Barham High School and Tulla Natives are two of 17 winners in the 2024 Campaspe Murray Business Awards announced last week.
“We’re really proud of it,” said Barham High School (BHS) Principal Brendan Yu after receiving the Best Professional Service Community (Small) award sponsored by Coolabah Turf.
“We’re seeing the results of the business model we’re developing in our growth, and our HSC results and enrolments.
“It’s good when you put things into place and see the benefits of what you try to achieve, that’s probably the biggest thing for us as a school.”
Mr Yu also reflected that many former BHS students were also in attendance on the night as finalists.
“We had previous students who were part of those businesses represented on the night. Even though some of them didn’t win awards, they were recognised for the great stuff they’re doing.”
BHS school numbers have grown to 166 for this year and are forecast to exceed 180 in 2025.
“We’ve got kids who will be the future leaders in the area, we want them to be good citizens as well. So, we’re trying to grow our own within the local area, and to make Barham a great spot.”
Owners of Tulla Natives, Marc and Stacey Brooke were awarded the Best Agri Business sponsored by Greenham.
The pair purchased a 100-hectare property near Wakool and diversified their traditional farming pursuits to create a flourishing nursery and a niche providing native flowers to Sydney’s flower wholesale market.
“It was pretty cool to win the award; we’ve had lots of people since congratulate us; it kind of puts it into perspective; it’s pretty surreal,” said Stacey.
“We’re really grateful, because there were lots of businesses in there and lots of people that we admire and look up to in the same room.”
The couple is also kept busy growing and planting Anameka Saltbush. Anameka Saltbush is a specially selected variety of the drought-tolerant native shrub, developed over 15 years by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, with partners in government and industry. Specialised equipment allows the Brookes to plant between 3,000 and 5,000 plants a day, and a new float built with the aid of Brendan Colville shifts the planter with ease, the pair recently completing jobs in Cobar and Ivanhoe.
“We wouldn’t have a business without the amazing community and everyone who supports us; we are so fortunate to live in the area and wouldn’t have it any other way.” added Stacey.
Murray River Council Mayor, Cr John Harvie said the awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements and immense contribution of businesses across the region.
“Our businesses are the backbone of our community, and it’s wonderful to be able to recognise their dedication and achievements through the awards.
“It’s great to see winners from all corners of the area, showcasing the incredible diversity and strength of our local economy.
“We hope the awards continue to inspire ongoing excellence and growth in our business sector,” Cr Harvie said.
This year’s awards attracted 60 applications across 14 categories, with the awards ceremony being held at the Rich River Golf Club.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 7 November 2024.
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