Shadow Minister Media Releases
North Coast Small Business Takes Top Honours ( 26/09/2007)
NSW Shadow Minister for Small Business and the North Coast today congratulated Brookfarm macadamia plantation business from St Helena NSW for being named the 2007 Telstra Australian Business of the Year.
“Now in its 15th year, the awards have showcased individual small businesses and the very important role they play in the development and production of innovative products and ideas,” Mr Page said.
“Brookfarm produces gourmet macadamia products which not only have a great following in Australia but are also exported to many countries overseas,” he said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of employment and economic growth in NSW.
“Brookfarm currently has 17 employees and expects this number to increase to 70 to 100 employees within the next five years.
“It’s also fantastic to see small businesses leading the State on environmental practices with Brookfarm having regenerated approximately five hectares of rainforest and reforested another 12 hectares of eucalypt forest over the past 13 years.
“I commend Pamela and Martin Brook of Brookfarm who have made a commitment that part of the prize money for the award will go to buying more trees as a means of reducing their ‘carbon footprint’.
“Apart from the prizes, previous winners of this award have reported some significant benefits from the awards process including greater customer and brand recognition, increased staff morale and a better focus on operating a more streamlined business.
“I encourage every small business to consider nominating for these awards in the future.
“It’s important that NSW’s small businesses continue to get the recognition they deserve,” Mr Page said.
