The Westhaven Association and the people who work there rightly deserve all the accolades attached to winning the coveted Gold Rhino at the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Rhino Awards on Friday.
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Westhaven, which cares for countless numbers of our most vulnerable residents, is not typical of winners of business awards, which are normally companies surviving and thriving in today’s hard-edged, hugely competitive commercial world.
Westhaven is a not-for-profit provider of disability services. It is truly a quiet achiever. It has a big impact on the local economy, employing around 350 people and putting $20 million into Dubbo through wages.
The value of its social contribution is beyond calculation. Imagine the gap if it – and its selfless staff – were not among us.
The association also won two other awards: Silver Rhinos for Employer of Choice and Excellence in Business.
It is fitting that the clutch of prizes – and the accompanying tributes – were awarded in the year the association is celebrating its 60th birthday.
Westhaven chief executive Christian Grieves said “… it’s such a fabulous recognition for the staff”.
DCCI president Matt Wright says Westhaven “has set a really high standard for what they do for members of the community and they have been around for a long time and I’m sure this just reinforces what a lot of people thought already: that they were worthy of an award”.
The Rhino Awards, in their 22nd year, are dubbed the city’s “night of nights” and showcase the strength and innovation among Dubbo’s small and medium-sized businesses.
Those businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving growth, providing around 90 per cent of the jobs and making other significant contributions to the community. They are also managed or owned by local people.
The Chamber also honoured Les and Pam Picton, of Picton Bros Panelspan, by inducting them on the Emile Serisier Roll of Honour, which recognises contributions to the community at large.
The decision to give recognition to the huband-and-wife team was highly popular.
Winning a Rhino is a major achievement.
The same can be said for all the participants in the program, whether being nominated or making it to the finalist stage.
They are all winners.