A spark of success
Watters Electricals’ legacy lights up Hall of Fame
continued from front page
THE Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN) hosts the annual Business Excellence Awards, proudly supported by SPC. The awards celebrate the achievements of the local businesses community, recognising enterprises that play an integral role in Greater Shepparton. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a business must have demonstrated consistent excellence over many years, significantly contributing to the local community.
Founded in 1957 by Shepparton electrician Lance Watters at LT & WE Watters, the business was purchased by his nephew, Robin Knaggs in 1979 and renamed Watters Electrical Pty Ltd.
owners’ internal merging strategies did not prove successful. Some three years later, Rob accepted an offer to buy back the business and reopened it as Watters, limiting branches to the
Whilst Watters is now a large robust electrical contracting business, and as big as the large metro contractors, one of its greatest attributes is that it has remained a locally owned family business now with 67 years of trading history, currently employing 260 FTE staff, including 71 apprentices.
Watters’ growth through the 80s and 90s was phenomenal. Rob and the team secured some major contracts including the fit out of the old and new casinos in Melbourne, and even the cabling of the massive Eureka tower in Southbank. Experiencing massive success, in 2009 Rob accepted an offer to sell the business, giving him and the family time to take on new challenges.
While the Watters name remained, the new
Secondary College, Shepparton Law Courts and massive solar farms across the GV.
The business still has a strong family focus with Robin still the owner of Watters, and day-to-day operations managed by Robin’s son, Blake, step-daughter, Kate, and nephew, Tim. Further, Watters has been an employer of choice for many years, supporting young people in particular to pursue an electrical apprenticeship.
workforce has never been more front-of-mind, Watters are meeting the demands of the industry while seeking to future proof it.
specialised expertise.
In a time where electrical services are in highdemand, and the need to cultivate a strong
From residential services supporting local families to major commercial and industrial projects, Watters Electrical is equipped to handle jobs of all sizes. The company is the largest solar provider in the region and one of the few licensed to deliver high-voltage services, underscoring its
With an impressive portfolio that includes some of the largest construction projects in the region, Watters Electrical remains a trusted and essential part of the community’s continuous growth and infrastructure.
Congratulations to Robin Knaggs and the whole team at Watters Electrical for their deserving recognition and contributions to excellence in business.
“The diversity (of business) is a superpower that needs to be celebrated” - GSBN’s Steven Schneider
THE 27th annual Business Excellence Awards, presented on Friday, October 25, saw a large crowd of around 445 guests come to Riverlinks Eastbank to hear which local businesses and individuals had been crowned the best in their field.
Congratulations to all award recipients inside this feature, and to all nominees. Not only was there a large crowd, but Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN) reported a notable uptick in the number of nominations this year.
Without the generous support of naming rights sponsor SPC, award category sponsors, the support of media partners – LiSTNR, WIN TV and The Adviser, and the hard work of GSBN board members who organise these annual awards, the Business Excellence Awards would not be possible or continue to grow.
Stephen Schneider, GSBN president, thanked everyone involved and highlighted that there are more than 5,000 registered businesses
operating in Greater Shepparton.
“That includes home-based startups to farming enterprises, manufacturing, processing, industry, trade, and professional services, hospitality, tourism, retail and so much more,” Stephen said.
“This diversity is a superpower that needs to be celebrated and why we have such a comprehensive Business Awards programme.
“I don’t envy the task of our team of independent judges who have undertaken a very rigorous process of reviewing each and every finalist to assess who has earned the title of ‘Greater Shepparton’s Best in 2024.’”
2024 Business Excellence Award winners:
• Apprentice/Trainee of the Year... Xavier Hutchison, SPC
• Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign... Trelly’s Outdoor
• Emerging & Micro Business of the Year... Tricon Electrical Group • Excellence in Business
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• Young Professionals of the Year... James Lelliot, GV Health and Jenica Mendoza, SPC • Hall of Fame... Watters Electrical • Outstanding Achievement... Cardamone Real Estate
Pictured from left are Charlie Caruso, Reg Hickey, Kate Ryan, Ros Knaggs, Robin Knaggs, Blake Knaggs, Matt Hanlon, Casey Eckel and Nick Lucarelli. Photo: Emma Harrop
Thank you... to the people of Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley for your part in helping us to be inducted into the Greater Shepparton Business Network
Hall of Fame
at this year’s SPC Business Excellence Awards!
Pictured from left is Stacey Weeks from the GMCU and from the team at GAME
Jodie Adams, Mikayla Cole, Maddie Johnston, Samet
Andrew Harlow, Daniel Fletcher, Michael Laino
Kym Bailey
Business Excellence Award winners
So Creative are a Shepparton-based advertising agency committed to delivering big-brand marketing and design services to businesses in regional Victoria. They work passionately on branding, graphic design, web design and marketing projects across print and digital platforms. Their work ethic is a relentless pursuit to create compelling brand stories, making brands more recognisable. They’re a micro business doing big things! Sponsored by: Shepparton BMW
Since 1997, Everyday Supplies have been supplying the Goulburn Valley and beyond with all their cleaning needs. From Deni to Wallan, Yea to Rochester, they are a one stop shop for many small towns throughout the region. Built from the ground up, over the last 28 years they have become the place people come to for friendly and exceptional service, the right advice and quality products. They offer one of the largest ranges of cleaning chemicals,
bathroom amenities, tea room supplies, stationery, vacuums and cleaning machinery in the GV. Proudly independent and family owned, they now have a bigger and better showroom, recently renovated in New Dookie Road. With everything from toilet paper, hand towel and soap, to cleaning chemicals, machines, vacuums, mops & buckets they literally have all your Everyday Supplies under one roof. Sponsored by: Harvey Norman Shepparton
Known for its distinctive, creative, and ever-evolving menu, Elsewhere at SAM has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike. As a locally owned and operated café, Elsewhere exemplifies a passion for quality and innovation, ensuring that every visit offers a fresh, memorable culinary experience in a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by exceptional service. In 2023, just six months after opening, Elsewhere was awarded Best New Business (Under 2 Years), sparking tremendous growth. This achievement not only broadened its audience but also created new job opportunities, allowing the café to assemble a dedicated, talented team that shares its commitment to excellence. With a strong focus on outstanding hospitality and community connection, Elsewhere continues to thrive and evolve, always pushing the boundaries of what great café dining can be.
Sponsored by Shepparton Club Inc.
Brett Collins and Tom Simkin are the proud owners of Brett Collins Refrigeration, a cornerstone of reliable and high-quality refrigeration and air conditioning services in the Goulburn Valley. With over 30 years’ experience, BCR serves both domestic and commercial clients offering a comprehensive range of services. Their commitment to customer satisfaction extends well beyond supply and installation, encompassing comprehensive aftercare services, maintenance, a 24/7 on-call service, and repairs. This dedication emphasizes their reliability to both new and existing clients.
Greg Pearson Building is a custom home builder and renovator that has been established for 13 years. They service within 50kms of Shepparton, and pride themselves on creating forever homes to the highest standard in the Goulburn Valley. In such a dynamic and fast paced industry, they believe client relations and communication are key to creating great outcomes for all parties.
Sponsored by MB+M.
Pictured from left are Aaron Mahoney from Websites Plus, Steph Boyle and Olivia Evans-Smith from So Creative and Aaron Brain from Shepparton BMW
Pictured are Mason Lawford and Dave Kennedy from Greg Pearson Building, Adrienne Gledhill from MB+M, and Brett Collins and Tom Simpkin from Brett Colins Refrigeration
Pictured from left are the team from Elsewhere at SAM: Jonathan Chan, Rebecca Smith, Sean Cameron, Ricardo VilssonMullor, Chetanpreet Kaur, Jordan Baxter and Alaina Tuckett and Wayne Sutton from the Shepparton Club
Pictured from left are Andrew Mackie from Harvey Norman Shepparton and Jac McCarty and Jeanette Sabri from Everyday Supplies.
Business Excellence Award winners announced
OF
From humble beginnings, MOVE has emerged as a significant tourism destination, becoming a central part of the region’s economic growth. Attracting local, state, national, and international visitors, MOVE is proud to showcase the rich transport and social history of the Goulburn Valley. Post expansion and grand opening in 2021, the museum has without question become a premier attraction in Victoria. With a strong digital and print
media presence along with unique exhibits, MOVE continually draws a high number of visitors. The museum stands as a testament to the Goulburn Valley’s backbone—the people and industries that built it. Conceived and developed with generous contributions from local transport legends, car enthusiasts, businesses, and government, we invite you to be a part of our continued journey. Sponsored by Shepparton & Goulburn Valley
CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WINNER
Pictured are Sonia Stratchan who works at GV Health and Kaitlin Smith from are-able
Sonia graduated from La Trobe University in 1995 and has over 30 years of nursing experience. In addition to her Bachelor of Nursing Degree she also has a Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care and a certificate in Prostate Nursing Care. After more than 15 years working in Palliative care in the Goulburn Valley, Sonia commenced in the role of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse at
Goulburn Valley Health where she set up the Prostate Cancer Nursing Service in that region in 2014. Sonia is very passionate about her role as a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse and providing care to men with Prostate Cancer in the Goulburn Valley catchment region. Sonia role is funded by the Goulburn Valley community through their annual Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch. Sponsored by are-able
Tricon Electrical Group, founded by two like-minded friends, exemplifies the power of passion and dedication in addressing the growing demand for reliable electrical services in Shepparton and the surrounding areas. Established just 15 months ago, this dual familyowned business has quickly become a leading provider of comprehensive solutions for both residential and commercial projects. With a steadfast commitment to quality and customer
satisfaction, Tricon has earned a sterling reputation for delivering exceptional services. Their team of skilled and certified electricians, equipped with the latest tools and techniques, ensures that every project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards. Each member pours their heart and soul into their work, creating a strong sense of achievement with every job completed from start to finish.
Sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Centre
EMERGING MICROBUSINESS OF THE YEAR WINNER
Tricon Electrical Group
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
THE YEAR WINNER MOVE (Museum of Vehicle Evolution)
Pictured are Damain Cocks from Greater Shepparton Business Centre and Jackson Marks and Cameron Calder from Tricon Electrical Group
Pictured are Caleb Francis and Ingrid Thomas, team leader of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Shepparton & Goulburn Valley
Sonia Strachan - GV Health
Award winners announced
Flavorite’s journey started back in 1993 with the simple goal to put the taste back into tomatoes. Today, the same goal remains, grow the most flavoursome produce in the most sustainable way. Since their humble beginnings with 3,000m2 of plastic igloo greenhouses to grow tomatoes in Warragul Victoria, Flavorite now spans 73 hectares of production under glass across four sites. Employing over 1,000 people in regional Victoria, their product range has expanded beyond tomatoes to include capsicums, cucumbers, eggplant, blueberries,
and various snacking varieties. As Flavorite surpass 30 years of growing premium fresh produce, the Tatura site is rapidly growing and, on its way, to becoming the business’s largest site with the recent builds of two six-hectare glasshouses and a brand-new state-of-the-art packing and logistics facility which will create a further 80 jobs. Flavorite is excited by the innovation taking place in the agriculture sector and is looking forward to continued growth within the region.
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR WINNER
Modular Buildings
Pictured are Rachael and Jason Briggs from JMB Modular Buildings and Anthony Spadaro from Optus Business Centre
sector within the construction industry was rapidly growing and the way of the future. JMB Modular Buildings specialises in innovative and energy efficient modular buildings (commercial & domestic) that are greener, faster and smarter than a conventional build.
the modular
Sponsored by Optus Business Centre Shepparton
Steven Threlfall opened Trelly’s Outdoors in 1988. Steven grew up in the great outdoors and it was only natural that his hobbies became his business destiny. Trelly’s employ 20 staff members, Trelly’s stores are like clubhouses being places people love to be. Trelly’s
James Lelliott is a Grade 2 Exercise Physiologist at Goulburn Valley Health, where he specialises in treating chronic conditions, injuries, and illnesses through exercisebased therapy. He plays a key role in implementing the Osteoarthritis Conservative Management program, offering patients non-surgical treatment options. James also oversees the Prehabilitation Program, helping patients prepare for surgery and improve post-operative outcomes. Additionally, he supports the Outpatient Physiotherapy team by handling appropriate referrals, which helps reduce wait times and enhance patient care. James provides mentorship to junior staff and students and contributes to quality improvement projects within the service.
Jenica is the Process Specialist in the R&D Department at
acknowledges, respects and promotes the health and wellbeing outcomes that
She holds a certification from CSIRO Agriculture and Food as an Approved Person for Thermal Processing. In her role, Jenica is responsible for developing and optimising thermal processes to ensure new and innovative products are safe for consumers and meet high-quality standards. efficient processes and manufacturing lines, while also leading the Production and Quality teams to validate alternative processes that reduce downtime and inefficiencies. Jenica’s work not only supports SPC’s goals but also contributes to the Greater Shepparton community. Sponsored by La Trobe University
Sponsored by Noumi Xavier is currently working as an Apprentice Maintenance Fitter and Turner at SPC. He was motivated to pursue a career in Fitting and Turning after he completed a certificate II in Engineering while in school. Xavier’s passion for the trade grew as he undertook this course while completing VCE years 11 and 12 and was supported immensely by his teacher Graeme Miller who helped Xavier get an apprenticeship at SPC. Sponsored by Apprenticeship
Pictured are Mark Wood and Jon Murphy from Flavorite Tatura and Tania Lucas from Noumi
Pictured are Steven ‘Trelly’ Threlfall and Stephen Mullins from WIN Television
Pictured are Jenica Mendoza, Katie Taylor from La Trobe University and James Lelliott
Pictured are Xavier Hutchison from SPC and Lauren Orr from Apprenticeship Support Australia