It was all glitz and glamour at Tamworth’s Quality Business Awards Friday Night, as a packed crowd celebrated the success of local businesses and individuals.
While all awards are to be celebrated, there is one which always holds a high honour, and that is the Noel Park Award.
The 2023 recipient of the Noel Park Award is Col Murray.
Here is what the Tamworth Business Chamber has to say about this year’s recipient:
Col’s childhood was spent in the beautiful Dungowan Valley and in 1971 he finished a trade course at TAFE, and started working as a carpenter. In 1984, with his brother he started his own business, and they went on to create an earthmoving company that grew to be the largest civil contractor in the North-West of NSW.
In 2004 he made the move from the business world to public service. When he was elected to the Tamworth Regional Council it solidified his commitment to our community and he became one of the longest-serving Mayors in Tamworth’s history.
From his position as Chair of the Namoi JO, inaugural chair of Regional Cities NSW and the Country Mayor’s Association, Director of Harness Racing NSW, he has tirelessly fought for our community’s interests at the highest levels of government.
Col’s effect on our region can be seen in the projects he led and the impact these projects have had across the Region. From the Westdale Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Split Rock Dam to Barraba Pipeline, to the Tamworth Regional Youth Centre and the Viaduct Skate Park, to the Fitzroy Street Beautification Project these are just a few examples of his contribution that has made our lives better and set the stage for a more prosperous future.
During the worst drought on record, he worked hard to secure the funding for emergency water security projects such as the Chaffey Dam to Dungowan Pipeline and the Calala Raw Water Storage Dam. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our town, he stayed strong often standing out the front of the Town Hall to give our community direct, factual updates.
During his time in office, Col did everything he could to leave a legacy for the future of Tamworth. From the Tamworth Rail Intermodal Hub to the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence, to the planning for what is now the Global Gateway Park and the formative development of the Tamworth University Campus.
Col has always been strong supporters of sustainability, leading the way for Council first Sustainability Strategy and the development of Blueprint 100.
Since leaving Council he has continued to support our region by sitting on various committees and Boards including with the University of New England.
“It was a nice shock, I certainly wasn’t expecting anything like that.” Said Col Murray.
“I have always regarding this as a very significant and meaningful award and it was pretty humbling to have it awarded to me.”
To all nominees, a huge well done. It is a huge honour to be nominated.
And to all of the winners, congratulations and we look forward to seeing what the next 12 months brings.
2023 Award Winners
Excellence in Customer Service in Retail – Small Category: McWilliams Quality Meat
Excellence in Customer Service in Retail – Large Category: Heemskerks Nursery
Excellence in Customer Service in Hospitality – Accommodation Category: CH Boutique Hotel
Excellence in Customer Service in Hospitality – Food & Beverage Small Category: Blue Flame Indian Cuisine
Excellence in Customer Service in Hospitality – Food & Beverage Large Category: Family Hotel Tamworth
Excellence in Customer Service in Education & Training Category: Tamworth Community College
Excellence in Customer Service in Animal Services Category: BeWoofed Pawtisserie & Accessories
Excellence in Customer Service for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Businesses Category: Inidigico Creative
Excellence in Customer Service in Health & Wellbeing Category: Carter Nutrition
Excellence in Customer Services in Professional Services – Small Category: Active Admin & Business Solutions
Excellence in Customer Services in Professional Services – Large Category: Brycon Civil
Excellence in Customer Service in Hair Category: 2340 Barber Shop- A Joblink Plus Social Enterprise Initiative
Excellence in Customer Service in Beauty Category: Little Tranquillity
Excellence in Customer Service in Employment & Recruitment Category: Workforce Extensions Tamworth
Excellence in Motor Transport Sales or Service Category: Brown and Hurley Tamworth
Excellence in Customer Service in Manufacturing & Construction Category: G.J Gardner Homes Tamworth
Excellence in Customer Service in Trades & Services Category: Carpet One Tamworth
Excellence in Customer Service in Tourism, Sport & Entertainment: She’s My Travel Agent
Excellence in Workplace Health & Safety Category: Rapid Plas
Excellence in Micro Business Category: Wall’s Honey Co.
Excellence in Large Business Category: AMPS Agribusiness Limited
Excellence in Innovation Category: FPM Cereal Milling Systems
Employer of Choice Category: Central Hospitality Group
Outstanding Community Organisation Category: Tamworth Family Support Services
Outstanding Start Up Category: EnviroAg Drones
Outstanding Employee Category: Jesse Martin
Outstanding Young Business Leader Category: Amy Allerton
Outstanding Business Leader Category: Jye Segboer
2023 Noel Park Award Recipient: Col Murray
People’s Choice Award Winner: Partner Now Property