The awards are dubbed the city’s “night of nights” and it is a well-deserved name.

Not only for the gala event, but for the recognition given to the small and medium-sized businesses that are the backbone of our economy. They drive Dubbo’s growth, provide jobs and make a major contribution to the community and, importantly, are managed or owned by locals.

Many take on huge challenges along the road to success, overcome them and prosper. And, like all businesses in today’s world, face new opportunities and threats in a high-speed, hi-tech, ever-changing commercial environment.

It is a testament to their resilience, innovation and entrepreneurship that they survive and thrive. It is only fitting that there is an annual event like the Rhino Awards, now in its 21^st year, which places the owners, managers and their staff squarely in the community spotlight.

The top overall award, the Gold Rhino, for 2016 went to heavy vehicle transport company, Transforce, which also won three business categories. Its managing director Steve Fieldus was chosen as Business Leader of the Year.

Mr Fieldus praised his 42 employees for their customer focus and loyalty to Central West businesses, which helped make Transforce thrive.

“To be recognised as a good business in a great town is an honour. And there’s just so many good businesses in this area, just to be recognised as a part of the group is fantastic,” he said.

He is right. Dubbo has a vast number of good businesses. The volume and quality of entries for the awards saw tight voting by an independent judging panel and in some categories led to a second round of judging.

The Chamber also honoured Ms Joan Frecklington, who spent the bulk of her working life at O’Donnell’s Pharmacy before retiring recently, by inducting her on the Emile Serisier Roll of Honour, which recognises contributions to the community at large.

Taking out an award is a certainly a prestigious achievement.

But, all the businesses that participated – nominees, finalists and those that won awards – can take an important point away from the 2016 Rhinos program.

Each of them is really a winner.