Best in Karratha business awarded

It was a night for the quiet achievers of Karratha’s business community at the 2018 Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards, with small companies in sectors such as contracting, hospitality and retail the stars at the event.

With a Roaring Twenties theme, about 250 people dressed in their best Gatsby-era garb and headed to the Tambrey Function Centre on Saturday night to see local businesses acknowledged across 16 awards categories.

The winner of the night’s big business of the year gong was mining contractor NEMMS JV (Nyiyaparli Engineering and Mining Maintenance Services), which also collected the prize for best Aboriginal business and was highly commended in the best business (20+ employees) category.

It was the first KDCCI award win for the company.

Director Bruce Bung said the 50 per cent indigenous-owned joint venture, which has an office in Dampier and contracts with major resources companies including Fortescue Metals Group and Woodside, had come a long way in its about seven years of operation through perseverance and approaching growth “one step at a time”.

“We only started up a short time ago and so we’ve come a long way in that time, and we will continue to do our best,” he said.

“I think it’s a very good achievement for the company all round.”

Soul Cafe co-owner and Blue Beanies project co-founder David Heathwood took home the business leader of the year award for his work in growing the hospitality business and supporting young people in the community.

Other major award winners included Impact Media’s Tamara Binamat for businesswoman of the year, Jason Hunter for young/small business achiever and EPIC for best community service organisation.

EPIC and Bulla Baby were the night’s only tied winners, in the category of best customer service, and KFC Karratha won its first KDCCI award for best franchise business.

KDCCI chief executive Kylah Morrison said a more diverse range of businesses had entered, and in many cases won, this year’s awards compared to the last few years and it was good to see them recognised for their achievements.

“There were some really humble winners that perhaps wouldn’t have normally put themselves forward, but have gone through the process this year and ended up winning awards,” she said.

“I think that’s a real testament to the work that they have put into their businesses and the outcomes that they’re achieving, especially NEMMS JV with their indigenous engagement and David Heathwood for his incredible work in the local community.”

The KDCCI received about 45 nominations for the awards.