Going for business gold! The nominees are....

Best trainee or apprentice – Recognising great attitude, professionalism, work and study ethic, reliability and willingness to go the extra mile. Open to individuals who are currently employed as an indentured apprentice or a registered trainee (during the nomination period).

Kindly sponsored by THALES EO Services, and Bobbins Transport.

NOMINEES

Luke Timms, M & S Spinks Tiling Services. “Exceptional attitude and workmanship.”

Felix Hartmeyer, SEFE. "Exceptional apprentice plant mechanic. His background at the farm in Bendoc has come to the surface.”

Georgia Wiki, Cheveux by Twofold. “Georgia proves to be the most capable apprentice I’ve known. She is kind, creative and always willing to go above and beyond.”

Taylor Farrell, Hair Lamartine. “Taylor has a smile that lights up a room and is polite and caring when she is dealing with a customer. ” “Taylor’s professionalism and eagerness to learn, I’ve noticed a massive difference in her skills since taking over. I think Eden has a fantastic hairdresser to look forward to in the near future.”

Sarah Rees, Mystique. “Sarah can do anything put in front of her – she is way beyond her first year apprenticeship.”

Jarred Walker, Browns Butchery. “Always friendly to customers, always willing to help.” “It is a pleasure to be welcomed with a smile and a cheery greeting and be treated with respect. His knowledge for an apprentice is outstanding.” “Excellent work ethic, local knowledge, friendly manner.”

Roxylee McDonald, apprentice chef (apprenticeship completed in July 2012), Mystique Restaurant. “Very dedicated, always looking for new ideas on how to improve her skills.

Dylan Wheeler, Peter Grant Builders.“Exceptional attitude and workmanship.”

Billy Swires, Ron Doyle Motors. 

“Shown great improvement in workmanship.”

Amanda Stone, Eden Spa and Beauty. 

“Exceptional work, great service with a smile. Perfect results. Has made it all the way to Illawarra apprentice of the year and still going.”

Tourism award: For outstanding customer service in providing a truly memorable experience to visitors.

Kindly sponsored by Michelin & Son and Eden Concrete

NOMINEES

Ed Chenery, Eden Visitor Information Centre manager.  

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr Ed Chenery over the last few years as one of the many volunteers at the Eden Visitor Information Centre. He is a man of vision. He has taken the Information Centre to another level of excellence with his high standards of professionalism, commitment to the job and pure hard work. He has the respect of all the volunteers as well as the majority of the business community of Eden and surrounding areas. All the volunteers highly endorse this nomination and wish Ed the recognition he truly deserves”

Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre. 

“I have young grand children who access the centre during school holidays. The staff and volunteers are welcoming to children and adults alike, the children participate in the activity of the morning, then explore the child friendly exhibits at the centre and leave in a stimulated and happy frame of mind.”

“The centre provides a wonderful tourist experience, has provided education for our schools and increased employment in the area.”

“A brilliant place to visit – great showpiece for Eden and its history. The staff are fantastic. Thank you.”

Eden Killer Whale Museum. 

“One of Eden’s premier tourist stops, a must- see that we recommend to every visitor.”

“Fast becoming one of the region’s top spots to visit.”

“A real drawcard for Eden and one that international tourists just can’t get enough of.”

Garden of Eden Caravan Park 

(Tammy & Shane O’Malley).

“I would like to nominate Tammy and Shane O’Malley, managers of the Garden of Eden Caravan Park, for the business awards. We’ve been at the park for the past 12 years with great service and hospitality from the past and present managers, Tammy and Shane. Eden is a lovely town with friendly and wonderful people. The Garden of Eden Caravan Park run by the O’Malley family is a credit to your lovely town. “(Cooma visitor).

“Always has a professional manner with a welcoming smile. Well versed on Eden and its surrounds she helps our visitors to enjoy every facet of Eden.”

Cat Balou.  

"Cat Balou Cruises is a consistent tourist drawcard and Ros and Gordon’s work with whale research has just elevated our standing within the international tourism and whale research and watching spaces.

Ros’s photos of whales have become iconic representations of Eden.”

“Best tourism operator on the south coast. Long running business all year round. Professional crew, staff and vessel.”

Eden Visitor Information Centre. 

"The volunteers at the Eden VIC provide an outstanding service to all visitors at the centre with their bright and cheery attitude. They demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Eden and its surrounds with great empathy to a wide variety of visitors. They all work co-operatively together and deliver efficient and effective information to all.”

“We nominate the Eden Visitor Information Centre for the following reasons: 1. Well sign-posted with easy access and parking; 2. The physical layout is very welcoming and professional; 3. Most importantly the fantastic volunteer staffing is outstanding. Very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and sell Eden better than the Colonel can sell fried chicken. They answered all questions with passion and honesty and in the end we have stayed here in Eden for a week when we really only went in to get brochures to see where to go on the whole south coast; 4. This establishment (especially the staff) is a gem in Eden. Do not let them go! ”

Mystique Restaurant. “Great food, pleasant atmosphere, friendly helpful staff.”

Wharfside Café.

Best customer service by an individual: Recognising the types of attitude, professionalism and work ethic that keeps customers coming back for more. Open to individuals from businesses engaged in providing products and services to the general public including trades, tourism, hospitality, health or personal services.

Kindly sponsored by Pambula & District Community Bank Branch, Bendigo Bank

NOMINEES

Mitch Cramp, Eden Southern Cellars. “Always friendly and polite, very helpful.”

Thelma Ellis, Wharfside Cafe.

Joanne Willams,  Sweet Shoes and Things. “Courteous, efficient, nothing is a problem”

Daryl Henry,  Eden Fishermen’s Club. “Daryl delivers great, efficient customer service. Daryl is a no fuss man, down to earth, quick, to the point but very happy and friendly.”

Charie Metcalfe, Eden Post Office. “Very efficient, friendly service. Always ready for a joke and chat when she has time. Will go out of her way to deliver that special parcel that may have gone astray.”

Daniel Azzopardi, Eden Fishermen’s Club. “Daniel is a friendly, ‘fresh’ young man . He seems to enjoy his job which reflects in his good customer service.”

Andrew Parkes, Ron Doyle Motors. “Always gives good customer service. Follows up to make sure you were happy with the service from Ron Doyle Motors. Andrew has a friendly manner and will always answer questions you have with your car problems. Nothing seems to be a problem for him.”

Jill Archer, Eden Garden Centre. “Jill, ‘the quiet achiever is very informative while delivering great customer service. She is friendly, helpful and welcoming. Great customer service.”

“Mitch” Noel Mitchell, Michelin & Son. “Still the happiest, best customer service this town has seen in a long time.”

Seppa, Snug Cove Seafoods.  “Always friendly and very obliging. Nothing is too much trouble. Very professional in her approach to all people, whether local or tourist. Works very hard and her honesty makes one return.”

Paul McCabe, Eden Community Aged Care. “Always helpful at any time. Does the jobs as soon as he can. Doesn’t keep you waiting a long time.” “Paul is always willing and happy to help. “

“Always on the ready to oblige.” ”Paul is always helpful and polite in his job with the aged at the above address.”

Leonie Gavel, CUPPAZ Café. “Being served by Leonie is like being served by your mum. She is helpful, caring, kind, considerate and always smiling. She can’t do enough for you.”

Jessica Farrell, CUPPAZ Café. “Jess is so good at customer service, she even delivers to your door when you are under the pump. She makes great coffee, is smiley and friendly yet manages to keep a firm hold on all that is happening even when the shop is as busy as all get out.”

“Can do attitude , nothing is a problem, friendly smile.” “Service with a smile, fantastic customer skills and can make a great skinny latte!

Sharon Spink, Eden CBA. “Sharon is always friendly, always smiling and a joy to do your banking with. She knows her job well, and more importantly, she knows the locals and is genuine in all her dealings with her customers.”

Michamn Goldie, Seahorse Inn chef.  “Michamn Goldie is our head chef at the Seahorse Inn. He has an unbelievable passion for his job. He works six days a week but always is in on his day off looking for new and creative meals for the menu. He goes above and beyond to make sure he meets all customer expectations and does so with a very positive and cheerful attitude. Michamn never hesitates to give a hand in all other areas of the building when needed, from helping staff with function set up to helping a guest with their luggage to their room. He is an absolute gem to work with and an asset to our business.”

Georgie Staley, Georgies Fine Jewellery. “Georgie is her business. She lives it, breathes it, loves it and it shows. She cannot do too much for her customers including making ‘house’ calls, and handles each and every client as if they were her most important.”

Heidi Elks, Eden Spa and Beauty. “Heidi is professional, loads of fun and obviously adores her work.”

Melanie Warren, Eden Gas & Gear. “Outstanding customer service, always willing to help customers no matter what they need. Always friendly and professional.”

Con and Julie Castrissios, Eden IGA. "Go above and beyond in any way they can and all so friendly and caring.” “Con has become adopted by the caring Eden community so quickly. Always happy, always busy and great to his customers.”

Nathan Goodrich, Eden Bi Lo. “Unexpected, fantastic customer service from a young guy. Pleasant and really interacts with customers.”

Shar Cassie, Cassies Corner store. ”Always friendly, cares about customers. Nothing is too much trouble.” “Always satisfied with food and customer service at Cass’s.”

Judy Liddell, Cat Balou. 

“Judy is very courteous, friendly, cheerful and has a great way with people whether old, middle aged, young or small children – a very people person. Her general knowledge of the Eden area and her knowledge of whale watching and Twofold Bay is a credit to her and she is so proud of being an Edenite. She has very effective listening skills and makes one feel important and appreciated regardless of all the stupid questions asked of her. She is a true professional that really loves what she does and it shows. Nothing is too much trouble, even on the rough trips when she has to handle sick people – she handles it all with grace and diplomacy. We have been on a couple of trips with her, both Whale watching and a bay cruise. We would rate her ten out of ten for her customer service.”

Darryl Mayton, Great Southern Inn. 

“Courteous, very obliging and professional in his customer service approach.” “Attentive, polite, informative. World of local knowledge. Always smiles. Most of all, no matter what your trouble is, he will do what he can to help and put a smile on his customers face.” “Excellent service.”

“Darryl is so funny. When you are feeling down he will cheer you up. Thanks Darryl!”

Amy Holt, Eden Spa and Beauty. 

“Amy is a powerhouse of professionalism, customer service and sound business sense, quietly expanding and growing a really good business in Eden. She always makes you feel special, always has me walking out of the salon on air, and I would go to Amy ahead of salons in Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne every day of the week if I could.”

“Fantastic is one word I would use to describe Amy. She is a brilliant beautician always friendly and welcoming to her clients. She offers a wide range of services and always employs quality staff. I always look forward to my next appointment at Eden Spa and Beauty.”

Kristy Griffin, Wharfside Café.

“Coffee is fabulous. Keeps us coming back time and time again.”

“Makes the best coffee. Always served with a smile and a kind word.”

Liz Burling, Mystique. 

“Liz is very friendly and goes out of her way to please.”

Rodney Barry, Mystique. “Rodney is a very motivated individual who never gives up. He is very good with the customers. He is very entertaining, you get more than just a bar man! A very good maître d.”

Tasha, Tribal Suzani. “Tasha – what a vibrant, caring person she is! Always makes you feel welcome in to her store. She has a compassionate side which is revealed when she tells you about the countries she gets her products from. She is just a lovely person!”

Molly Woodstock, Eden Spa and Beauty “Always smiling, helpful and polite.” “Molly is delightful. Always pleasant, knows her job well and pampers her clients.”

Lee Harvey-Walker, Eden Pharmacy. “Always polite, smiling and willing to keep well presented.”

Kristen Huggins, Eden Pharmacy “Kristen always has a cheery smile and friendly manner, nothing is ever too much trouble. Kristen is kind, helpful, an asset to the pharmacy.”

Daniel Rumsey, Eden Pharmacy: "Danielle is very helpful to her customers. Nothing is a bother to her while she delivers great customer service.”

Amber Seckold, Eden IGA. “Amber has a great, cheerful personality, always courteous and is able to liaise with customers in a very positive way. She is helpful and nothing is too much trouble, whilst ensuring prompt service to all customers.”

Julie Sinclair,  Eden Dental Surgery. “Julie went out of her way to personally deliver an urgently needed referral to my front door. Now that’s service with a smile.”

Amanda Beck, BiLo. “Greets me with a smile, offers any awards or benefits available.

Glenys Kelly, BiLo. “Smiley, customer service that is quick and pleasant.”

Judy Russell, BiLo. “Always welcoming, efficient and accurate.”

Community choice award: For outstanding individual or group voluntary community service or involvement.

Members of the local community are eligible to vote for this award. Voting forms are available from the Magnet office and within the paper. You cannot vote multiple times -one vote only per person.

Kindly sponsored by Jan and John Aveyard.

NOMINEES

Daphne Lister. “For maintaining and planting all the gardens at the roundabouts.

John Smith (police). 

“For his initiative in providing guidance and an activity based program for youth of the area. “

Patti and Jacko Hand. 

“My name is Makenzie Upton and I am 11 years old. I would like to nominate Jacko and Patti Hand for the community choice award. Over the past 12 months I have been helping Patti and Jacko after school at the Anglicare shop. They have become my friends and have taught me a lot while working with them. Patti and Jacko are constantly doing voluntary work at the Anglicare shop, raising money for Nullica Lodge and other lucky charities. Patti and Jacko are well known in the community for their kindness and tireless efforts they put in to help others. I would love to see Patti and Jacko recognised for their outstanding community involvement. I admire them and what they both do.”

Wilma Becker, Genoa. “For her selfless service to the community of Genoa and Mallacoota.” “For many years of tireless, voluntary community service.” “Wilma has been a loyal, long term committee member ever since Mallacoota Inlet ”

Jack Dickenson. ”A man who sees a need and responds to it to make Eden a better place for everyone.”

Val Bobbin, 

Eden Visitor Information Centre. 

“Val Bobbin has been involved in the Eden Visitor Information Centre on and off for a period of approximately 24 years. Without Val’s dedication and hard work the EVIC would not be the centre it is today. Val is very passionate about Eden and provides high quality tourist information and great service to all visitors. She proudly supports her colleagues, has a very positive attitude and always conducts herself in a courteous and professional manner. She is a dependable and dedicated volunteer who also volunteers for Cruise Eden.

Betty Brown, 

Eden Visitor Information Centre. 

“Betty Brown is a volunteer with the Eden Visitor Information Centre. She has a thorough knowledge of all aspects of Eden and its surrounds and is happy to pass this on to all visitors who come into the centre. She is patient, has excellent communication and listening skills together with a great ability to liaise and solve questions creatively with tact and diplomacy.”

Friends of Nullica Lodge. 

“This worthy volunteer group supports the residents of Nullica Aged Care Facility in Eden. The Friends of Nullica does this by providing ongoing support to residents which includes fund raising for activities and items. They meet monthly to organise fundraising, shop for residents and organise gift items and so much more. They have been able to fundraise for raised vegetable garden beds, gardening equipment, TVs and furnishings that provide added comfort to residents. They promote community strength by encouraging proactive participation by frail, aged and disabled people, also promoting a positive sense of community and self-worth. They work in partnerships with other organisations to gain the best possible outcome. “

Mallacoota Inlet Aged Care Incorporated and Districts Group (Genoa, Cann River and Far South Coast). “After 20 years of committee fundraising we are almost there. A little bit more yet for our share. A medal (gold) would be a beautiful and long lasting memory of those 20 years.”

Eden Killer Whale Museum. 

"The volunteer management committee of the Eden Killer Whale Museum has quite simply established and grown one of the regions premier tourist destinations and one of the town’s strongest assets, celebrating the iconic story of the killers of Eden, and building a top class museum in the process. Continuing building upgrades, research collection growth, conservation projects and public access to research materials establish this museum as a vital core. "

Eden Volunteer Marine Rescue. 

"For simply saving lives, and ensuring that everyone on Eden waters is on the ‘radar’ and can be kept safe - they should all win a gold medal.”

Best trades or professional services business or individual: Recognising professional attitude, work ethic and performance above and beyond expectations. Open to all trades and professional services businesses and individuals.

Kindly sponsored by SVITZER, and SEFE

NOMINEES

Paul ‘Plugger’ Kirkby,  Eden Radiator and Exhaust Centre. “I live in Cooma, Paul does my car and boat services. We come to Eden quite a lot, and the service I receive and the mateship from Paul is plain and simply wonderful”.

James Oliver, carpenter. 

“Professional, on time, on budget, and a good listener that takes on his client’s needs and wants.

Siobhan Russell, Hair Lamartine. “Siobhan’s work ethic is go, go, go. She demonstrates professionalism and perfection in keeping customers happy.”

Andrew McDonald, (Eden Ice Works). 

“Andrew McDonald has to be one of the hardest working men in Eden. From daylight to dark and braving the elements he can be found at Eden wharf refuelling the local fishing fleet, charter vessels and visiting vessels. Not only does he keep the fleet going, he also supplies bulk ice to the trawlers and processors and bagged ice to Eden and the surrounding area – a huge job during the Christmas period. He is always obliging and goes beyond the call of duty. Recently he swam out and rescued a tender which had broken away from the wharf and returned it to the visiting yacht owner.”

Eden Spa and Beauty. 

“Fantastic is one word I would use to describe Amy. She is a brilliant beautician always friendly and welcoming to her clients. She offers a wide range of services and always employs quality staff. I always look forward to my next appointment at Eden Spa and Beauty.” “Quality, service staff and ambience – the whole package. This business knows how to deliver what the customer really wants and does it with style. Modern approach and keeps up to date. Well done Amy and crew! ”

Hair Lamartine 

“All staff members are always pleasant and welcoming. The shop gives off a happy, vibrant vibe that makes you want to stay. Not to mention the top quality cuts and colour they provide for a reasonable price. The shop now has extended their business hours to cater for those of us who work 9 to 5. Opening from 9 to 5 on a Saturday and staying open later on a Thursday and Friday. The way it is being run is a credit to the new owner, Bronwyn. Thanks to her and her staff and good luck with her new “business.”

“Bronwyn and Taylor look very professional in their uniforms. Bronwyn has created a bright atmosphere in her business, is very professional in her manner while still making you feel comfortable. ”

“All three staff at Hair Lamartine are very welcoming and friendly, providing an excellent and professional service with a smile. An overall relaxing experience and fantastic atmosphere, including real coffee served with a slice. Nothing but impressed with my cut and colour and it was reasonably priced. Very happy, and love the direction the girls are heading in with growth for the business and for the town.”

Brent Dunne Design: 

“Brent has designed two houses for me. He is a total professional, up to date with green designs and pleasant to work with.”

Get covered. 

"Very helpful with repairing my car seat and doing a great job saved me $100s. Highly recommended.”

Eden Plaster Linings, Shane Seymour. 

“Reliable, friendly, great job from start to finish. No job was too big or small.”

Cheveux by Twofold. “After nine

 years in business, the girls at Cheveux are always completely professional, creative and have great customer service.”

Eden Slipway: "Eden Slipways is there in any weather, rain, hail or shine, when yachts are nearly destroyed on the shoreline or washed up onto rocks. They are a sailors best friend, and provide an essential service to our port.” 

Best retail business: Presentation, ‘can do’ attitude and a culture of courtesy will make it a pleasure to buy local from the winner of this prestigious award. Open to all retail businesses in the Eden area and surrounding localities.

Kindly sponsored by Regional Development Australia, Far South Coast

NOMINEES

Michelin & Son.  “Always obliging and reliable.”

Eden Garden Centre. “Constant upgrading of the facility and high standard of service.”

Snug Cove Seafoods. “Buying from Snug Cove Seafoods we know we are guaranteed the freshest local seafood and receive a warm welcome from Seppa with her infectious smile and laugh.”

Mystique Restaurant. “What a fantastic restaurant. Great food, great service, great ambience – just great all over!”

Eden Mitre 10. “Always friendly, patient and knowledgeable. Most comforting for a DIY wannabe! Range of home wares is also a lovely distraction from the task at hand.”

Daybreak Café. “Opening hours are a big plus and the service with a smile from all the McGovern’s is worth it alone. Best E & B rolls ever!”

Eden Gas & Gear. “Outstanding customer service. Always friendly and helpful to customers.” ”So quick with responding to customer orders. It’s a pleasure to go into the shop and do business with them.”  “Think they have the formula for small business success well and truly nailed, and customer service is a big part of that formula.”

Tribal Suzani. “Tash and Craig are most welcoming and friendly. They have a unique shop offering exciting items at affordable prices and offer excellent, friendly service.”

Eden IGA. “Great service, happy to get in what you want, markets days and a helping hand to your car. They care and it shows.” “Efficient, friendly service, great staff. Con and Julie are providing a great shopping experience. ”  “Superb service. Team approach. Open to suggestions. Stock Australian made and produced goods. Wonderful, friendly demeanour.” 

Ron Doyle Motors. “Their show room is just lovely, their service department doesn’t treat women like idiots, and they offer to run me back to work every time I drop the car down there. They even deliver my car to my door after it’s been serviced. I just can’t fault this business which almost went under such a short time back, for returning to peak form and now becoming a model for other car dealers.” “This business is first rate. I know several people who travel from Bega just to see what they have to offer, their reputation is that good. ” “Not to be confused with how most people view used car salesmen, this is one ripper business, providing a lot of jobs locally, that just goes from strength to strength.”

Cass’s Corner Store. “Built up a great business. Great food, good opening hours, great owners.” ” A great all round store.” “Very friendly, great service, food and open hours.” “They have done a really good job and I always like going there.”