The winners across the 10 award categories were announced at a Gala Dinner on Friday 18 October at the Cranbourne Racing Centre, where Gumbuya World was announced as the 2019 Casey Cardinia Business of the Year whilst also winning the Tourism and Travel category.

The CCBA is a partnership between the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council, held each year to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contribution of businesses and organisations across the region.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon congratulated this year’s award recipients for their worthy recognition as some of the best businesses in our region.

“These awards are all about acknowledging, celebrating and recognising the many exceptional businesses operating across the Casey Cardinia region and the positive impact they have on our local economy and in our communities,” Cr Stapledon said.

“I’m always amazed at the diverse and immeasurable talent and passion that exists amongst our regional business community and that has been highlighted again this year throughout the awards program.

“I would like to congratulate all our award finalists and winners on your worthy recognition and thank you for the important contribution you make to our region’s reputation as a hub of business excellence.”

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Graeme Moore also congratulated the award recipients, particularly Cardinia Shire business Gumbuya World for earning the coveted Business of the Year title.

“The rejuvenated Gumbuya World has become a place known for family, fun and exciting experiences within our region. The business should be proud of their achievements, vision and commitment to creating a great destination for all,” Cr Moore said.

“This year the CCBA attracted a total of 91 applications from businesses across the region, with a stellar field of finalists and winners selected that reflect and highlight the quality of businesses operating in our region.

“These awards have clearly demonstrated that the Casey Cardinia region is home to a diverse range of talented individuals, teams and sector-leading businesses and I’d like to congratulate and thank all those involved this year.”

The 2019 Casey Cardinia Business Award winners are:

• Casey Cardinia Business of the Year
  Gumbuya World
• Business and Professional Services   
  Nobelius Land Surveyors
• Health, Education and Well-being    
  GLOW Clinic
• Home-Based Business
  Tour Local
• Hospitality
  Atura Dandenong
• Manufacturing
  Successful Endeavours
• New Business
  GLOW Clinic
• Retail
  New York Barbers
• Social Enterprise
  Waverley Industries
• Tourism and Travel
  Gumbuya World
• Trades and Construction
  Insight Construction Group

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City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon said while Council and residents are happy with the progress in building congestion-busting infrastructure but are rightfully disappointed by the lack of engagement and futureproofing.

“Council welcomes the progress of infrastructure projects in Casey, but progress shouldn’t come at the expense of quality design, connectivity, safety or listening to residents,” she said.

“Take Clyde Road and Evans Road level crossing removals for example, where Council’s requests to improve the safety, amenity and design have so far been ignored by the State’s delivery agencies.

“I have been talking with residents across Casey who wish to get home safer and sooner, but they don’t want to compromise on quality and be stuck in traffic and unsafe conditions in a few years.

“Like Council, residents wish to be consulted prior to a decision being made so that they can have input on the outcome.”

Edrington Ward Cr Susan Serey suggested the State Government take urgent measures to improve the design of Clyde Road level crossing removal.

“The State’s road under rail design solution is an old solution that fails to meet the standards the state government promote as part of Plan Melbourne and 20-minute neighbourhoods – this solution is uninviting and unfitting for the area that is earmarked as being a future vibrant Health and Education Precinct.

“Council recommended three future-proofed solutions to the Level Crossing Removal Authority, including rail under road and station upgrade options, but no aspect of these recommendations has been included.

“The Minister should intervene during this intense design phase to ensure amenity, safety and accessibility are protected for users of the Clyde Road pedestrian and cycle links. Furthermore, a station upgrade would ensure we have facilities appropriate with usage and premium station status of Berwick.”

Deputy Mayor and Edrington Ward Cr Timothy Jackson made note of the great progress Council has made in improving communication with the state and federal government and reiterated Council’s hopes to continue building on this.

“Contrary to the disappointing experience Council has so far had engaging on level crossing removals we have made significant progress improving our relationships with our state and federal counterparts.

“The residents of Berwick deserve a new station and modern infrastructure as part of the upgrade.

“As fierce advocates for the community Council anticipate that we will at times disagree with our state counterparts, but we’re looking to collaborate and not compete.”

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