Sale-based business, Tequa Plumbing and Civil has won the region’s top business award at the recent 27th annual Latrobe Health Services Gippsland Business Awards.
The business was named Business of the Year winner at the Gippsland Business Awards gala dinner at Federation University auditorium where more than 350 people came together to celebrate the best of the region’s business sector.
Leongatha’s AW Smith & Sons joined an impressive list of Gippsland businesses to be inducted into the Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame.
Awards chair, Graeme Sennett, congratulated all the winners on their achievement.
“The variety and diversity of businesses across the Gippsland region is remarkable,” Mr Sennett said.
“Once again, the calibre of the awards’ finalists has provided the judges with a huge challenge in selecting winners from such an impressive array of businesses.”
Mr Sennett said Tequa Plumbing and Civil’s strategic foresight, focus on people and technology, and commitment to workforce development, was a clear indication of its role as a leader in addressing industry challenges head-on.
“Demonstrating a passion for their industry and their people by delivering initiatives like the Tequa Academy to address industry-wide staffing challenges, show how Tequa Plumbing and Civil is providing for long term sustainability to enable future growth and development.”
Ian Whitehead, chief executive of major sponsor Latrobe Health Services, also congratulated the winners.
“The winners of the Gippsland Business Awards exemplify the drive and excellence that define our region,” Mr Whitehead said.
“Latrobe Health Services is proud to support their success in our first year as naming rights sponsor.”
Bairnsdale business, East Coast Boats, took out the top gong in the Manufacturing and Construction category.
Owned by Daniel and Hannah Leonti, East Coast Boats was established in 2019, however Daniel has been building boats for around 20 years, starting as an apprentice when he was 18 years old.
Since then, East Coast Boats has become an innovative small business, carving out a position in a niche market by combining craftsmanship, customer focus and strategic growth.
With features like custom-built boats, a lifetime warranty and pioneering design innovations now used globally, it demonstrates a commitment to quality, sustainability and inclusive workforce development.
Each GBA finalist is assessed and independently rated by five different judges across eight judging criteria.
The category winners came from across the region and are listed below, together with a precis of judges’ comments:
Accommodation and Tourism – Boat
Harbour Jetty B&B, Port Albert
– Boat Harbour Jetty is a well-established, award-winning business that has carved out a distinct niche by blending luxury accommodation with immersive local and cultural experiences.
Despite its small scale, exceptional customer focus, strategic marketing and passion-driven approach have earned it strong industry recognition and a loyal following.
Beauty and Personal Care Services – The Makeup Hub of Gippsland, Warragul
– The Make-Up Hub of Gippsland is a dynamic and inclusive business that has grown through innovation, adaptability and a deep understanding of its customers and community.
With a strong commitment to accessibility, collaboration and continuous improvement, it stands out as a regional leader in beauty services, empowering clients and staff alike.
Business and Professional Services – GippsSAFE Security, Drouin
– Combining strong growth, strategic planning and a deep commitment to community and inclusivity, GippsSAFE Security sets a high standard in its industry.
With standout initiatives like profit-sharing, support for anxious hospital patients and a diverse workforce, it exemplifies how purpose-driven leadership and innovation can deliver both commercial success and meaningful social impact.
Food and Agribusiness – Gippsland Wine Company, Loch
– Gippsland Wine Company is a compelling story of resilience and reinvention, transforming from a modest vineyard revival into a thriving enterprise shaped by a thoughtful response to COVID-era challenges. Its commitment to community, adaptability and customer service provides a strong foundation for continued growth.
Healthcare and Wellness – Ford Swim
Centre, Traralgon
– A long-standing business, Ford Swim Centre has evolved from a small backyard operation into a benchmarked regional facility with strong community ties.
With thoughtful succession planning, innovative partnerships and a clear commitment to customer service and staff wellbeing, it continues to thrive while staying true to its purpose of teaching people to swim.
Hospitality and Food Service – Sweet Life Cafe and Cakes, Leongatha
– Sweet Life Cafe and Cakes is a values-driven business that has grown through adaptability, quality service and a strong connection to its local community.
With a clear vision and passion for what it does, the business continues to evolve and diversify to meet changing customer needs, making it a valued provider in Leongatha ‘s hospitality sector.
Innovation Excellence – Outlook
Industries Australia, Yinnar
– Outlook Industries Australia is a standout example of innovation, resilience and purpose-driven growth, operating in a highly specialised and challenging sector. The team has overcome significant hurdles, embraced cutting-edge technology and built a values-led culture that supports both staff and customers.
With defence clients, they are making a meaningful impact locally and beyond.
Manufacturing and Construction –
East Coast Boats, Bairnsdale
– East Coast Boats is an innovative small business carving out a strong position in a niche market by combining craftsmanship, customer focus and strategic growth.
With standout features like custom-built boats, a lifetime warranty and pioneering design innovations now used globally, it demonstrates a clear commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusive workforce development.
Microbusiness – Empowered
Lactation Consulting, Dalyston
– Empowered Lactation Consulting is a values-driven business that has successfully expanded access to high-quality lactation support through innovative telehealth services.
With a strong focus on inclusivity, strategic planning, and community engagement, it continues to grow and evolve, making a meaningful impact for women and families across Gippsland.
New Business – Uncommon Solar
and Battery Storage, Drouin
– Uncommon Solar and Battery Storage presents a compelling story of resilience and strategic growth.
Founded in challenging circumstances, the business is built on a strong foundation of personalised service and a focus on customer satisfaction.
With clear goals, thoughtful risk management, environmental responsibility and compliance, it continues to evolve.
Retail – The Shed Shop, Traralgon
– A family-run business, The Shed Shop demonstrates a deep understanding of its market, consistently responding to regional demand with diversification and a strong customer focus.
Its innovative approach to product presentation, commitment to service excellence and ability to grow market share make it a standout example of sustainable business success in Gippsland and beyond.
Trades and Technical Services – Tequa Plumbing and Civil, Sale
– Tequa Plumbing and Civil is a long-standing, future-focused business which built on its strong reputation by continuously evolving through strategic planning, innovation and commitment to workforce development.
With a clear focus on people, technology and regional service delivery, it remains a standout example of sustainable growth and leadership in Gippsland.
Transport and Automotive Services –
Turnbull Motors Nissan and
Mitsubishi, Warragul
– Turnbull Motors has successfully blended innovation, customer care and community engagement to drive exceptional growth. With initiatives like real-time service bay viewing and a culture program supporting staff wellbeing, it demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to transparency, operational excellence and building a loyal, values-driven team.
Hall of Fame – AW Smith
and Sons, Leongatha
– AW Smith and Sons Leongatha has been recognised for its outstanding longevity, innovative practices, and unwavering commitment to customer service over decades of operation.
Their ability to evolve with industry changes while maintaining strong community ties and delivering consistent quality, sets them apart as a leader in regional business excellence.
