The New England is getting ready to roll out the red carpet to recognise businesses and individuals who have proven themselves outstanding in their industry, and their contribution to the economic growth and prosperity of their towns.
Ditch the uniforms, it’s time to glam up with suit and tie and formal gowns as we enter Business Awards season in the New England.
Tamworth’s Night of Nights
Kicking us off this Friday night is the largest of the Awards evenings in Tamworth.
“The winners have all been decided and they are in sealed envelopes under lock and key, so it will be a great surprise on Friday night,” said Matthew Sweeny, Tamworth Business Chamber President.
With a sold-out event of 850 tickets, Tamworth aims to showcase what businesses have achieved in last 12 months across their 29 categories, plus the People’s Choice and Noel Park Awards.
“What was interesting this year was that all 29 categories had a new entrant, which is great to see new people and new businesses who people thought they were worth nomination,” said Matthew.
And even as the process is run like a well-oiled machine, there are still surprises along the way.
“We have a good cross section of business that are nominated, however, this year the highest nominations went to the pet category, so we obviously care a lot about our pets.”
While promising to deliver the same great event as Tamworth Business Chamber do every year, this Friday night’s schedule does have something be a little different.
“Just as everyone takes their seats there will be a high energy presentation at the beginning which will set the theme for the rest of the night and hopefully it was transport everyone into that celebratory position for the rest of the night,” said Matthew.
This year there are four business awards throughout September and October, which begs the question; do we still need them?
“Are Business Awards still relevant? Looking at the sold-out numbers I would say yes.”
“In the region we seem to be going from strength to strength with the quality of the submissions.”
“Its not people just saying, yes put me forward I am awesome, they are actually putting effort into showcasing themselves, so definitely the quality not just the quantity.”
Narrabri on Show
Following on this Saturday night, Narrabri will light up the Crossing Theatre for another sold-out year, celebrating their best of the best.
And for those who have ever attended Narrabri’s Business Awards, they are far from boring.
“We love having our awards at the Crossing Theatre, which is probably the premier theatre in the region.” said Russel Stewart, Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce President.
“We are a little different, we don’t let anyone thank anyone.“
“You get up, you get your award, which is terrific, and you get back down.”
“We take out all of the boring bits.”
Narrabri Business Chamber remains one of the longest serving chambers in the region with an unbroken history of 97 years, and in the last 20 years, has only missed three award’s events due to the pandemic.
With 15 categories up for contention, there are 104 separate businesses entered from 330 nominations, and the local chamber aims to deliver a night to remember for everyone.
“We are always looking to provide better value for money with a three-course meal and free drinks all night,” said Russell.
“We want our awards to be affordable so a small business can bring their entire staff and know that when they come in on the night, the whole night is covered.”
“Every cent we get we put back into the community, so that’s why we are able to subsidised our ticket sales.”
This year Narrabri will welcome back comedian Lindsay Webb to emcee the evening.
“Lindsay has travelled the world as a comedian and is sure to get some laughs on the night,” said Russell.
Tenterfield’s Booming Comeback
Wrapping up September’s Awards run is our most northern town with Tenterfield.
Handing over the reins from Council to the Chamber, the committee is eager to pick up where the awards left off before the pandemic.
“We have had so many nominations come in, the judges are busy finalizing their results and ticket sales are going fantastic,” said Kat Davis, Board Member for Tenterfield Chamber of Business, Industry & Tourism.
“What the community is saying in the nominations and on how well they are performing is so heartwarming and gives great recognition to all of those businesses and people, and it is a great chance to celebrate everyone’s achievements in our community.”
Tenterfield continues to market itself as must-see destination in the North West and with Kat Davis and Tenterfield famous, Harry Bolton, emceeing the evening, attendees can expect a show.
“Tenterfield is booming, and it has since covid, there are a lot of new businesses that have started up, especially with people moving out into the country, and we have so many small businesses nominated and that have entered, that we have had to divide the small business category into two; professional and services, and retail and hospitality,” said Kat.
The Return of Glen Innes
And finally, Glen Innes will stand alone in October as they relaunch their red-carpet event.
“When Business in Glen was let go there was no business to run the awards, but we are very excited to bring back what people know as one of the best nights of the year for the whole community with the relaunch of the Glen Innes Business Chamber” said Cassandra Hill, President Glen Innes Business Chamber.
“We believe it is important to be recognised as an affiliate of the former and very well-known business chamber model with Business NSW.”
After a four-year hiatus of a business chamber, the new committee has buckled down building a string platform to launch their 2023 awards.
“So, a new look, new brand, but we have carried on a lot of the work from Business in Glen,” said Cassandra.
“We have business chambers from around the region coming to us asking for advice on how we have attracted such fast growth with our membership, and we are getting sell outs to our members networking events and its really exciting, and we are really proud, and we can see the rewards for our vision.”
Tying in the awards with the last night of small business week for Glen Innes, the Chamber aims to inject a further economic boost into the town with memories to last a lifetime.
“Being at the Tenterfield Golf Club it is a blank canvas and we really wanted to go to town with styling,” said Cassandra.
“We have got someone really clever and creative in the event industry involved with this and we just want to create something that is really breathtaking, and that people walk away and remember.”
Glen Innes has 15 award categories for businesses and individuals to take the title, plus the highly anticipated People’s Choice award.
And there is more to come.
“We have two new awards categories; Glen Innes’ favourite Tradie, which we think will be received really well and also, Glen Innes’ farmer of the year, to shine a light on a farmer out there who is going great things in the agricultural business sector.” Said Cassandra.
Glen Innes is set to turn on a night jam packed with fun, food and celebrity guests.
“We have Nathan and Bonnie Hindmarsh coming out from Sydney.” Said Cassandra.
“Nathan is a Parramatta Eels great and his lovely wife Bonnie who is well known for being on of the co-founders of Three Birds Revonations, they are incredible businesspeople, also owning a café in Sydney called the Tuckshop.”
“They have their hands in business, and they are passionate about regional Australia, with Nathan often travelling out to the regional areas to insure youth and spirts clubs and they are excited to come to Glen.”
“Following their announcement ticket sales have amped up and we haven’t even announced the finalists yet, so people just want to come be a part of it.”
Business Awards Around the New England
Tamworth 2023 Quality Business Awards
Friday 8th September
Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC)
Doors open at 6pm
SOLD OUT EVENT- 850 guests
Narrabri Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
Saturday 9th September
The Crossing Theatre
6pm
SOLD OUT EVENT- 300 guests
Tenterfield 2023 Business & Tourism Excellence Awards
Saturday 16th September
Tenterfield Golf Club
6pm
Ticket sales still open- close 9th September
Glen Innes Business Awards Night
Friday 20th October
Glen Innes Golf Club
6pm
Tickets sales still open
Good luck to all nominated individuals and businesses across all award evenings.
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small donation today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now