Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its annual awards this year to relieve the pressure on local businesses in the drought.
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President Stacey McAllan told the NVI while businesses could still nominate for the New England North West Regional Business Awards, there would be no local event because it was too much to ask for sponsorship and donations. The awards will be bi-annual instead.
"It's pretty full-on as it is [for businesses] because there are still other events happening in town," Ms McAllan said.
"Although there is a lot of community support for businesses, we don't need that extra drain right now.
"[Circumstances] will get better for sure but it's just riding through this bit."
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The president said the awards would become bi-annual at the suggestion of a local business owner in a recent chamber survey.
The New England North West Regional Business Awards are in their seventh year and recognise excellence in business leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, business growth and employment practices.
In 2018, the work of former Gunnedah youth officer Bernie Shakeshaft's through BackTrack Youth Works was rewarded with the Excellence in Social Enterprise award.
"Entering the Business Awards is the first step on a journey that recognises excellence and showcases the business and business people whose passion, drive, entrepreneurship and innovation inspires us all," NSW Business Chamber's regional manager Joe Townsend said.
"After winning Excellence in Social Enterprise, BackTrack went on to drive even greater success, growing as a leading advocate for troubled youth."
Local businesses can nominate for Outstanding Young Employee; Outstanding Young Entrepreneur; Outstanding Business Leader Excellence in Micro Business; Excellence in Small Business Excellence in Business; Excellence in Social Enterprise Start Up Superstar; Excellence in Innovation Excellence in Sustainability; and Outstanding Employer of Choice Excellence in Export.
Winners will be announced on September 27 in Tamworth and will go on to compete against businesses from 12 other NSW regions in the State Business Awards in Sydney.
- Award nominations close on August 12. To enter, visit www.businessannualawards.com.au
