Yass Valley business owners celebrated the strength, passion, and resilience of their community with a healthy dose of fun and flair. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
The Yass Valley Business Chamber and regional entrepreneurs were thrilled to come together in celebration of the first Yass Valley Business Awards since 2019.
The community’s passion was on full display as guests gathered at the newly reopened Shaw Estate Restaurant. More than 120 people attended, hailing from all corners of the region.
The Murrumbateman venue was transformed into an elegant expanse for the event, complete with sparkling lights over the dam outdoors.
Guest feedback to the chamber described the Shaw Estate Restaurant as stylish and inviting, a welcome addition to the region’s dining offerings.
Key speaker Ben Maguire kicked off the evening with an ode to its theme, ‘Making History’. He spoke about the proud legacy of Yass Valley’s community, which is continually being shaped by individuals and businesses across the region.
Guests noted historical images from all over the valley lining the restaurant walls, encouraging the community to remember its roots, even as its members work ambitiously towards future endeavours.
Yass Valley Business Chamber president Jack Walker says the room was filled with life.
“Sticking true to our nature and supporting local businesses, we enjoyed local wine from Yazzbar Wines, Dog Trap Vineyard, Helm Wines, Gallagher Wines and Clonakilla,” he says.
“Craft beer came from Thyme to Taste Beer & Emporium, along with signature cocktails from Hillman Bros Distilling Co.
“Shaw Estate served delicious canapés and finger food, and we finished off the night with artisan desserts from Murrumbateman Chocolate Co. It was just brilliant.”
The 2025 Yass Valley Business Awards winners are:
- Best Community Event, sponsored by Bendigo Bank – Sutton Village Markets
- Best Customer Service, sponsored by Transgrid – Trader & Co.
- Outstanding New Business, sponsored by Terry Bros Carpet Court – Wildlife Reimagined
- Excellence in Micro Business, sponsored by Yarrah Estate – Vida Studio Pilates
- Excellence in Small Business, sponsored by Yass Valley Council – Tallagandra Hill Winery
- Excellence in Large Business, sponsored by Paul Simons – Get First Aid
- Outstanding Community Organisation, sponsored by Ginninderry – Murrumbateman Community Association
- Outstanding Employee, sponsored by Shaw Estate – Kerri Mijok, Priceline Pharmacy Yass
- Employer of Choice, sponsored by Village Building Company – Trader & Co.
- Outstanding Visitor Experience, sponsored by Region Media – Murrumbateman Field Days
- Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion, sponsored by Strategic Development Group – Dragon Dreaming Festival.
Each sponsor announced their award category winner. Jack said there was great warmth in the air as sponsors drew winners’ names out of stylish boxes.
“This was a small but powerful moment that added theatre and delight,” he said.
“Throughout the night, we recognised those who form the backbone of the Yass Valley, many of them unsung, all of them deeply deserving. Many of the winners offered insights into their journey, their teams and the purpose behind their work.
“From emerging businesses to long-standing community organisations, the stories and reflections shared reminded us of the strength and resilience woven through our region.”
Jack says the chamber’s vision is to hold local business awards more regularly, but as a volunteer-run organisation, they first need to secure the workforce to deliver.
“I’m incredibly proud of our community. Small, medium and family-run businesses are the lifeblood of Yass Valley, and it’s vital that we continue recognising their strengths,” Jack says.
“We punch well above our weight with the resources we have, thanks to the passion and support of our peers, but we could always use more volunteers.
“So if you’re business-savvy or a real people person living in Yass Valley, don’t be afraid to reach out and see how you can get involved.”
For more information or to express your interest in volunteering, visit the Yass Valley Business Chamber.
Original Article published by Morgan Kenyon on Region Canberra.
