The best of local business was recognised and celebrated at the 2023 Singleton Business Awards gala presentation this past Saturday evening in front of 280 colleagues and fellow business owners a sold-out out Singleton Civic Centre.

The evening’s highest honour of ‘Business of the Year’ was awarded to the winner of ‘Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion’ category, Star Club Equestrian Program Inc, who achieved the highest weight score of all award category winners.

Star Club Equestrian Program is a not-for-profit association providing people with an Intellectual Disability an opportunity to participate in a safe, friendly & inclusive equestrian program via activities providing quality of life, social interaction, development of skills & the opportunity to attain personal goals.

Equally important was individual recognition bestowed upon Lieutenant Colonel Richard Thapthimthong of the School of Infantry was announced as Business Leader of the Year; Jess Stewart of HSV Heaven recognised as Young Business Leader of the Year and Mary-Ann Holland of the School of Infantry as Employee of the Year.

Danny Eather, Business Singleton’s President said that the 2023 Awards shone light on new businesses and individuals and those that had been flying under the radar, just getting on with the job at hand. All of whom deservedly received recognition in their respective categories.

“The awards have again provided that platform for businesses and individuals alike to be showcased, whether it’s a business such as Pit Express that has been operating for 30 years or new start up business Think. Do. Speak all operate in challenging conditions at present and deserve their recognition in providing outstanding products or services to the community” Mr Eather said.

“Once again, I congratulate all for taking that step of putting yourself forward by nominating. Irrespective if you make it as a finalist, the awards process is a great business development opportunity for self-reflection and assessment which will only strengthen a business’s operations moving forward”.

The recognition of a local business which contributed to the community during the last year continued with the presentation of the President’s Award to Bulga Coal for their support of the Bulga and Broke villages during the July 2022 flooding emergency.

In presenting the award, President Danny Eather, acknowledged the efforts and contributions by all local businesses during the flooding event. However, it was the entire Bulga Coal team the stepped up and supported the community like no other.

Bulga Coal released its employees from their rostered shift to go and work within the villages undertaking manual labour clear debris, pumping out water and sewerage, operating earthmoving equipment to clear a path for residents and utility providers to start the recovery. Bulga Coal with little fanfare also supported the community with a grant to allow a local resident to be employed in a part time role in co-ordinating the recovery and relief efforts through the Singleton Neighbourhood Centre.

“Here in Singleton we are extremely fortunate to have the support of larger businesses supporting the local community during adverse time, however the contributions made by Bulga Coal to assist the Broke and Bulga villages was just remarkable but not unexpected as it typified the Singleton spirit of ‘get in and get on with the job” Mr Eather added.

Business Singleton once again recognised the longevity local businesses with three well-known local businesses all reaching significant milestones in 2023, collectively 310 year of business operations. These businesses included HVL Group (25 years), Ariel Conveyancing (25 Years) and Pit Express (30 years)

Business Singleton would like to acknowledge the efforts of our awards judging committee whom without, the awards would not be possible. Judges included Brad Burgoyne, Clint Ekert, Ian Blendell, Julian Campbell, Kimberlie Clare Campbell, Lavinia Hutchinson, Lisa Harpley, Lorraine Skinner, Myffy Doyle and Steve Wait.

Business Singleton thank the following for their continued support of our annual awards and without them, the event would not be possible – AGL, Glencore, Hollydene Estate, Local Buying Foundation, Singleton Council, Yancoal Mount Thorley Warkworth, ETC, NSW Mining, TAFE NSW, Hunter Valley Operations, iSimplify, Rotary Club of Singleton, Witmore

Business Singleton also wished to thank the local businesses that contributed to the fundraising auction that was run during the night to financial support the Rotary Australia Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy Appeal. Over $ 3,700 was raised from the auction and will be donated to the appeal.

Singleton Business Awards Winners