The gala ceremony was held Wednesday evening at the Cobram-Barooga Golf Club, with about 150 people coming together to celebrate the business achievements of nominees.
The evening also provided an opportunity for small business owners and staff to network and share their knowledge.
Unlike previous years there was no Business of the Year category.
Instead, the ceremony presented two new award categories — What’s New in the Berrigan Shire and Made in the Berrigan Shire. The categories were voted on by stakeholders at the new-look awards’ launch in October.
The ceremony also included the return of the People’s Choice award.
The winners were as follows:
●What’s New in Berrigan Shire — Tattersalls Hotel, Tocumwal.
●Made in Berrigan Shire — Mowbray Farm, Berrigan.
●People’s Choice Award — HA Accounting, Tocumwal.
All finalists in the two new categories were showcased in a series of professional videos highlighting the respective businesses.
Berrigan Shire Mayor Matt Hannan said the evening highlighted how important businesses are in the shire.
‘‘As we continue to work together on the visual aspects of our communities and the practical experiences our businesses have, our area will continue to grow,’’ Cr Hannan said.
‘‘It will provide the visitors and residents with the experience they desire and demand.
‘‘We have small and big businesses, and businesses that export their products to bring exposure to our area on a daily basis.
‘‘We all need to continue to work together to promote the Berrigan Shire to become a great place to work and invest in.’’
Guests at the dinner were master illusionist Josh Norbido with his amazing eye-trickery act, which added an extra element of fun to the night.
Cr Hannan thanked Berrigan Shire Economic and Industry Development Liaison Merran Socha, all major sponsors and supporters including the Southern Riverina News and Cobram-Barooga Golf Club.