2024 Business Excellence Awards winners announced

Pictured are Rachael and Jason Briggs from JMB Modular Buildings and Anthony Spadaro from Optus Business Centre

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT WINNER
Cardamone Real Estate

REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE… Peter and Lindi Cardamone of Cardamone Real Estate received an Outstanding Achievement award at the Business Excellence Awards. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

Cardamone Real Estate is a family-owned agency, they’ve serviced the Goulburn Valley since 2014. Managing director Peter Cardamone and wife Lindi are true locals who are proud to support over 30 sporting clubs across the area. Cardamone Real Estate were winners of the of the “Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign” Award in 2016, 2022 and 2023 and pride themselves on “thinking outside the square”.

Sponsored by: Greater Shepparton Business Network


BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – TRADE SERVICES WINNER
GAME Traffic and Contracting

Pictured from left is Stacey Weeks from the GMCU and from the team at GAME are Jodie Adams, Mikayla Cole, Maddie Johnston, Samet Uruz, Andrew Harlow, Daniel Fletcher, Michael Laino and Kym Bailey

GAME is a well-known name across the GV, providing Traffic Management & Planning services, Equipment Hire, Temporary Fencing and Grounds Maintenance to local and multinational businesses in the area. What many don’t know is that GAME is Australia’s largest regional social enterprise, with a focus on improving the career prospects of youth across regional Victoria and southern NSW. 

Sponsored by: The GMCU 

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WINNER
So Creative

Pictured from left are Aaron Mahoney from Websites Plus, Steph Boyle and Olivia Evans-Smith from So Creative and Aaron Brain from Shepparton BMW


So Creative are a Shepparton-based advertising agency committed to delivering big-brand marketing and design services to businesses in regional Victoria. They work passionately on branding, graphic design, web design and marketing projects across print and digital platforms. Their work ethic is a relentless pursuit to create compelling brand stories, making brands more recognisable. They’re a micro business doing big things! Sponsored by: Shepparton BMW 

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – RETAIL/HOSPITALITY SERVICES WINNER
Everyday Supplies

Pictured from left are Andrew Mackie from Harvey Norman Shepparton and Jac McCarty and Jeanette Sabri from Everyday Supplies.

Since 1997, Everyday Supplies have been supplying the Goulburn Valley and beyond with all their cleaning needs. From Deni to Wallan, Yea to Rochester, they are a one stop shop for many small towns throughout the region. Built from the ground up, over the last 28 years they have become the place people come to for friendly and exceptional service, the right advice and quality products. They offer one of the largest ranges of cleaning chemicals, bathroom amenities, tea room supplies, stationery, vacuums and cleaning machinery in the GV. Proudly independent and family owned, they now have a bigger and better showroom, recently renovated in New Dookie Road. With everything from toilet paper, hand towel and soap, to cleaning chemicals, machines, vacuums, mops & buckets they literally have all your Everyday Supplies under one roof. 

Sponsored by: Harvey Norman Shepparton 

CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WINNER
Sonia Strachan – GV Health

Pictured are Sonia Stratchan who works at GV Health and Kaitlin Smith from are-able


Sonia graduated from La Trobe University in 1995 and has over 30 years of nursing experience. In addition to her Bachelor of Nursing Degree she also has a Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care and a certificate in Prostate Nursing Care. After more than 15 years working in Palliative care in the Goulburn Valley, Sonia commenced in the role of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse at Goulburn Valley Health where she set up the Prostate Cancer Nursing Service in that region in 2014. Sonia is very passionate about her role as a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse and providing care to men with Prostate Cancer in the Goulburn Valley catchment region. Sonia role is funded by the Goulburn Valley community through their annual Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch. Sponsored by are-able

CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR – TRADE SERVICES WINNER
Brett Collins Refrigeration and Greg Pearson Building  

Pictured are Mason Lawford and Dave Kennedy from Greg Pearson Building, Adrienne Gledhill from MB+M, and Brett Collins and Tom Simpkin from Brett Colins Refrigeration

Brett Collins and Tom Simkin are the proud owners of Brett Collins Refrigeration, a cornerstone of reliable and high-quality refrigeration and air conditioning services in the Goulburn Valley. With over 30 years’ experience, BCR serves both domestic and commercial clients offering a comprehensive range of services. Their commitment to customer satisfaction extends well beyond supply and installation, encompassing comprehensive aftercare services, maintenance, a 24/7 on-call service, and repairs. This dedication emphasizes their reliability to both new and existing clients. 

Greg Pearson Building is a custom home builder and renovator that has been established for 13 years. They service within 50kms of Shepparton, and pride themselves on creating forever homes to the highest standard in the Goulburn Valley. In such a dynamic and fast paced industry, they believe client relations and communication are key to creating great outcomes for all parties.  

Sponsored by MB+M. 


CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR – RETAIL/HOSPITALITY SERVICES WINNER
Elsewhere at SAM

Pictured from left are the team from Elsewhere at SAM: Jonathan Chan, Rebecca Smith, Sean Cameron, Ricardo Vilsson-Mullor, Chetanpreet Kaur, Jordan Baxter and Alaina Tuckett and Wayne Sutton from the Shepparton Club


Known for its distinctive, creative, and ever-evolving menu, Elsewhere at SAM has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike. As a locally owned and operated café, Elsewhere exemplifies a passion for quality and innovation, ensuring that every visit offers a fresh, memorable culinary experience in a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by exceptional service. In 2023, just six months after opening, Elsewhere was awarded Best New Business (Under 2 Years), sparking tremendous growth. This achievement not only broadened its audience but also created new job opportunities, allowing the café to assemble a dedicated, talented team that shares its commitment to excellence. With a strong focus on outstanding hospitality and community connection, Elsewhere continues to thrive and evolve, always pushing the boundaries of what great café dining can be. Sponsored by Shepparton Club Inc. 


VISITOR EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR WINNER
MOVE (Museum of Vehicle Evolution)

Pictured are Caleb Francis and Ingrid Thomas, team leader of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Shepparton & Goulburn Valley


From humble beginnings, MOVE has emerged as a significant tourism destination, becoming a central part of the region’s economic growth. Attracting local, state, national, and international visitors, MOVE is proud to showcase the rich transport and social history of the Goulburn Valley. Post expansion and grand opening in 2021, the museum has without question become a premier attraction in Victoria. With a strong digital and print media presence along with unique exhibits, MOVE continually draws a high number of visitors. The museum stands as a testament to the Goulburn Valley’s backbone—the people and industries that built it. Conceived and developed with generous contributions from local transport legends, car enthusiasts, businesses, and government, we invite you to be a part of our continued journey. Sponsored by Shepparton & Goulburn Valley 

EMERGING MICROBUSINESS OF THE YEAR WINNER
Tricon Electrical Group

Pictured are Damain Cocks from Greater Shepparton Business Centre and Jackson Marks and Cameron Calder from Tricon Electrical Group

Tricon Electrical Group, founded by two like-minded friends, exemplifies the power of passion and dedication in addressing the growing demand for reliable electrical services in Shepparton and the surrounding areas. Established just 15 months ago, this dual family-owned business has quickly become a leading provider of comprehensive solutions for both residential and commercial projects. With a steadfast commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Tricon has earned a sterling reputation for delivering exceptional services. Their team of skilled and certified electricians, equipped with the latest tools and techniques, ensures that every project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards. Each member pours their heart and soul into their work, creating a strong sense of achievement with every job completed from start to finish. 

Sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Centre 

EXCELLENCE IN FOOD & AGRIBUSINESS WINNER
Flavorite Tatura

Pictured are Mark Wood and Jon Murphy from Flavorite Tatura and Tania Lucas from Noumi

Flavorite’s journey started back in 1993 with the simple goal to put the taste back into tomatoes. Today, the same goal remains, grow the most flavoursome produce in the most sustainable way. Since their humble beginnings with 3,000m2 of plastic igloo greenhouses to grow tomatoes in Warragul Victoria, Flavorite now spans 73 hectares of production under glass across four sites. Employing over 1,000 people in regional Victoria, their product range has expanded beyond tomatoes to include capsicums, cucumbers, eggplant, blueberries, and various snacking varieties. As Flavorite surpass 30 years of growing premium fresh produce, the Tatura site is rapidly growing and, on its way, to becoming the business’s largest site with the recent builds of two six-hectare glasshouses and a brand-new state-of-the-art packing and logistics facility which will create a further 80 jobs. Flavorite is excited by the innovation taking place in the agriculture sector and is looking forward to continued growth within the region. 

Sponsored by Noumi 


BEST MARKETING / ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR WINNER
Trelly’s Outdoors

Pictured are Steven ‘Trelly’ Threlfall and Stephen Mullins from WIN Television

Steven Threlfall opened Trelly’s Outdoors in 1988. Steven grew up in the great outdoors and it was only natural that his hobbies became his business destiny. Trelly’s employ 20 staff

members, Trelly’s stores are like clubhouses being places people love to be. Trelly’s acknowledges, respects and promotes the health and wellbeing outcomes that outdoor recreation plays in people’s lives.

Sponsored by WIN Television, LiSTNR and The Adviser 

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR WINNER
JMB Modular Buildings

Pictured are Rachael and Jason Briggs from JMB Modular Buildings and Anthony Spadaro from Optus Business Centre

JMB Modular Buildings is a volumetric modular manufacturer, based in Shepparton and owned and managed by locals James and Rachel Briggs. Offering conventional building services for over 15 years as a registered commercial and domestic builder, in 2018 they pivoted the business with the foresight that the modular sector within the construction industry was rapidly growing and the way of the future. JMB Modular Buildings specialises in innovative and energy efficient modular buildings (commercial & domestic) that are greener, faster and smarter than a conventional build. 

Sponsored by Optus Business Centre Shepparton 


YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR  WINNERS
James Lelliott – Gv Health and Jenica Mendoza – SPC

Pictured are Jenica Mendoza, Katie Taylor from La Trobe University and James Lelliott

James Lelliott is a Grade 2 Exercise Physiologist at Goulburn Valley Health, where he specialises in treating chronic conditions, injuries, and illnesses through exercise-based therapy. He plays a key role in implementing the Osteoarthritis Conservative Management program, offering patients non-surgical treatment options. James also oversees the Prehabilitation Program, helping patients prepare for surgery and improve post-operative outcomes. Additionally, he supports the Outpatient Physiotherapy team by handling appropriate referrals, which helps reduce wait times and enhance patient care. James provides mentorship to junior staff and students and contributes to quality improvement projects within the service. 

Jenica is the Process Specialist in the R&D Department at SPC Global Ltd, stationed at the Shepparton Factory. She holds a certification from CSIRO Agriculture and Food as an Approved Person for Thermal Processing. In her role, Jenica is responsible for developing and optimising thermal processes to ensure new and innovative products are safe for consumers and meet high-quality standards. She collaborates with the Engineering team to design efficient processes and manufacturing lines, while also leading the Production and Quality teams to validate alternative processes that reduce downtime and inefficiencies. Jenica’s work not only supports SPC’s goals but also contributes to the Greater Shepparton community.  Sponsored by La Trobe University 


APPRRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR WINNER
Xavier Hutchison – SPC

Pictured are Xavier Hutchison from SPC and Lauren Orr from Apprenticeship Support Australia

Xavier is currently working as an Apprentice Maintenance Fitter and Turner at SPC. He was motivated to pursue a career in Fitting and Turning after he completed a certificate II in Engineering while in school. Xavier’s passion for the trade grew as he undertook this course while completing VCE years 11 and 12 and was supported immensely by his teacher Graeme Miller who helped Xavier get an apprenticeship at SPC. 

Sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia