- 2015 WA Regional Small Business Awards announced
- Waroona-based business Forest Edge Recreation Camp named overall winner
After nine years of careful management and with profits growing by 800 per cent, a Waroona-based recreation camp has taken out the coveted 2015 Western Australian Regional Small Business of the Year Award, at a ceremony last night.
Small Business Minister Joe Francis said Forest Edge Recreation Camp was a worthy winner, having turned a tired school camp venue into the award-winning business they have today.
"As a small family business, Forest Edge Recreation Camp demonstrates the kind of innovative thinking that leads to increased income, productivity and efficiency," Mr Francis said.
"Owners Graeme and Sonia Watson have constantly questioned the norm and reflected on how Forest Edge Recreation Camp can better meet the needs of their customers and even be a disruptive force in their market."
Forest Edge Recreation Camp welcomes more than 5,500 guests each year to experience a 230-metre flying fox, rock climbing, kayaking, abseiling, target shooting, orienteering, and raft building - as well as team building and personal development.
In addition, Forest Edge Recreation Camp won the 5-10 Employees award. The major prize was $25,000 in television advertising from GWN7 and the production of a 30-second commercial courtesy of Lomax Media.
Other winners were:
- Aboriginal Business - Beautylicious by Chelsea, Karratha
- 0-4 Employees - Full Steam A Hed-land Contracting, South Hedland
- 11-20 Employees - 4 Life Physiotherapy, Mandurah
- Home-based Business - KalyaaNa Spa & Wellness Retreat, Bridgetown
- Franchise Business - The Quality Inn, Margaret River
- Small Business Achiever - Pilbara Photographics, South Hedland.
"The awards recognise the significant role played by regional small businesses in generating local employment and contributing to the State's overall economic success," the Minister said.
Fact File
- There are more than 211,000 small businesses in Western Australia
- About 53,000 are in regional Western Australia
- Small businesses contribute $44 billion per annum to the Gross State Product
Minister's office - 6552 6500
