Young Business Person of the Year
Gravity Fitness Academy
Meet Selena Lucas from Gravity Fitness Academy, finalist for the “UniSQ Education, Training and Skilling Award” and “TAFE Queensland Young Business Person of the Year Award”.
Gravity Fitness Academy is an Aerial Arts & Dance school with over 7 years of operating experience. They offer an array of Aerials Sports from introductory through to elite levels and clients brave an intensive 8-week course in their chosen apparatus.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
I feel incredibly honoured. This award was my inspiration to achieve one day when I first heard of the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards back in 2015. To be nominated for this award was an amazing feeling, let alone being selected as a finalist. It’s just so nice to be recognised for the hard work. I’m so very proud and honoured.
What inspires you in your business?
The Gravity team, our students and the environment created at the Academy is what inspires me. The sheer level of encouragement, support and friendship is truly something you want to be a part of. Having this level of support and encouragement enables you to overcome any hurdle and achieve any goal you set for yourself. Magical stuff really!
L+L The Label
Meet Fallon Anderson-Barr from L+L The Label, finalist for “TAFE Queensland Young Business Person of the Year Award”.
In 2014, Fallon saw a gap in the market for gender neutral baby and children’s decor. Over time she has grown her product offerings and her reach with L+L the label being sold in countries including NZ, UK, USA, Japan, Norway, and Dubai, as well as through Australia’s largest online retailer THE ICONIC.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
It’s very humbling to have been recognised for an award like this. I am still in disbelief to be honest. It’s a little surreal but I’m truly very excited.
How long has your business been established?
Since 2014.
What inspires you in your business?
Freedom to create whether it be designing, photography or styling products that I have created, sourced or handmade myself. Expanding my knowledge on our environmental impact. Customer feedback, the conversations and friendships we’ve formed. Making change, empowering others. Surrounding myself with passionate and motivated people is contagious and always inspires me.
Uncommon Electricians
Meet Corey Chalk from Uncommon Electricians, finalist for the “TAFE Queensland Young Business Person of the Year Award”.
After suffering some setbacks in his initial business, Corey launched Uncommon Electricians in 2022. He has built from scratch the business operating framework and all of the policies, processes and practices that sit within it. Incorporating innovation into his systems and business planning, Corey has overcome adversity to forge a new path that he believes will future proof his company.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
It’s an absolute honour and it’s very humbling to be included when there is so much talent and diversity across the Ipswich business community.
What inspires you in your business?
Many things, but I would say the two top inspirations would be redefining what people expect from a trade company and helping people (especially tradies and kids) understand themselves and reach their full potential.
Business Person of the Year
CSI - Club Services Ipswich
Meet Natalia Onopichuk from CSI Club Services Ipswich, finalist for the “TAE Aerospace Community Involvement Award” and “River 94.9 Business Person of the Year Award”.
CSI contributes to the community through a wide range of sponsorships, donations and support including housing for homeless, food for those that are struggling, and health care for all. In 2022 they will provide 1000 Christmas Hampers for their 13 Sub-Branches within the Moreton District.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Absolutely amazing. I feel very honoured to be a finalist in such an amazing category.
What inspires you in your business?
Our team. Our team is made up of amazing people who are motivated, dedicated and truly have the Club at heart. Also, our involvement within the community. The Clubs reach and ability to help and support large and small organisations within our local community.
Phatboyz Smokehouse and Kitchen
Meet Laurie-Anne Parsons and Luke Saggus from Phatboyz Smokehouse and Kitchen, finalist for the “River 94.9 Business Person of the Year Award “ (Luke) and “CSI Club Services Ipswich Food and Agribusiness of the Year Award”.
Luke Saggus has grown a small hobby to a large reputable business and brand, foodie experience and destination. Growing from an online retail store, to a mobile catering business, then a retail store, and most recently opening Phatboyz Smokehouse and Kitchen restaurant in Walloon.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
It’s an overwhelming feeling of excitement and gratitude to be recognised in this way.
How long has your business been established?
Since 2014.
What inspires you in your business?
Firstly, I am inspired by the BBQ industry, the technique of cooking the food over flame, fire, charcoal, and smoke. I am inspired by the innovation that comes from passionate cooks who also love what they do and working alongside like-minded people.
Orion Family Physiotherapy
Meet Adam Atherton from Orion Family Physiotherapy, finalist for the “West Moreton Heath – Health and “River 94.9 Business of the Year Award”.
Starting out as a mobile physio business in 2007 servicing the Ipswich and Lockyer Valley community with home visits, Orion Family Physiotherapy now operate clinics at Orion Shopping Centre, Springfield, AVEO residential village and Brookwater.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Being nominated as a Finalist in multiple award categories was an unexpected surprise and super encouraging after a challenging season through the COVID years in business and personal life. I am proud of the courage, resilience and grit my wife and I and our team have shown, just to keep showing up and giving our best!
What inspires you in your business?
Many things, but I would say the two top inspirations would be redefining what people expect from a trade company and helping people (especially tradies and kids) understand themselves and reach their full potential. We are passionate about putting the CARE back into healthCARE! To be honest it was some less than caring /bad experiences I had as a patient myself growing up that made me passionate to create something different. We actually Care about people. When you put your heart into something people can tell. I still get a buzz when people sense that and feel the love! This is what inspires me.
Small Business of the Year
Imbibis Craft Distillery
Meet Jason Hannay from Imbibis Craft Distillery, finalist for “Ipswich City Council Small Business of the Year Award” and “CSI Club Services Ipswich Food and Agribusiness of the Year Award”.
Imbibis Craft Distillery is the only commercial craft distillery in Ipswich and manufactures high quality, small batch artisan spirits (gin, brandy and rum) in the Citiswitch Industrial Park in Bundamba.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
I am humbled and honoured to be nominated.
What inspires you in your business?
The many other small business owners going through the same challenges as us. We all want to make a difference.
My Local Health
Meet Camilla Thompson from My Local Health, finalist for the “Ipswich City Council Small Business of the Year Award”.
My Local Health’s aim is to create a healthier community. They have created a ‘one-stop-shop’ website to help people in Ipswich navigate and find appropriate health care.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
I am very grateful and honoured to be nominated for the Small Business of the Year award. To be recognised for the hard work and dedication is just so amazing. I am so happy and cannot wait to celebrate all the fantastic businesses in Ipswich at the awards night.
What inspires you in your business?
My members, all the health care providers in the community, inspire me and are a big drive behind My Local Health. To be able to connect and bridge the gap between medical, allied health, natural medicine and fitness, allows me to help facilitate growth not only for health care providers, but also for the community. Sharing health information with the community, that has been written and endorsed by local health care providers, allows me to publish up to date and specific health information that suits our local community.
West Bremer Radio
Meet Kath Walker, Bradley Clarke and Rachel Vickary from West Bremer Radio, finalist for the “Ipswich City Council Small Business of the Year Award”.
Over the past three years, West Bremer Radio has expanded and grown rapidly to become a recognised source of news, information and entertainment, a well-respected media outlet in Ipswich City.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Fantastic! We’re so excited to be nominated for the awards and to be recognised as a growing local broadcast company.
What inspires you in your business?
We’re inspired to tell the stories of our city and to keep the local community up to date with the latest news, sports, entertainment and more!
Business of the Year
City Country Foodservice
Meet Jason Hinkle from City Country Foodservice, finalist for the “RPQ Group Business of the Year Award”.
A proudly 100% Australian owned and operated family business; City Country Foodservice has been based out of Ipswich since it started in 1981, growing from a small home delivery vendor to a food distributor which now employs over 85 staff across 3 depots, making an average of 12,000 deliveries each month.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
We are incredibly humbled, proud, and grateful to be both nominated and chosen as a finalist for the awards.
What inspires you in your business?
At its core, City Country is a family business, we have a fantastic team who are dedicated to supplying superior products from our extensive range at competitive prices – with family quality service. We, like most successful businesses are not only inspired by our own success but also the ability to give back to others through this success.
4 Hearts Brewing
Meet Torsten Werner from 4 Hearts Brewing, finalist for the “RPQ Group Business of the Year Award”.
4 Hearts Brewing first opened the doors to Pumpyard Bar in 2015, and then Dovetails and Lord Lamington in 2017. They pride themselves in offering unique products and services, be it a creative beer or the standard of service they provide to their guests.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
We are very proud to be acknowledged as one of the premier local Ipswich businesses, we are proud to support the community and have always felt the support of the Ipswich locals.
What inspires you in your business?
Inspiration comes from challenging the status quo, we pride ourselves in offering unique products and services, always looking to be innovation in all aspects of our work, be it a creative beer or the standard of service we provide to our guests.
Ipswich Assist
Meet Jason Budden from Ipswich Assist, finalist for “RPQ Group Business of the Year Award”.
Ipswich Assist provides support to those in our community who are experiencing financial hardship and crisis. They run a number of year-round services, including emergency relief, a weekly, free lunch service, an affordable grocery store, called reSTORE, and a Ready4Work program.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
We feel humbled and honoured to be recognised by the community in this way. Our team works really hard to provide comprehensive support to those facing crisis and hardship, and we love that we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who are hurting.
What inspires you in your business?
We are motivated by our love for Christ and the power of the Gospel. Every staff member and volunteer feels called to be here, and feels called to support the hurting and broken in our community.
Customer Service Award
Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich
Meet Matthew Simonov from Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich, finalist for the “Ipswich Turf Club Customer Service Award” and “CSI Club Services Ipswich Food and Agribusiness of the Year Award”.
Brothers Leagues Club offer two dining models: Shamrocks restaurant combines traditional and affordable club favourites with exceptional dishes made from the finest seasonal ingredients, whilst Finns Café offers light meals and treats, along with deli-style sandwiches, salads and a selection of gourmet share-plates.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
We are thrilled to have been nominated and have our hard work and dedication recognised amongst so many other outstanding businesses. As previous winners and finalists for the 3rd year in a row for the customer service award, we are extremely proud of our team’s extraordinary effort in consistently caring and providing exceptional experiences to our patrons.
What inspires you in your business?
We are very proud to be able to support the community and create change, generate more employment opportunities all while providing a great food, drink, entertainment and meeting hub. Our continued ability to provide support for 16 Kindred clubs is something we are incredibly proud of, as we recognise the importance organised Junior & Senior sport plays in our community and the benefits it provides.
Sorted by Kath
Meet Kathleen Sheen from Sorted by Kath, finalist for “Ipswich Turf Club Customer Service Award”.
Starting in 2020 and now servicing over 300 clients, Sorted by Kath, provides professional resume writing, application assistance, interview and confidence coaching for job seekers.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
I feel so proud, ecstatic, and humbled to be nominated for the business that I created to be of service to others. My business is the most satisfying role in my working career, having shared many heartfelt moments with my clients. I feel so blessed to be making a difference in people’s lives and doing what I love.
What inspires you in your business?
My clients. I want them to feel empowered after we have worked together. I love asking questions to identify the achievements they have often overlooked and make them stand out from other job seekers. I love seeing their confidence grow and their eagerness to put themselves out there and obtain fulfilling employment!
Tom's 4X4 and Mechanical
Meet Tom and Ashlee Duffield from Tom’s 4×4 and Mechanical, finalist for the “Ipswich Turf Club Customer Service Award”.
This 4×4 accessory and mechanical workshop offers services from log book servicing on all makes and models, to full mechanical repairs and work on new electric vehicles. They also supply and fit 4×4 Accessories from various brands.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Humbling and totally unexpected. We are extremely grateful to even be considered for any award!
How long has your business been established?
What inspires you in your business?
We are inspired by hearing our customers’ stories of the service they have been given in the past and we strive to try and restore faith in our customers so when it comes to their vehicles, they can be assured they are in good hands with us. Having our local community back us every step of the way is what keeps us going!
Community Involvement Award
CSI - Club Services Ipswich
Meet Natalia Onopichuk from CSI Club Services Ipswich, finalist for the “TAE Aerospace Community Involvement Award” and “River 94.9 Business Person of the Year Award”.
CSI contributes to the community through a wide range of sponsorships, donations and support including housing for homeless, food for those that are struggling, and health care for all. In 2022 they will provide 1000 Christmas Hampers for their 13 Sub-Branches within the Moreton District.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Absolutely amazing. I feel very honoured to be a finalist in such an amazing category.
What inspires you in your business?
Our team. Our team is made up of amazing people who are motivated, dedicated and truly have the Club at heart. Also, our involvement within the community. The Clubs reach and ability to help and support large and small organisations within our local community.
Lisa's Lunches
Meet Jacqui Martin from Lisa’s Lunches, finalist for “TAE Aerospace Community Involvement Award”.
Since 2019, Lisa’s Lunches have been supporting families in a practical way while they are on a cancer journey, providing more than 25,000 lunch packs, thousands of dollars of gift and fuel cards, and hundreds of meals through their meal trains and single serve freezer meals.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
It’s very humbling and we are grateful to the Ipswich community for acknowledging our work.
What inspires you in your business?
Our charity was set up after my close friend Lisa Heuston died from cancer in 2017. She inspired us to help others while they are on the same journey as her and her family were.
Wounded Heroes Association Inc.
Meet Martin Shaw from Wounded Heroes Association Inc., finalist for the “TAE Aerospace Community Involvement Award”.
Founded in 2007, Wounded Heroes supports Australian servicemen and women and their families. They are ‘First Responders’ providing emergency support to current Australian Defence Force Members, veterans and their families in financial crisis, homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Wounded Heroes is honoured to be nominated for the award and to be recognised for our community work in the veteran space in the Ipswich region.
What inspires you in your business?
For the past eleven years volunteering at WHA, I have served the most vulnerable veterans and their families with compassion, provided hope where others have failed, and prevented thousands of suicides through actions taken to restore dignity to the veteran and their family. Coming home, for some veterans is as painful as it is joyous. Having lost mates in battle, I see veterans battle to optimise their own survival and I help them in their struggle to start again by instituting services that identify the needs of veterans and their families; assisting veterans with remediation on military invalidity benefits.
My life gains merit with every veteran I can recover and accommodate. I have the power, through cash at bank, to solve a veteran’s immediate and pressing emergency. To act immediately.
Our goals are to create a pathway to guide each individual veteran’s future, to enable them to be self-sufficient and together we enable their efforts for a ‘new and normal’ life, after their experience of the atrocities of war.
Health and Wellness Business of the Year Award
Health Management Solutions Queensland
Meet Steven Royle from Health Management Solutions Queensland, finalist for the “West Moreton Health – Health and Wellness Business of the Year Award”.
Health Management Solutions Qld provide a mixture of group and one-on-one allied health and wellness services to people living with chronic health conditions/injuries or disabilities.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
I was very excited and humbled to hear of our nomination in this category. I was on our regular family camping holiday when I got the Facebook notification on my phone which made the trip that much more special. I remember walking up the beach to get reception, looking at the notifications and racing back to tell my family who were very excited also. It feels really great to be recognised for the type of positive impact we are achieving and still hope to achieve for our community.
What inspires you in your business?
I find the most important thing that inspires and drives the business and myself is remembering and circling back to our purpose – to inspire, engage and empower people and communities to manage their health better so that they can live healthier, happier more independent lives.
Hello Home Doctor
Meet Niraj Shekhawatia from Hello Home Doctor Service, finalist for the “West Moreton Health – Health and Wellness Business of the Year Award”.
Hello Home Doctor Service provides after-hours primary care to patients in their homes and residents within Residential Aged Care Facilities on behalf of their regular GP to ensure that patients have access to quality primary care when their usual medical practice is closed.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
This award is dedicated to the team of Doctors, Chaperones, Contact Centre, Administration and Senior Management Team of Hello Home Doctor Service. We are extremely proud of our home doctor service and humbled and extremely proud that we have been nominated.
What inspires you in your business?
Hello Home Doctor Service is committed to provide patients quality after-hours medical care, thus making a difference in the community inspires the business to keep striving.
Orion Family Physiotherapy
Meet Adam Atherton from Orion Family Physiotherapy, finalist for the “West Moreton Heath – Health and “River 94.9 Business of the Year Award”.
Starting out as a mobile physio business in 2007 servicing the Ipswich and Lockyer Valley community with home visits, Orion Family Physiotherapy now operate clinics at Orion Shopping Centre, Springfield, AVEO residential village and Brookwater.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Being nominated as a Finalist in multiple award categories was an unexpected surprise and super encouraging after a challenging season through the COVID years in business and personal life. I am proud of the courage, resilience and grit my wife and I and our team have shown, just to keep showing up and giving our best!
What inspires you in your business?
We are passionate about putting the CARE back into healthCARE! To be honest it was some less than caring /bad experiences I had as a patient myself growing up that made me passionate to create something different. We actually Care about people. When you put your heart into something people can tell. I still get a buzz when people sense that and feel the love! This is what inspires me.
Tourism Business / Event of the Year
One Tree Canoe Adventures
Meet Sue Minto and Dan Owbridge from One Tree Canoe Adventures, finalist for the “CPC Production Services Tourism Business/Event of the Year Award”.
One Tree Canoe Adventures is an eco-adventure tourism provider suitable for all ages from 2 to 90+, all skill levels and all abilities. Their tours utilise canoes that are manufactured on site and launch from One Tree Farm straight on to the mid-Brisbane River.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Excited, honoured, grateful are a few of the emotions we are feeling as a result of our nomination for the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
What inspires you in your business?
One Tree Canoe Adventures are inspired by getting people on the water paddling – we love seeing people smiling and laughing and spending quality time together doing something fun.
Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway
Meet Robert Shearer from Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway, finalist for the “CPC Production Services Tourism Business/Event of the Year Award”.
Started in 1978, the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway operates a stable of 3 steam locomotives, 3 diesels and 29 carriages from a fully refurbished heritage station. Partnering with the Heritage Bus association, Ipswich Historical Society and the 15th Battalion, QPSR provides tourists with a unique insight into yesteryear.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
The Team at Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway has been touched that in what has been our most challenging year of floods, vandalism, track outages and snap lock downs, we were nominated for this award. It validates the hard work of the many volunteers who keep the operation alive.
What inspires you in your business?
We are motivated and inspired by the many kids and young families who discover the experience of rail travel through our operation. It is their new-found interest and sense of wonder that pushes the 172 volunteers to continue to improve and keep pushing forward.
Tivoli Social Enterprises Limited
Meet Sarah Carter, Fred Muys and Lisa Schubert from Tivoli Social Enterprises, finalist for the “CPC Production Services Tourism Business/Event of the Year Award” and “UniSQ Education, Training and Skilling Award”.
The Tivoli Drive In attracts approx 77,000 visitors per annum. With facilities including a large outdoor grassed amphitheatre, able to accommodate 3000+ patrons, and their drive in amphitheatre styled carpark able to accommodate up to 400 vehicles, the Tivoli complex is a truly unique venue.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
The entire team at Tivoli Social Enterprises feels very honoured to be recognised by the Chamber and the Ipswich community by being nominated for these prestigious awards.
What inspires you in your business?
Building a better community by empowering people for life building community assets and addressing the needs of the communities most disadvantaged and needy members
Education, Training & Upskilling Award
Demi International
Demi International are proud a finalist for the “UniSQ Education, Training and Skilling Award”. Pictured front left to right are Ann Donnarumma – Director of Demi International, Ambassador Gretel Bueta – GA for the Queensland Firebirds with Ipswich Jets Netball Club at their grand opening.
Demi International offers training in beauty therapy, makeup, hairdressing, massage and yoga through smaller classes, flexible study options and hands-on learning at six locations across Queensland, including Ipswich.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Demi International Ipswich is relatively new to the community. Being welcomed, through the nomination for the awards, is a true honour and motivating. The Demi International values encompass a commitment to collaboration and public engagement – this nomination is an encouraging display of the fact that the Ipswich business community is keen to collaborate with us and invest in the future of its locals.
What inspires you in your business?
The Demi International mission best sums up our aspiration and inspiration for business. “To prepare excellent, job-ready, industry current students through outstanding training and innovative hands-on skills. With an outcome of ongoing employment and industry recognition and real employment outcomes for all.”
Gravity Fitness Academy
Meet Selena Lucas from Gravity Fitness Academy, finalist for the “UniSQ Education, Training and Skilling Award” and “TAFE Queensland Young Business Person of the Year Award”.
Gravity Fitness Academy is an Aerial Arts & Dance school with over 7 years of operating experience. They offer an array of Aerials Sports from introductory through to elite levels and clients brave an intensive 8-week course in their chosen apparatus.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
I feel incredibly honoured. This award was my inspiration to achieve one day when I first heard of the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards back in 2015. To be nominated for this award was an amazing feeling, let alone being selected as a finalist. It’s just so nice to be recognised for the hard work. I’m so very proud and honoured.
What inspires you in your business?
The Gravity team, our students and the environment created at the Academy is what inspires me. The sheer level of encouragement, support and friendship is truly something you want to be a part of. Having this level of support and encouragement enables you to overcome any hurdle and achieve any goal you set for yourself. Magical stuff really!
Tivoli Social Enterprises Limited
Meet Sarah Carter, Fred Muys and Lisa Schubert from Tivoli Social Enterprises, finalist for the “CPC Production Services Tourism Business/Event of the Year Award” and “UniSQ Education, Training and Skilling Award”.
The Tivoli Drive In attracts approx 77,000 visitors per annum. With facilities including a large outdoor grassed amphitheatre, able to accommodate 3000+ patrons, and their drive in amphitheatre styled carpark able to accommodate up to 400 vehicles, the Tivoli complex is a truly unique venue.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
The entire team at Tivoli Social Enterprises feels very honoured to be recognised by the Chamber and the Ipswich community by being nominated for these prestigious awards.
What inspires you in your business?
Building a better community by empowering people for life building community assets and addressing the needs of the communities most disadvantaged and needy members
Food and Agribusiness of the Year
Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich
Meet Matthew Simonov from Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich, finalist for the “Ipswich Turf Club Customer Service Award” and “CSI Club Services Ipswich Food and Agribusiness of the Year Award”.
Brothers Leagues Club offer two dining models: Shamrocks restaurant combines traditional and affordable club favourites with exceptional dishes made from the finest seasonal ingredients, whilst Finns Café offers light meals and treats, along with deli-style sandwiches, salads and a selection of gourmet share-plates.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
We are thrilled to have been nominated and have our hard work and dedication recognised amongst so many other outstanding businesses. As previous winners and finalists for the 3rd year in a row for the customer service award, we are extremely proud of our team’s extraordinary effort in consistently caring and providing exceptional experiences to our patrons.
What inspires you in your business?
We are very proud to be able to support the community and create change, generate more employment opportunities all while providing a great food, drink, entertainment and meeting hub. Our continued ability to provide support for 16 Kindred clubs is something we are incredibly proud of, as we recognise the importance organised Junior & Senior sport plays in our community and the benefits it provides.
Imbibis Craft Distillery
Meet Jason Hannay from Imbibis Craft Distillery, finalist for “Ipswich City Council Small Business of the Year Award” and “CSI Club Services Ipswich Food and Agribusiness of the Year Award”.
Imbibis Craft Distillery is the only commercial craft distillery in Ipswich and manufactures high quality, small batch artisan spirits (gin, brandy and rum) in the Citiswitch Industrial Park in Bundamba.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
I am humbled and honoured to be nominated.
What inspires you in your business?
The many other small business owners going through the same challenges as us. We all want to make a difference.
Pet Mince Direct
Meet Keith Whyte and Adrian Eyre from Pet Mince Direct, finalist for the “CSI Club Services Ipswich Food and Agribusiness of the Year Award”.
A small, 100% natural, 100% Australian, family-owned business with a passion for dog and cat nutrition, Pet Mince Direct is focussed on delivering preservative free, human grade food, sourced from reputable local suppliers.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
Being nominated for the awards is a huge achievement for a small business like ours. It solidifies all the hard work that you have been doing and is sort of like a pat on the back!
What inspires you in your business?
At Pet Mince Direct we are destined to make a change in the Pet food realm. Seeing happy, healthy dogs and cats, along with many happy owners gives us a warm fuzzy feeling.
Phatboyz Smokehouse and Kitchen
Meet Laurie-Anne Parsons and Luke Saggus from Phatboyz Smokehouse and Kitchen, finalist for the “River 94.9 Business Person of the Year Award “ (Luke) and “CSI Club Services Ipswich Food and Agribusiness of the Year Award”.
Opening its doors in 2021, Phatboyz Smokehouse and Kitchen offers a dining experience like no other in the region with traditional low and slow BBQ. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, serving up hearty meals, craft beers as well as coffees, cakes and food for takeaway.
How does it feel to be nominated for the awards?
It’s an overwhelming feeling of excitement and gratitude to be recognised in this way.
How long has your business been established?
Since 2014.
What inspires you in your business?
Firstly, I am inspired by the BBQ industry, the technique of cooking the food over flame, fire, charcoal, and smoke. I am inspired by the innovation that comes from passionate cooks who also love what they do and working alongside like-minded people.
