Spirit Award.
Presented by Brian Foster in memory of his father, the late Bob Foster, who was well known as a significant and long running contributor to Millicent and its surrounding area, the award recognises a business owner who goes above and beyond their business to help their community.
The crowd was told that Mr Dhaliwal provides 60 free meals to people in need every Monday night.
On stage during the presentation, Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll said Mr Dhaliwal was humble by nature.
“The strength of our community is in our diversity and we are extremely proud of Sukie,” he said.
“You are treasured and this community loves you dearly.”
Mr Dhaliwal, who began his restaurant in Millicent in 2014, thanked his family, friends, staff and the community.
“I feel good in the heart when my children tell me that their friends talk proudly about me, their dad, at school,” he said.
“I like to help others who are less fortunate.”
Winners of other sections on the night were as follows:
Construction, Trades and Manufacturing: Trusted Automotive.
Services: Millicent Veterinary Clinic
Retail: Foster’s Foodland
Retail with less than five employees: Sassi Giftware
Agriculture, Horticulture, Viticulture: McCourt’s Garden Centre
Hospitality and Tourism: New Heaven Indian Restaurant
Hospitality and Tourism, cafes: The Shearer’s Cook Cafe
Hospitality and Tourism, cafes, merit award: Two Spoons Coffee House
Employee of the Year: Jaimie Coleman of Millicent Veterinary Clinic
Young Employee of the Year: Frazer Johnston of McCourt’s Garden Centre
Hall of Fame inductee: Millicent Toyota
