Renowned farming enterprise takes out awards honour
Renowned farming enterprise takes out Lockyer Valley Business Awards honour
The 2016 Business of the Year was awarded to Australian-owned farming enterprise Qualipac at Saturday night's Lockyer Valley Business, Training and Apprenticeship Awards.
Qualipac also took out the Agriculture and Horticulture Production and Processing Award in front of a packed Gatton Shire Hall.
In presenting the top award, Mayor Tanya Milligan congratulated Qualipac on their drive to produce and supply top-quality produce throughout Australia and overseas.
Run by the Qualischefski family who are fourth generation farmers, the business employs over 15 permanent staff and more than 50 casual staff during peak seasons.
Qualipac has made significant progress with both the domestic and overseas market, including exporting their Lockyer Valley grown produce into the Asian market.
The Qualischefski family has farmed in the Lockyer Valley since the early 1940s and pride themselves on utilising the best and most efficient farming methods and practices.
It is with great pleasure I present this award tonight to a business worthy of the Business of the Year title, Mayor Milligan said.
Returning for his second year of MC duties was Australian television personality Andrew Daddo, who had the audience captivated with his down-to-earth banter.
Lockyer Valley Food Ambassador Alastair McLeod spoke to guests about his experiences as the region's Food Ambassador, his passion for local produce and the benefits of this partnership.
Forest Hill-based Caffe Sorella was awarded this year's Mayor's Award for business.
To transform a general store into a unique and warm caf is a wonderful achievement and the work that has gone into expanding this business is worthy of praise, Mayor Milligan said.
This year saw the introduction of a new category, Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Winner Lacclan Gottfried travelled to Cambodia with a group of local students and staff to build a Peace House'. He also utilised his entrepreneurial skills to start an import and resale jewellery business, which demonstrates his ability to think outside the square.
Lacclan is currently building a professional photography and video business and continues to volunteer for local community groups, while working a day job on one of the region's farms.
His work ethic and attitude is exceptional and I am beyond thrilled to present him with this award tonight, Mayor Milligan said.
A full list of the winners is as follows:
Trainee of the Year - Tanielle Cartes - DISCO
Trainee of the Year - Glenn Maroske - Lockyer Valley Sports & Aquatic Centre
Apprentice of the Year - Kaitlin Edwards - Kissed Hair & Beauty
Employee of the Year - Jason Mellon - Stanbroke Beef
Young Supervisor/Manager of the Year - Emily Hallas - All Property Real Estate
High Achievement Award Young Supervisor/Manager of the Year - Bonnie O'Mullane - Lockyer Valley Sports & Aquatic Centre
People's Choice Award - Family Health Clinic
Agriculture and Horticulture Production and Processing - Qualipac Pty Ltd
Food and Dining - Porters Plainland Hotel
Professional, Health and Fitness Service - Family Health Clinic & Gatton Travel Clinic
Retail - Spano's Supa IGA Gatton
Trade Services - Lockyer Engineering
Home Based Business - ArkOmega Farmacy
Environmental and Sustainability Award - 9Dorf Farms
Mayor's Young Entrepreneur Award - Lacclan Gottfried
Mayor's Award - Caff Sorella
Business of the Year - Qualipac Pty Ltd
