A COMMITMENT to supporting Millicent service clubs, sports clubs and customers has landed McCourt’s Garden Centre the Community Spirit award at the Millicent Business Community Association’s 2019 Outstanding Business Awards.
“I believe in Millicent and what goes around comes around,” owner Christine Agnew said, addressing around 270 people who packed the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre on Saturday night.
“We need to look after each other.
“Locals and people from out of town always comment on what a friendly town we are and how beautiful it is. I just love working in Millicent.”
Fiona Thompson from Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services was named employee of the year in a bumper field of over 40 nominations, with a community member recommending her for the accolade as a “heartfelt thank you” to Fiona for her care towards the applicant’s ailing father.
David Tully from the Millicent Hospital and Michelle Skeer from South East Property Sales and Management received merit awards.
The young employee of the year was IGA’s Brandon Jones, who said his time with the business had been “a complete delight”.
The merit award went to Sally Sapiatzer from Foster’s Foodland.
Among the winners on the night were Graham and Julie Reilly Builders in the construction, trade and manufacturing sector, while New Heaven Indian Restaurant tasted more success in the hospitality and tourism sector.
“Thank you for the support that we have received for the last few years – we never miss home when we’re here,” New Heaven Indian proprietor Sukhchain Dhaliwal said.
“We love you very much.”
Merit awards were also presented to fellow division contenders Somerset Hotel and the Shearer’s Cook Café.
Millicent Veterinary Clinic received the service award, with co-owner Dr Sarah McGrath stating the award was “an amazing honour”.
“We have really got to do what we have to do … and a special mention to two businesses who inspire us – Foster’s Foodland and 3MP, who always strive to improve and invest in the community,” Dr McGrath said.
The category’s merit award went to Hands with Heart Massage.
Foster’s Foodland won the retail award and Mayura Station won the agriculture, horticulture and viticulture division.
Mark Oliver accepted the award for Mayura Station and thanked the staff and owner Scott deBruin, as well as staff’s partners for their help behind the scenes.
“It’s a great place, we have a great team,” Mr Oliver began, until an audience member called out the “meat was not too bad either”, to some chuckles from the crowd.
The awards were judged by TAFE SA representative Trudi Jones, Regional Development Australia’s business and workforce development manager Rachael Ashman and Wattle Range chief executive Ben Gower.
