Business Awards finalists announced

The Bass Coast Business Awards have announced the finalists for 2023 in what is the 16th year of the awards.

There are 40 finalists across 13 categories, with the awards split into two sections – the Judged Categories and the People’s Choice Awards.

Fifteen Phillip Island or San Remo business are represented in the finals, with some being nominated in several categories.

Bass Coast Direct is a finalist in three categories, with San Remo Hotel and We are Phillip Island finalists in two.

The judged categories are self-nominated by Bass Coast-based businesses and events.

This year's categories were judged by an independent panel of six industry experts from the business community.

In addition to the judged awards voters have nominated their favourite business via the People’s Choice Awards.

The Bass Coast Business Awards will be presented on Friday October 27 at the Gala Dinner, Cape Paterson Life Saving Club.

Achievements

More than 2300 votes were received for the People’s Choice Awards, almost double the amount received last year.

This year, council said it received 54 applications from businesses in construction, hair and beauty, health, hospitality, manufacturing, visitor economy, retail and professional services.

Thirty-five businesses applied for the awards, with 25 first-time businesses getting involved.

John Dickie’s Wildlife Coast Cruises won the 2022 Business of the Year, as well as Environmental Sustainability and a People’s Choice award.

He said applying for the awards is an opportunity to reflect on the business’ achievements throughout the year.

“I look forward to assessing ourselves in a sense of how far we have come, and it gives us the chance to sit down and talk about our goals within each category as a business for the future and how we aim on getting to that next place,” he said.

“It sparks important conversations within the team and gives us a sense of pride when we can write out our accomplishments.

“Attending the awards is always a fantastic opportunity to recognise the successes of other businesses in the area, it's a great time to network and collaborate."

For Harley Schinagl of TerraLab, winning the 2022 Business Innovation Award was the start of an award-winning run.

“Our award sponsor was NBN Co. After winning, the NBN Co rep encouraged us to enter their own national Innovation awards, of which we not only won our category, but the overall national prize.

“So the outcome stemming from the Bass Coast award was quite significant for us and has given us some additional opportunities as well,” he said.

This year’s applications are judged by six industry professionals: Kim Storey (Destination Phillip Island), Andrea Evans-McCall (Countries University Centre), Rebecca Massaro (Interchange Gippsland), Heidi Hamm (Sustainability Victoria), Melissa Cashman (Phillip Island Nature Parks) and Jennifer Carroll (GoTo Solutions).

Finalists – Judged awards

Access, Equity and Inclusion: Brinnie T Design, Maru Koala and Animal Park, YES Youth Hub.

Business Innovation: Bass Strait Direct, TerraLab, Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre.

Environmental Sustainability: Bass Strait Direct, French Island Cottages, Wildlife Coast Cruises.

Event Excellence: Bass Coast Cycle Challenge, Kilcunda Lobster Festival, NYE on the Hill.

Marketing and Communications: Bass Coast Boat and Caravan Storage, Coast to Coast Conveyancing, San Remo Hotel.

Resilience: San Remo Hotel, We are Phillip Island, Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre.

People’s Choice Award finalists

Accommodation and Tourism Attraction: Anchor Belle Holiday Park, Maru Koala & Animal Park, NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park.

Food and Beverage: Folks Coffee, Harman Wines, Merindah Hill Farm.

Hair and Beauty: Hair by Karra, Hair by Sarah Azzato, Her. Skin & Day Spa.

Online, Mobile and Home-based Business: Graham Lyle Insurance, Patricia Jamieson celebrant, We Are Phillip Island.

Retail and Services: Bass Coast Boat & Caravan Storage, Bass Strait Direct, San Remo Butchers.

Health and Lifestyle: Balance Health Phillip Island, Bass Coast Support Work Services, Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre.

Trade: Bass Coast Plastering, Robbie Shore Landscaping, Rotaret Hydraulic Engineering, Sunscape Solar.