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The Village Pymp 06/06/25

Page 1

06 JUNE 2025

THURSDAY 12/06/2025

SUSTAINABLE SMALL BUSINESS BLOOMS Known for its beautiful seasonal blooms, Rusty Bucket Floristry continues to blossom after being shortlisted from over 20,000 businesses nation-wide into Stage two of the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards – Promoting Sustainability category. Owned and operated by mother and daughter duo Debbie Needham and Zoe McGarry, Rusty Bucket Floristry reaching this stage of the awards is a testament to the pair’s hard work and constant pursuit of improvement. “I feel completely honoured and so excited for my team. I never would have expected to have our business nominated for an award as large as this one so early on in my career,” Zoe said. “This one is especially important for me because floristry is only one of the skills I hope to master. To have been nominated for an award that is outside of our industry and focuses on business as a whole is a dream.” Rusty Bucket designs are created using innovative sustainable floristry techniques. Gorgeous arrangements are crafted without using floral foam, and the business strives to create as little waste as possible. “One of my brothers comes to collect our green waste and uses it to feed his worm farms. He is raising beef and chicken on Woggoon Farm and will begin selling to the public later in the year,” Zoe said. “At the farm, they practice regenerative farming,

so are conscious of feeding the land they use. Hence, the worms and our compost.” “Whilst these are small examples of things a business like mine can adopt, coupling them together with all of the other practices we have installed creates impact. Now and in the future.”

Not only is Rusty Bucket’s ethos grounded in environmentally responsible practises, but it also focuses on engaging with local producers. “First and foremost, we work with the seasons, meaning we prioritise purchasing flowers from our local farmers. Debbie (Woggoon Farm) is my business partner and one of our main sources of flowers. Jan from Giraween, supplies the majority

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of our foliage (she is one of my mentors and the first owner of this florist), and Fleur Pot – another mother/ daughter team that grows in Dayboro,” Zoe said. “The connection with our local farmers is probably the most important of our environmental practices and the one we are most proud of.” Zoe and Debbie’s spotlight on all things local is appreciated by the wider community in search of flowers for special occasions, or just to brighten their day. “We are blessed with so many wonderful customers and the support of our community. The best complement we receive is how many of our customers return to us,” Zoe said. “The support and love we receive from the community is next level!” Debbie and Zoe also own and operate Samford Laundromat, overseeing the recent renovations including replacing old equipment with state of the art machines. A new coffee bar will form part of the laundromat, adding another layer of customer service and supporting other young entrepreneurs. Businesses moving on to Stage 3 of the Telstra Best of Business Awards will be announced mid-June. We wish the best of luck to our own flourishing florist, turning over a new leaf to address a global challenge. Tanya Hall


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