Mixing business and pleasure

A scream of excitement came from the table of childcare workers of Albert Street Children's Centre, owned by Nurture One, after it was announced the winner of the people's choice award, voted by residents of Orange.

“We are just just so thrilled,” said centre manager Emma Morley.

“Eighteen months ago we had an uncertain future and we weren't sure we would have a job when we were the ABC Centre. Now we've won this and it's fantastic,” she said.

“We really appreciate the support from parents which is nice because we always try to be as flexible as we can because it is hard for the modern working parent,” she said.

Little known watchmaker Daniel Fock who runs his business as a sole operator from Forbes Road and proudly wore one of his own watches to the awards, said it was an honour to win the new and emerging category.

“I started my business two years ago and I design and make mechanical watches with no quartz.

“There are only three of us in Australia who make these type of watches,” he said.

Mr Fock who also runs an accountancy business markets his watches to every continent in the world.

“I suppose I'm not surprised many people don't know about me because I operate on an international market,” he said.

An emotional Helen Livingstone who opened her Lucknow business just under two years ago accepted the encouragement award in the category of new and emerging businesses

“I can't believe how deeply emotional I am about this type of recognition,” Mrs Livingstone said.

“We've outgrown our space and move this week to premises six times bigger.”

The prestigious judges’ choice outstanding business of the year went to Hansen Optometrist which is one of Orange's oldest businesses with several generations of the family involved.

Sean Hansen told the crowd the business was appreciative of local support.

“Tonight is all about community and we thank you,” he said.

A good time had by all at awards

ORANGE'S premier business event of the year, the CGU Orange Outstanding Business Awards drew a capacity crowd at Orange Function Centre on Saturday night with everything from one-man operations to company's with large work forces recognised on the night.

Making a return visit to Orange to present the awards was ex-cricketing funnyman and sports comentator Kerry O'Keeffe who mixed the serious side of award presentations with humorous anecdotes to keep the capacity crowd entertained.

Head of Orange Business Chamber Chris Morrison welcomed the business community and acknowledged the support of CGU, which has supported the awards for 21 years.

“I congratulate the sub-commitee which has worked extremely hard to make this evening possible,” Mr Morrison said.

He said he would like to publicly acknowledge the commitment of local sponsors who threw their support behind the awards night.

This year's awards saw a return to the Orange Function Centre to cater for the capacity crowd.

Following the announcement of award winners Mr O'Keeffe delivered a final word of encouragement to the business community.

“After I retired from cricket I went through a 20-year drought trying to get work.

“At one stage I worked as a security guard three days a week and it is only in the last ten years, since I got to make an appearance on The Fat which led to my commentating career with the ABC that I have got to have the best time in my life.

“So don't think there's nothing out there for you,” he said.

Following the awards guests danced to the music of Gabe Middleton and Dom Pansini.