HAWKESBURY’S business community came together last week to celebrate another year of hard work.
Held at Windsor Function Centre on Wednesday night, the Hawkesbury Local Business Awards saw trophies handed out in 30 categories.
Crowned Businessperson of the Year was Paul Maher, the man behind Loxley on Bellbird Hill.
Mr Maher has operated the accommodation and function centre at picturesque Kurrajong Hills for the past 20 years.
He said he was honoured to have the success of his business recognised.
‘‘I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have my business in the Hawkesbury,’’ Mr Maher said.
‘‘I’ve had such wonderful support over the many years and have an amazing team.
‘‘I remember advice I got many years ago. I was 20 years of age and I’ve never forgotten this: life is a cinch by the inch, but hard by the yard. Walk and don’t run, but always know where you’re going.’’
Mr Maher said that the decision to go into business always involved risk and stressed to his fellow entrepreneurs the importance of having a plan and sticking to your guns.
Hawkesbury Equine Veterinary Centre was named Business of the Year from a finalist list comprising the winners of each category, including everything from hairdressers to real estate agents, and butchers to childcare services.
With a base in Clarendon, the centre provides around the clock service to its clients.
It has serviced the area for more than 30 years. Accepting the award with larrikin wit on behalf of the team was John Parbery, who established the business with Trevor Robson in 1979.
As he took hold of the trophy he joked ‘‘ladies and gentlemen, you can bribe anybody’’.
‘‘I want to emphasise how much I respect the team who work with me,’’ he added, continuing on to thank everyone who cast their vote for the business.
This year’s awards saw more than 7700 votes cast across the categories.
Be sure to grab next week’s Courier for a full break-down on the individual award winners and expanded stories on Mr Maher and the Veterinary Centre.
