Local Businesses Shine: 2024 East Grampians Business Award Winners Announced

The 2024 East Grampians Business Awards were held at Ararat Town Hall last night to celebrate local business talent from across the municipality. 

Nine outstanding organisations across eight categories took home trophies, showcasing the remarkable range of driven and successful businesses in Ararat Rural City.

Hosted by Ararat Rural City Council, the 2024 East Grampians Business Awards Gala began with a Welcome to Country and viewing of the work of distinguished Kirrae Whurrung artist Brett Clarke, followed by guest speaker and Greater Ararat Business Network President, Tom Clark who addressed the crowd of business owners, their families and supporters. 

Sponsors of the event included Greater Ararat Business Network, Regional Development Australia – Grampians, MixxFM, Telstra, Ararat RSL, Nevetts Lawyers, nbnCo, Channel 7 and CRE8 Video Productions, along with Ararat Rural City Council.

The East Grampians Business Awards are held annually and open to all private, public, and not-for-profit enterprises operating within Ararat Rural City.

Winners of the East Grampians Business Awards 2024

The top honour for Business of the Year, sponsored by Ararat Rural City Council and Greater Ararat Business Network, went to Ararat Physio & Co. The team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals truly care and take pride in providing professional services with the primary focus on helping their clients achieve the results they are looking for in a caring and supportive way.

The Best New Business award, sponsored by Channel 7, was awarded to Wirreanda Farm; it contains Victoria’s only Tiny Chapel, tucked away in the mountains and perfect for private elopements or a sunset paddock picnic, all with an Instagram-worthy vibe.

The coveted People’s Choice award, sponsored by MixxFM and The Weekly Advertiser, went to SEDE Café. Bishal, Bittu and their team provide a warm and friendly welcome and specialise in an à la carte style menu, and a range of daily specials using locally sourced ingredients.

The Innovation and Change award, sponsored by nbnCo, went to SVFit who are committed to fostering a supportive and motivating environment that truly feels like home and provides the opportunity to enhance both your physical and mental well-being, allowing you to look and feel your best.

The Trades and Construction award, sponsored by Regional Development Australia – Grampians, went to local builder G.J. Gardner Ararat, who for over 16 years have been building homes across the Ararat, Horsham, and Hamilton regions.

The Retail and Hospitality award, sponsored by the Ararat RSL, was split into two separate awards due to the high calibre of applicants.

The Retail award went to community-based retailer Priceline Pharmacy Ararat, who provide a range of services to the local community and beyond, providing a modern environment and popular core services.

The Hospitality award, also sponsored by Ararat RSL, went to Barney’s Bar & Bistro, which has fast become the place to go for locals and tourists from Australia and beyond. Serving local wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages, Barneys is perfect for weddings, birthdays, meetings, conferences, Christmas parties, celebrations of life and more.

The award for Professional Services, sponsored by Telstra, went to Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative. Budja Budja opened their doors as a bulk billing Medical Clinic in Ararat on 1 November 2024, delivering a culturally safe environment and services to members in a holistic manner, driven by a team of dedicated clinical professionals.

The Young Person of the Year award, sponsored by Nevetts Lawyers, went to Lauren Walker of Ararat Wellness. Lauren has had a transformative impact on the lives of those she supports. As a dedicated counsellor, Lauren uses her diverse skill set to provide personalised care to help her clients overcome significant challenges, often leading to lasting positive change.

"We've got a really strong business network here because of local business owners with drive, who lead, and work with Council - and we form really strong bonds ," said Dr Tim Harrison, CEO of Ararat Rural City Council in his closing address. "I want to thank you all for doing what you do. You drive employment, you drive confidence, you drive visitors, you drive everything we have. I thank you sincerely for what you do.

“We're incredibly proud of all our local businesses. Congratulations to all finalists and winners for their outstanding contributions to our community.” 

Images, T - B: Ararat Town Hall; the SEDE Cafe team; Brett Clarke performing; Col and Sue of Barney's Bar & Bistro.