Blackwater’s Country Allure takes out trifecta at CHDC’s 2021 business awards

It started in one woman’s home, but a Central Queensland business built by a team of dedicated woman has grown to international success, taking out three major awards. Here’s a full list of winners.

Ange Taylor (second from left) and part of the team from Blackwater-based business Country Allure, which won three trophies at the 2021 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards, including Business of the Year.

A Blackwater based business, that started from home and has since grown into an international success, took out three awards at the 2021 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards.

Country Allure was crowned Central Highlands Business of the Year, the Fair Dinkum Fresh Retail Award and also took home The Capricornian People’s Choice Award, beating 50 other nominees in a public vote.

CEO Ange Taylor describes her awards success as “beyond amazing”.

“It means so much, especially because I have an amazing local team of women who work so hard behind the scenes to create what we’ve created,” she said.

“We don’t realise how many hidden gems are in the Central Highlands and Central Queensland so I really just want to thank Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) for putting so much time and effort into pulling these events together and really showcasing our region’s businesses.”

Country Allure designs and creates handcrafted leather bags, jewellery, decor, accessories, and clothing, and has built a global customer base through online marketing and sales.

Other stars of the night included SwarmFarm Robotics, which won two categories; and Fairbairn Bakery and Central Highlands Healthcare, each of which were finalists in three categories and won one category.

Andrew and Jocie Bate from SwarmFarm Robotics won the Agribusiness and Manufacturing Awards at the 2021 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards.

CHDC CEO Arjan Bloemer congratulated all award entrants.

“It was a challenge for the judges to select the winners, particularly Business of the Year, because there were so many high-standard entries,” he said.

Mr Bloemer says the Awards Gala Dinner at Emerald on Saturday, September 11, which attracted 300 guests, was a resounding success.

“There was a real sense of celebration to the night – a celebration of the award winners but also a celebration of our broader business community in the Central Highlands,” he said.

“Running a business is hard work so it was fantastic to bring everyone together to reflect on what they’ve achieved, and to connect and unwind.”

The Awards, held biennially since 2013, celebrate the efforts and achievements of the region’s diverse and dedicated business community and recognise their contribution to the economy and community.

The 2021 Awards were proudly supported by Sapphire Partner Kestrel Coal Resources; Category Partners 4t Consultants, Capricorn Enterprise, Local Buying Foundation, NBN Australia, Regional Insurance Brokers, The Capricornian, The Irish Village and Fair Dinkum Fresh; and Business and Industry Partners Acumentis, AusIndustry, Herron Todd White, HHH Partners, Peak Services, Smart Fitness, and State Gas.

A full list of winners from the 2021 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards:

NBN Australia Agribusiness Award:

• Winner – SwarmFarm Robotics
• Finalists – JEM Family Wagyu, PLF Australia

Kestrel Coal Resources Construction and Trade Award:

• Winner – Patrick Refrigeration
• Finalists – APH Glass and Aluminium, Diamond Lawn and Garden Australia

Local Buying Foundation Emerging Business of the Year Award:

• Winner – Stadium Premier Fitness
• Finalists – Farm and Construction Products, Little Gem Yoga, PLF Australia

AusIndustry Health and Lifestyle Award:

• Winner – Central Highlands Healthcare
• Finalists – Yumba Bimbi, Stadium Premier Fitness

The Irish Village Hospitality Award:

• Winner – Fairbairn Bakery
• Finalist – Lake Maraboon Holiday Village

Regional Insurance Brokers Manufacturing Award:

• Winner – SwarmFarm Robotics
• Finalists – APH Glass and Aluminium, Fairbairn Bakery

4t Consultants Professional and Business Services Award:

• Winner – Maraboon Veterinary Surgery (Sutherland and Reynolds)
• Finalists – Central Highlands Healthcare, Yumba Bimbi

Fair Dinkum Fresh Retail Award:

• Winner – Country Allure
• Finalists – Emerald Cut Loose, Fairbairn Bakery

Capricorn Enterprise Tourism Award:

• Winner – Lake Maraboon Holiday Village
• Finalists – Australian Nature Guides

CHDC Business of the Year:

• Winner – Country Allure
• Finalist – Central Highlands Healthcare

The Capricornian People’s Choice Award:

• Winner – Country Allure