Many have earned their way to the regional finals after wins at the Deniliquin Business Chamber’s August Business Excellence Awards.
Others have self-nominated, allowing for a broader recognition of excellence and impact.
The awards ceremony will take place at Piccolo Farm in Griffith tonight.
In two categories, Deniliquin with have competing nominees.
In Excellence in Micro Business, Cherrywood Emporium is a finalist after its Business Excellence Awards win, while Deni Golf Resort has self nominated.
And Deniliquin’s Outstanding Business Leader winner Rob Brown, from Peppin Family Consulting, will go up against Deni Play On The Plains Festival Ltd general manager Vicky Lowry and other regional nominees.
Deni Play On The Plains Festival Ltd has also self nominated for the Excellence in Sustainable Tourism award.
In 2024, it delivered both the Deni Ute Muster and the March Play on the Plains Festival, as well as running the Muster museum and supporting other events at the Deni Ute Muster site.
The team behind the Ute Muster have also been jointly nominated with Deniliquin Business Chamber and Edward River Council for last year’s Spirit of the Muster event.
Held the same week as the famous Deni Ute Muster, in brings a taste of the festival into the Deniliquin CBD.
To be repeated this year, it creates a mini festival of ute displays, Muster-themed and supported competitions and shopping opportunities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy before the Muster gates are opened for camping.
The full list of local nominees is as follows:
- Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration: Deniliquin Business Chamber, Edward River Council and Deni Ute Muster.
- Excellence in Sustainable Tourism: Deni Play On The Plains Festival Ltd.
- Outstanding Visitor Experience: The Depot Historic Vehicle & Memorabilia Collection.
- Outstanding New Business: DeniSPOT.
- Excellence in Large Business: Deniliquin RSL.
- Excellence in Small Business: Deni Play On The Plains Festival Ltd.
- Excellence in Micro Business: Cherrywood Emporium; Deni Golf Resort.
- Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Intereach.
- Outstanding Community Organisation: Rotary Club Deniliquin.
- Excellence in Sustainability: Deni Golf Resort.
- Employer of Choice (20 employees & under): Deniliquin Veterinary Clinic.
- Employer of Choice (21 employees & over): Intereach.
- Outstanding Business Leader: Rob Brown from Peppin Family Consulting; Vicky Lowry from Deni Play On The Plains Festival Ltd.
- Outstanding Young Business Leader: Jessica Kitchin from Highlight Creative.
- Outstanding Employee: John Arthur from Deniliquin Stadium.