Best Practice on show at Chamber business awards

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Best Practice Software Bundaberg is 2019 business of the year
Auswide Bank managing director Martin Barrett (right) presents the business of the year award to Craig Hodges from Best Practice.

Medical software company Best Practice has been named Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce 2019 business of the year.

The prestigious award, sponsored by Auswide Bank, was the showpiece of a gala dinner at the Multiplex attended by more than 300 people.

Chief operating officer Craig Hodges said he was stunned by the honour.

“Next month on 15 June we'll be 15 years old,” he said.

“We were born in a garage at St Lucia Crescent, Avoca, from a local GP Dr Frank Pyefinch and his wife Lorraine.

“They developed Best Practice out of the need to provide medical practitioners with a better software system.

“We've gone on now to employ almost 160 people in two countries in four major business centres.

“We'll always call Bundaberg home.”

Mr Hodges said he was often asked “why Bundaberg”?

“We proudly display Bundaberg as our registered office and retain that presence here. My answer back is ‘why not',” he said.

“We produce fantastic business experts here in Bundaberg.

“When you look at some of the businesses based here, a bank, a leading regional university and some major international players.

“We're so humbled to now be on that stage as well.”

Alowishus is 2019 People's Choice business of the year
The team from Alowishus Delicious celebrate after winning the 2019 People's Choice award, presented by Cr Ross Sommerfeld.

Alowishus wins People's Choice award

The 2019 People's Choice award, sponsored by Bundaberg Regional Council, went to Alowishus Delicious.

Owner Tracey McPhee said she was thrilled with the honour, which follows winning Cafe of the Year in a national competition.

“It's very fitting that Bundy Council has sponsored this award with their support of the #lovebundy campaign, which we love,” she said.

“We love Bundaberg and we're thrilled that Bundy loves us, so thank you very much.”

Business Excellence Awards: The winners

  • Auswide Bank Business of the Year
    Best Practice
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
    Trish Mears
  • Retail business
    Queensland Computers
  • Agribusiness
    Northside Produce Agency
  • Tourism Visitor Attraction
    Lady Musgrave Experience and Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience
  • Tourism New Business of the Year
    CMCA Bundaberg RV Park
  • CQUniversity: Bundaberg Student of the Year
    Emily Smith and Alana Sinnamon
  • 2019 People's Choice Award
    Alowishus Delicious
  • Childers Chamber President's Award
    Paragon Theatre
  • Coral Coast Chamber President's Award
    Lady Musgrave Experience
  • Bundaberg Chamber President's Award
    Wide Bay Real Estate
  • New business
    Serenity Skin Spa
  • Micro home based business
    Healthy on the Inside
  • Tourism Accommodation
    Rocky Point Retreat
  • Hospitality business
    Alowishus Delicious
  • Health and wellbeing
    Southern Cross Support Services
  • Personal Services
    Vanish Skin & Laser Bundaberg
  • Tourism Festivals and Events
    Agrotrend
  • Professional Services
    Sugarland Animal Hospital
  • Community Organisation
    The Waves Sports Club
  • Culinary Tourism
    The Windmill
  • Trades business
    Bundaberg Motor Group and Bug Me Pest Solutions & Carpet Cleaning
  • Industrial and Manufacturing
    Best Practice

Leaders thank businesses and community

Bundaberg & District Chamber of Commerce president Yale Morgan quoted Winston Churchill in his official welcome.

Queensland Computers retail award
Queensland Computers won the retail award, received by Luke and Geoff Augutis.

“He talks about when our best is no longer good enough and sometimes we must do what is required,” he said.

“As we know in business it can be it can be challenging. We face significant challenges day to day, but we also face greater opportunity.”

Mr Morgan thanked local businesses for their contribution to the regional economy and community.

Bundaberg Tourism general manager Katherine Reid said local tourism businesses are investing money to attract visitors.

“Tourism injected $475 million in visitor expenditure, new money into our regional economy, growing our community,” she said.

“Tourism is leading the way in sustainability and tourism provides a captive audience to tell the story of Bundaberg's people, place and produce.

“We collectively do it as an incredibly strong and united industry.”

Childers Chamber president's award to Paragon Theatre for local business of the year
Childers Chamber of Commerce vice-president John Russo (left) presented the Childers Chamber president's award to Nigel Craft from Paragon Theatre.