Kingaroy Joinery Nails Top Award

20151021 Business Awards — Business of the Year award winners Darrin and Amanda Kefford, centre, from Kingaroy Joinery, with Heritage Bank Nanango representatives, from left, Andrew Black, Kylie Jackson and Bob Shaw

20150221 Business Awards — Graham Archdall was presented with the Swickers Distinguished Business Service Award by Rhys Collins, from Swickers

October 22, 2015

Darrin and Amanda Kefford, from Kingaroy Joinery, went home with the prestigious 2015 Business Of The Year trophy at the gala business awards dinner held in Kingaroy Town Hall on Wednesday night.

The awards are organised by economic development group South Burnett Directions and sponsored by the Heritage Bank Nanango.

Darrin and Amanda were congratulated by the competition judges for their comprehensive business plan, online presence, business culture and support for apprentices.

“Working closely with their accountants, training partners and taking themselves out of the business regularly to work on their business, has seen the turnaround and goals they not only hoped for, but have planned for,” compere and South Burnett Directions committee member John Carey said,

John said the business awards were an important part of the region’s economic development strategy.

“The South Burnett Business Excellence Awards are part of the overall commitment to help improve our region’s business capability through offering training, mentoring and recognition,” he said.

“A fundamental to the South Burnett’s long-term prosperity is to ensure existing businesses – small, medium and large – and able to grow, adapt and shine.

“Providing recognition for what works well through these awards is about encouraging all businesses in the region to participate in the support offered and then showcase their success.

“Take the time tonight to reflect upon and celebrate your own journey, identify new connections and relationships that you can make, and together, let’s lift the future of this region into the next level.”

South Burnett mayor Wayne Kratzmann emphasised the importance of local businesses staying positive in their outlook.

“We need to take away the negativity. It doesn’t only exist here, it exists in all communities but it can stop us from going forward,” he said.

South Burnett Directions committee member Ken Mills said one common denominator that all successful businesses had was passion.

“Loving what you do … passion gives you the determination and energy to go that last little bit,” he said.

A special award on the evening, the Swickers Distinguished Business Service Award, was presented to Nanango accountant Graham Archdall.

“The distinguished business service award recognises a long-standing business community member,” John said.

“The judges award this special category to any South Burnett business contributor, past or present, and merit the award on business success and achievement as well as contribution to the South Burnett business community.”

Guests at the business awards enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and canapes in the Town Hall Forecourt followed by a two-course meal prepared by Accents Catering.

Musical entertainment was provided by Deal n’ while comedy musical duo ElbowSkin sung some NSFW ditties that shocked the diners into applause and laughter.