One of the great privileges of the work I do is having a front-row seat to the incredible people behind our local businesses.
Whether it’s through my role on the Bathurst Business Chamber Board, working alongside the passionate committee at the Oberon Business & Tourism Association, or simply meeting business owners while chasing stories for the Village Voice, I’m constantly reminded that small business is the heartbeat of our communities.
Over the coming weeks we’ll celebrate that heartbeat as both the Bathurst Business Chamber Carillon Business Awards and the Oberon Business & Tourism Association Awards take centre stage. They are two nights I genuinely look forward to every year—not because of the trophies or the glamour, but because they recognise the determination, resilience and passion that often goes unseen.
Behind every finalist is a story. It’s the early starts, the late finishes, the weekends sacrificed and the risks taken. It’s businesses that support local charities, sponsor sporting clubs, employ local people, and back community events. They do so much more than simply open their doors each morning.
The past year hasn’t been without its challenges either. Many businesses continue to navigate rising costs and changing economic conditions, while others have felt the ongoing effects of the Great Western Highway closure. Yet despite it all, I’ve watched businesses continue to adapt, innovate and support one another. That resilience deserves to be celebrated.
Outside, the seasons are beginning to change too. There’s something hopeful about these first hints of spring. A little more sunshine, blossoms starting to appear and warmer afternoons remind us that brighter days are ahead. It somehow feels fitting that business awards season arrives at exactly the same time.
Congratulations to every finalist across both awards programs. Whether your name is called on the night or not, you’ve already achieved something worth celebrating. Thank you for investing in our region, believing in your community and helping make the Central West such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
I’ll certainly be cheering you all on.
