Among the local finalists is DeniSPOT - which provides speech pathology and occupational therapy services - in the Outstanding New Business category.
Also shining Deniliquin’s name up in lights at the Sydney ceremony will be The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection, which is contesting the Outstanding Visitor Experience award.
Both businesses won their way to the state finals after initially winning at the Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards, and then the NSW Riverina Murray Business Awards.
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall commented on the achievements stating, “It’s fantastic to see local businesses DeniSPOT and The Depot recognised at the state level.
“Their achievements reflect the strength, creativity and dedication of our local business community, and Edward River Council wishes them every success at the NSW State Business Awards.”
Deniliquin Business Chamber chief executive Kate Pitt said to have two state finalists progress through the awards is a fantastic achievement.
She said it’s reward for the businesses themselves, but also helps promote Deniliquin to a wide audience.
“The recognition that will come with having two finalists at the state awards is immeasurable,” Ms Pitt said.
“All the judges, the executives and everyone in the room will hear the name Deniliquin during this process, over and over again.
“This only adds to the promotion the Deni Ute Muster and Deniliquin BIG4 Holiday Park have contributed to before them at state awards level.
“This is also due recognition for both of these businesses, who are each outstanding in what they do.”
Ms Pitt said The Depot’s strength is in what it provides in terms of local entertainment, but also in driving tourism and boosting the visitor economy in our region.
As for DeniSPOT, she praised founder Lucy Horne and her team for doing a “phenomenal job” in bringing a unique service to the region.
Mrs Horne said progressing through the awards process has been insightful, with the successes to date providing a great opportunity to reflect, recognise and celebrate the difference the business has made so far.
“It’s a bit overwhelming to be in the top 10 in the state, but we’re really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the last 18 months,” Mrs Horne said.
“We started with a single employee in one room, to now having clinics at both Deniliquin and Finley, and with outreach to Hay, and we’re about to release our own product to help children and families.
“This business came about because I saw a need when seeking services for my own child - I developed it for my own child, and I’m now sharing it with other families.
“We’ve grown to have 180 clients - that’s 180 families getting support in a specialised area not previously available locally.
“We believe you have to change the environment, not the kid, and the phrase I like to use all the time is that ‘we empathise, but we strategise’.”
Mrs Horne said it was fitting she would attend the state awards alongside the Purtill family, from whom she rented her first commercial space in the allied health rooms near Wired Entertainment.
The state gala awards ceremony will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, October 29, at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.
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