Gurneys Cider wins top honour at Federation University Business Awards

Foster based boutique beverage producer, Gurneys Cidery, has won the top honour at the annual Federation University Gippsland Business Awards.

The business was named the prestigious Gippsland Business of the Year at Friday’s gala dinner where more than 300 people from across the region filled the Federation University auditorium to celebrate the best of the region's business sector.

James Yeates & Sons Pty Ltd from Bairnsdale joined an impressive list of Gippsland businesses to be inducted into the Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame.

Awards Chair, Graeme Sennett, congratulated the two businesses as well as the 11 category winners.
“The standard of this year’s entrants demonstrates the depth and variety of businesses across the region as well as creativity, ingenuity and tenacity,” he said. “The finalists were all outstanding, so it was a difficult task for the judges.”

Mr Sennett said Gurneys Cidery demonstrated a well-defined business plan, encompassing technology and environmental interests, along with innovation in production, wrapping and storage of cider.
“With initial exports of cider to Japan and a strong demand throughout Australia, Gurneys Cider produces unique, small batches of traditional dry ciders from the fruit of thousands of purpose-grown heritage apple trees.

“The cider production shed, and award-winning Cellar Door is becoming a highly visited tourist destination showcasing South Gippsland's growers/ producers and crafts people.”

Each GBA finalist is assessed and independently rated by five different judges across eight judging criteria.

The category winners came from across the region and are listed below, together with a precis of judges’ comments:

Accommodation - Siesta Central Apartments, Sale

• A clear plan, focus on delivery and above benchmark return guest numbers demonstrates delivery of a successful strategy, through differentiated product, high client satisfaction and staff development.

Beauty and Personal Care - Laser Clinics Australia Traralgon, Traralgon

• Excellence in customer service and a positive team culture underpin the delivery of innovative aesthetic treatments which has supported ongoing business growth and expansion.

Business and Professional Services – RGM, Drouin, Moe, Traralgon

• Long term success driven by a track record of successfully adapting to changing regulatory, client and employee requirements and technological advances, and a strong focus on growth and succession.

Food & Wine Producers - Gurneys Cider, Foster

• With a clear focus, a unique product and good planning, this business is delivering results, overcoming challenges and continually improving the customer experience, all demonstrated by solid metrics.

Health and Well Being - Dani McLennan Occupational Therapy, Traralgon

• A specialist occupational therapy service whose strategic focus is on attracting and retaining staff to both deliver service excellence and underpin future business growth.

Hospitality - Aroma Coffee House & Eatery, Metung

• An amazing Gippsland business whose early exponential growth has been sustained through ongoing expansion and adoption of new initiatives and opportunities.

Manufacturing / Export - Scarlet & Grace, Sale

• A business that goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, especially through customer support and a solid focus on delivering quality the products in a competitive marketplace.

Mechanical Trades and Construction - Habitat Creations Group Pty Ltd, Yarragon

• A diverse business with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability and the environment that has grown from a nursery to become a major employer servicing a large range of clients.

New Business - Full Circle HR & Business Services, Warragul

• This business is still growing into its market. As a result of COVID-19, it has pivoted both in product focus and the way it operates, using ongoing client feedback to improve business service.

Retail - Jenkins Home Hardware, Trafalgar

• A strong customer and community focus underpins a clear determination to grow and develop, demonstrated by a consistent evolution of services, products, and adoption of new business tools.

Tourism Activities and Attractions - Walhalla Goldfields Railway, Walhalla

• A well-known and respected Gippsland tourist attraction, that is continuing to evolve to overcome various operational challenges and to meet increasing customer demand.

Hall of Fame - James Yeates & Sons Pty Ltd, Bairnsdale

• Demonstrating significant business expansion over five generations, James Yeates and Sons is a shining example of what Gippsland businesses can achieve through consistent and effective business leadership.

For a full list of winners and finalists CLICK HERE to download the media release.

For additional media comment please contact GBA Chair, Graeme Sennett 0417 509 149