Small business owners were recognised for their outstanding commitment to the Hills Shire at the 2016 Sydney Hills Business Awards at Castle Hill RSL on Wednesday.
Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne congratulated the winners, describing small businesses as the backbone of the community.
“More than 99 per cent of all businesses in The Hills are either small or home-based businesses. In fact, 89 per cent of Hills’ businesses employ 0-4 people,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Small businesses help shape the identity of our suburbs, town centres, main streets and shopping centres.”
“It’s hard to imagine Rouse Hill Town Centre without Award nominees Coffee Emporium, or North Rocks Shopping Centre without Café Dodici. Castle Towers without Robert Cliff Master Jewellers, Northmead without Karin Murton Hair Design and Norwest Market Town without Norwest Florists.”
Mayor Byrne said she was impressed by the number of new businesses popping up and making a name for themselves.
“There were many new businesses among the finalists this year, along with many established players who have been plying their trade in The Hills for decades.”
“The difference between great businesspeople and ordinary businesspeople is that great businesspeople will be just as enthusiastic whether they’ve been here for five minutes of 15 years.”
“On behalf of The Hills Shire Council, I want to congratulate all the winners of the 2016 Sydney Hills Business Awards, particularly Business of the Year Harcourts Hills Living, and Business Person Of The Year Lielette Calleja.”
“It is an exciting time to be in business in the Hills and I look forward to seeing our businesses continue to grow and flourish.”
2016 Award Winners
| Category Name | Business Name |
| Antiques, Art, Crafts and Gifts | Silver Star Crafts |
| Automotive Services | Rapid Auto Service Centre |
| Bakery/Cake Shop | Essence Patisserie |
| Beauty Services | Laser Clinics Australia – Rouse Hill Town Centre |
| Cafe | Yellow Brick Cafe – Home Hub Castle Hill |
| Child Care Services | Gracelands Early Education Centre |
| Education Service | The Hills Learning Centre |
| Fashion Shop | Jo Mercer – Castle Towers |
| Fast Food/Takeaway | Pizza Cutters |
| Fitness Services | Build A Body |
| Florist | Bella Fiore Floral Designs |
| Fresh Food | Toms Family Butchery – Rouse Hill Village Centre |
| Hairdresser | Karin Murton Hair Design |
| Health Improvement Services | Mindworx Psychology |
| Home Furniture Store | King Living – Home Hub Castle Hill |
| Jewellery Store | Robert Cliff Master Jewellers – Castle Towers |
| New Business | Hills District Mums |
| Pet Care | Pet Resorts of Australia |
| Pharmacy | Friendly Pharmacy – The Village Green |
| Professional Services | Anderson Boemi Lawyers |
| Real Estate Agency | Harcourts Hills Living |
| Restaurant | George’s Gourmet Pizzeria |
| Specialised Business | Pine Tea & Coffee |
| Travel Agency | Flight Centre – Stockland Baulkham Hills |
| Youth Award | Beauty At The Towers – Castle Towers |
| Business Person of the Year | All That Counts |
| Business of the Year | Harcourts Hills Living |
