IT’S been in business for almost a decade, but this year’s WHK People’s Choice Award winner Macquarie Skin and Day Spa is still at the top of its game.
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The 2011 WHK Carillon Business Awards were held at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on Friday evening.
More than 400 guests watched as the team from Macquarie Skin and Day Spa accepted the city’s top business award.
“I was overwhelmed, excited and shocked, all at the same time,” owner and manager Karla McDiarmid said. “We thought we’d go along for a nice social night out.
“We’ve won in the past, but we didn’t think we’d get it again.”
The Howick Street day spa won the award in 2008. Ms McDiarmid put the success down to great customer service, quality products and education.
“The business is going the best it ever has,” she said. “I’m a big believer in education.
“The girls at the salon are given learning opportunities as often as possible. It’s not just beauty therapy, but also life skills.”
The day spa also received nods in both the people development and lifestyle and wellbeing categories.
Ms McDiarmid thanked the community for its support and paid tribute to her customers, who she said were “like family”.
This year’s business awards raised funds for two local organisations – Bathurst PCYC and the Bathurst Women’s Housing Program. Guests took part in a charity auction and raffles, which raised more than $5500.
The keynote address was delivered by WIN TV presenter and former Australian Matildas soccer player Amy Taylor.
Event co-ordinator Marion Kennedy said there was a significant increase in attendance at this year’s gala event.
“It was a big success,” Ms Kennedy said. “Events like this are important because they encourage us to pay tribute to the wonderful businesses here in Bathurst.
“It’s an opportunity for businesses and employees to have a night of celebration.”
Ms Kennedy said there were a number of elements that made the evening a success, including the entertainment provided by local band Pig Iron Bob and Spanish dancing group Rumba Negra.
“The work that is put in to bring the business awards to fruition is done by a team of dedicated volunteers,” Ms Kennedy said. “It is really important to thank those people for their time and effort.
“They include Phil Cole and the team from 2BS; Erin Peacock and the team from the Western Advocate; Jason Davies; Lisa Smith from Posh Designs; the Rotary Club of Bathurst Daybreak; Janneke and the team from WIN TV; Dymity Gilmore and the team from WHK; and all the sponsors, who made sure that what we contribute to the Bathurst PCYC and the Bathurst Women’s Housing Program will make a difference to what they can achieve.”
