2018 Business of the Year award: Australian Reptile Park
A much loved and unique Central Coast business has received the NSW Business Chamber’s top award for 2018 and it call comes down to offering a great family day out.
The Australian Reptile Park has become the first zoological and conservation organisation to win NSW Business Chamber business of the year.
The much loved Central Coast tourist attraction picked up its gong in front of almost 1000 people on Friday night at a gala dinner attended by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
A very chuffed General Manager Tim Faulkner said the uniqueness of the business had combined with strong community connections, and a dedicated staff to deliver strong growth in the business in recent times including increased international visitors.
“We aim to deliver a great family day out — and in this era of screens and ditigal — we are one of the few to offer that,” Mr Faulkner said,
“We also give a lot back to the community through our contribution to wildlife conservation, education and through the snake and spider antivenene program that saves 300 lives every year,” he said.
Mr Faulkner, is an ambassador and activist for several Australian animals and has raised $375,000 in a crowd-funding campaign to double the size of Tasmanian devil conservation program “Devil Ark”.
“We are on cloud nine to be honest — it was a big night — in front of almost a thousand people — it’s very presigeous.”
NSW Business Chamber Central Coast Regional Director, Paula Martin. said the statewide awards program continues to grow each year with over 2,000 businesses entering each year.
“It is rewarding to see so many examples of where someone took a risk and changed lives through their drive, courage and creativity and the winner is a shining example of excellence here on the Central Coast,” Ms Martin said
“This year’s winners should feel incredibly proud to be named as the State’s leading businesses for 2018 with
172 finalists competing against 16 regions” she said.
The Australian Reptile Park was also named the winner of the Excellence in Business category.
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