Drivers of communities

Acacia Caravan Park is the East Grampians Business of the Year. The Ararat business was popularly crowned the coveted award’s winner at an East Grampians Business Awards gala dinner at Ararat Town Hall on Thursday night.

The top award, of seven presented across the night, was open to all businesses located within the Ararat Rural City municipality, recognising exceptional business practices that set industry standards and showed leadership in their field – including driving innovation, being proactive in the community, demonstrating sustainable practices, making a positive impact and embodying serving as an ambassador for the region.

Owners Matt and Kaylene Linsley paid tribute to their team and their own business journey in accepting the award from sponsors, Greater Ararat Business Network’s Cam Conboy and Pep Atchison of Pomonal Estate.

“We wear our heart on our sleeves and we love what we do,” Mr Linsley said.

“We started off seven years ago as rookies and now we’re seen as veterans.

“We’re very proud of what we produce and we’re stoked to get this award.

“Our team are magnificent and we can’t do this without them.”

Keringle Native Nursery at Tatyoon was named runner-up. Ararat Wellness and Skinco were also finalists.

ACE Radio’s Jon Vertigan was master of ceremonies and Paul Kelly delivered a welcome to country.

Ararat Rural City Council runs the awards.

Other award recipients

Best new business: Kerrie’s Kreations, Halls Gap; runner-up, Grampians Park Station, Moyston; commended, SV Fit, Ararat. Innovation and change: Skinco, Ararat; runner-up, Ararat Wash Centre. Sustainability: Hound’s Run Vineyard, Great Western; runner-up, Barney’s Bar and Bistro, Pomonal. Tourism and hospitality award: Acacia Caravan Park, Ararat; runner-up, Sede Café, Ararat. Non-profit: Ararat Neighbourhood House; runner-up, Ararat RSL. People’s choice award: Grampians General Store, Pomonal.

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY: Acacia Caravan Park’s Kaylene and Matt Linsley with award sponsor, Regional Development Australia Grampians committee member Paul Hooper.

BEST NEW BUSINESS: Kerrie Fry of Kerrie’s Kreations with Elliot Gould representing award sponsor the Seven Network and judge David Hosking.

NON-PROFIT: Ararat Neighbourhood House manager Teli Kaur accepts the award from deputy mayor Bob Sanders, representing sponsor Ararat Rural City Council.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: centre, with their team. Acacia Caravan Park owners Matt and Kaylene Linsley,

SUSTAINABILITY: Award sponsor Jennifer Ganske of NBN Co with winners Hadyn and Lucy Black of Hound’s Run Vineyard.

INNOVATION AND CHANGE: Skinco’s Sarah Holland with award sponsor Telstra area manager Joe Dunning and Ararat store manager Julian Fernando.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Grampians General Store, Pomonal’s Jill and Nadia Miller.