Millicent retailer McCourt’s Garden Centre as well as the Millicent Veterinary Clinic were each honoured twice when the 2021 Millicent Business Community Association Outstanding Business Awards were announced at a gala cabaret on Saturday.
The long-established shop was named as best agriculture/horticulture/ viticulture business while shop assistant Frazer Johnston was recognised as the Young Employee of the Year.
The animal treatment practice was judged as the best service provider while its administrative officer Jamie Coleman was Employee of the Year.
In line with COVID protocols, the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre had a limited gathering of 150 who saluted the achievements of numerous firms and individuals.
It is the 10th year the MBCA has given out Outstanding Business Awards and there were over 200 nominations.
The awards were not held in 2020 and COVID factors also prompted the postponement of the original date in August.
Some past multiple winners were again to the fore with Fosters Foodland named as the best “large” retailer and the New Heaven Indian Restaurant as the best restaurant/hospitality venue.
The best “small” retailer with five employees or less was Sassi.
The best café was the Shearer’s Cook Café while a merit award went to the Two Spoons Coffee House.
Newly-established business Trusted Automotive won the trades and construction category.
The Millicent Rotary Club again sponsored the Young Employee of the Year award and it was presented to Mr Johnston by club president Peter Bateman.
The MBCA committee presents the Community Spirit Award as a way of recognising businesses which undertake generous and kind acts and the 2021 recipient was IGA supermarket manager and New Heaven owner Sukhchain Dhaliwal.
It is sponsored each year by Foster’s Foodland in memory of family patriarch “Bob” Foster who successfully ran retail businesses in Rendelsham and Millicent for 67 years until his death in 2014.
Mr Dhaliwal cooks 60 hot meals each Monday night and gives them away to the needy.
After acknowledging the support of his family, staff and the community in an emotional address, Mr Dhaliwal was greeted with a standing ovation.
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll admitted Millicent Toyota to the MBCA Hall of Fame as it has been a successful business for the past 55 years since it was founded by Roy Lowe (now deceased).
Formerly known as Junction Auto Sales, it is the oldest Toyota dealer in regional South Australia.
The accolade was accepted by family patriarch and retired dealer principal Geoff Lowe.
He attributed the firm’s longevity to its staff, support from his family and the Millicent community as well as the quality of the Toyota brand.
“Oh! What a feeling!”, Mr Lowe concluded in a reference to the Toyota marketing slogan.
Millicent Business Community Association president Lee Morgan thanked all who worked to ensure the success of the night.
Mr Morgan said the mood of the local business community was positive and there were only three empty shops in George Street.
Speeches of congratulation to all nominees were made by Labor MLC Clare Scriven, Liberal MP Nick McBride and Mayor Des Noll.
His two living predecessors Mark Braes and Peter Gandolfi were present.
Wattle Range Council was also represented by its chief executive Ben Gower and development services director Emma Clay.
Mr Gower was a judge along with Lisa Braes and Rachel Ashman.
The master of ceremonies was retired ABC broadcaster and Regional Development Australia deputy chairman Alan Richardson.
Among the 30 sponsors of the night was The SE Voice.
The SE Voice was nominated in the service category while four of our staff were in the running for Employee of the Year: John Scanlon, Sophie Morrison (nee Bohner), “Fred” Smith and Kelly Costin.
Following the award presentations, a supper was provided by MBCA member businesses.
The dance floor was then filled thanks to the music provided by Mount Gambier cover band Magnet.
