Inaugural Narromine Region Business Awards Exceed Expectations

31 May

The inaugural Narromine Region Business Awards have exceeded all expectations, with an overwhelming response from local businesses demonstrating the strength, diversity and resilience of the region's business community.

More than 90 award submissions were received across 15 award categories, with businesses from a wide range of industries taking the opportunity to share their stories, achievements and contributions to the Narromine Region.

Community support was equally impressive, with more than 3,300 public votes cast in the People's Choice Award, highlighting the pride residents have in supporting local businesses.

Narromine Region Business Awards Committee Chair Emma Barrett said the response had been beyond anything the committee anticipated.

"When we first started talking about bringing the Business Awards back, we hoped the business community would embrace the opportunity. The response has absolutely blown us away," Ms Barrett said.

"Not only did we receive an incredible number of submissions, but the quality of the entries was exceptional. Every business had a unique story to tell, and reading those stories has been both inspiring and humbling."

To ensure a fair and transparent process, every submission was independently assessed by an external judging panel comprising experienced professionals from outside the Narromine Region. Judges assessed each entry against the published criteria using a detailed scoring matrix, with the Narromine Region Business Awards Committee having no involvement in selecting finalists or winners.

The independent judges described the calibre of submissions as outstanding, noting the strength of businesses across the region and the difficult task of separating finalists in many categories.

"The judges told us they were genuinely impressed by the innovation, resilience and professionalism demonstrated by businesses throughout our region," Ms Barrett said.

"In several categories, the scores were incredibly close, resulting in more finalists than originally anticipated. That's a wonderful reflection of the standard of businesses we have here."

The overwhelming support extended well beyond entrants. Local businesses and organisations rallied behind the awards through sponsorship, with community backing enabling the committee to deliver a sold-out gala awards evening.

"We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers and supporters. These awards have become a true community effort, and that's something we're incredibly proud of."

The winners of the inaugural Narromine Region Business Awards will be announced at the sold-out gala presentation evening on Saturday 1 August at the Narromine USMC.

"Whether businesses walk away with a trophy or not, every entrant should be incredibly proud. These awards have already achieved their purpose by shining a light on the remarkable businesses and people who make the Narromine Region such a great place to live, work and do business."