The Kapunda community has shown immense support for their favourite local businesses, with more than 1300 votes cast in last night’s 2024 Kapunda Business Awards.
Hosted by the Kapunda Business Alliance (KBA), a member-based organisation dedicated to connecting, supporting and promoting local businesses, the awards saw 44 businesses nominated across seven categories.
Member of Parliament Tony Piccolo MP congratulated the nominees, finalists, winners and KBA for organising the awards, stating that the votes “suggest businesses in Kapunda are highly regarded by their customers.”
Member of Parliament Tony Piccolo MP congratulated those nominated, finalists, the winners and KBA for creating the awards, expressing how the votes “suggests businesses in Kapunda are highly regarded by their customers.”
“The awards quite rightly recognise excellence, and acknowledge the hard work involved in running a small business,” said Mr Piccolo.
“Small businesses are the backbone of rural and regional communities so awards like this recognise their importance to the wellbeing of local communities.”
The KBA STAR awards recognised the highest-ranking businesses in Kapunda based on Google Reviews, with 34 businesses meeting the eligibility criteria of having at least 25 reviews.
Markers Market goers in Kapunda last December were asked to vote on their favourite stall, which were tallied up for the Market Stall of the Season award.
Additional awards included Best New Business 2024, Outstanding Customer Service and Business of the Year, all based on public votes.
While only “new to the area” and “part-timers”, the Prince of Wales Hotel owners Peta and Troy Apps took out the highest honours of Kapunda’s Business of the Year.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for their support,” Mr Apps said.
“The community has got behind us and without them, we wouldn’t have a business, like everyone else here.
“We rely on the community to grow and build our businesses and if we all work together, we will achieve a lot more.”
Com Viet owner Maggie Bosankoe was overjoyed to win the Best New Business 2024 and Best Window Display awards and expressed her gratitude to the community, fellow businesses and KBA for their support in organising her business.
Kapunda Home Hardware won Outstanding Customer Service, with co-owner Andrea Duregon expressing the significance of the award for her husband and co-owner, Peter Duregon.
“This award means a lot to us as it’s been a dream for Peter to own a hardware store – he worked there for years and was born into hardware, whereas I’m new to it,” Mrs Duregon said.
“We were worried about making changes when we took over, but the community have supported us.
“We realised that while we didn’t have to make changes, we have done them for the community.”
Chair Bridget Kimber described the awards as “a little bit of fun and a lot of recognition for local businesses.”
“It was great to have such an incredible level of engagement and contribution from the community, and a wonderful turnout at the event from businesses,” Ms Kimber said.
“The fact 34 of our businesses had not only more than 25 Google reviews, but each had a rating higher than four stars is very pleasing considering reviews influence a business’ visibility, people’s decisions and provide valuable feedback.”
“As Kapunda grows, so does our business offerings and each year brings a selection of new businesses to the region.
“Business is tough – especially in the first few years - so it’s important to celebrate the achievements of our businesses.”
Light Regional Council Deputy Mayor Michael Phillips-Ryder opened the awards, emphasising the importance of businesses in the community, the need to celebrate business success, his commitment to supporting the local economy and his openness to addressing any issues businesses may have.
Guests enjoyed delicious canapés prepared by Com Viet, Little Mo's and 2B Nourished, along with refreshing beverages.
RESULTS
KBA STAR AWARDS
Trade & Industry Star
Feltus Electrical
Services & Community Star
Beauty Vine Barossa
Retail Star
Sallys Treasure Hunt and Plant Pot & More
Tourism & Hospitality Star
Kapunda Historical Society Museum
INNOVATION TRANSFORMATION SUSTAINABILITY
Anlaby Station – winner
BEST WINDOW DISPLAY
Com Viet - winner
MARKET STALL of the SEASON
Pure Grace - winner
Kapunda Honey - finalist
Supertags - finalist
BEST NEW BUSINESS 2024
Com Viet - winner
Kapunda Flower Room - finalist
Kapunda Dental – finalist
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
Kapunda Home Hardware - winner
Luvenit Clean - finalist
The Prince of Wales – finalist
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The Prince of Wales - winner
Plant Pot & More – finalist
Luvenit Clean - finalist
Kapunda Home Hardware – finalist
Sally's Treasure Hunt - finalist