Best businesses crowned

The Best of Hedland were crowned at a ceremony at the Esplanade Hotel on Thursday night, with local businesses coming out in force to celebrate their achievements.

A record 3000 people voted for their favourite coffee, entertainment venue and even their favourite boss this year, showing community support even in tough economic conditions.

Hosted by Spirit 1026 Radio, the awards are an opportunity for the community to let the businesses they use regularly and love know they care, according to station manager Lynda Kelman.

“It’s great for business people to know they are valued and recognised within the community,” she said.

“I just think it was great and I think the more we do this, the more people will get involved.”

Scope Business Imaging’s MJ Van Vuuren said she thought the turnout on Thursday night was good.

She said it was a privilege for Scope to be recognised as the best photocopy service.

“We’re very grateful to (RedFM) and Spirit for putting on the event and for involving us in it and we’re very honoured,” she said.

Joshua Tracey, won the station’s $1000 prize just for voting in this year’s awards.

Ms Kelman thanked voters and the local businesses which supported and sponsored the awards, including photographer Stuart Bell, who provided the promotional photo.

WINNERS:Best Accommodation: The Esplanade Hotel. Finalists: ibis Styles Port Hedland and The Walkabout Hotel.

Best Automotive: Pilbara Motor Group. Finalists: N & L Mechanical and Repco.

Best Bar: Empire Bar — The Esplanade Hotel.

Finalists: The Walkabout Hotel and The Yacht Club.

Best Bank: Commonwealth Bank. Finalists: Westpac and Bank West.

Best Boss: Denise Bevans — Well Women’s Centre. Finalists: Russell Pinnington — The Walkabout Hotel and Sam Sycamore — Category 5.

Best Caravan/Camping: Discovery Park Port Hedland.

Finalists: Blackrock Caravan Park.

Best Chemist: Pharmacy 777. Finalist: South Hedland Pharmacy. Best Cleaning/Gardening Service: Full Steam a Hedland. Finalists: Maid 2 Shine and North Coast Gardening.

Best Customer Service: Hai Huynh — Hai’s Coffee. Finalists: Brad Holder — PCC Productions, and Anna Page — Just Jeans.

Best Coffee: Dome Port Hedland. Finalists: Hai’s Coffee and Pilbara Flavours.

Best Community Group: SAFE Port Hedland. Finalists: Well Women’s Centre and St John Ambulance.

Best Dental Surgery: Port Hedland Dental Surgery. Finalist: Hedland Dental Care.

Best Employment Agency: Category 5. Finalists: Chandler Macleod and Workpac.

Best Entertainment Venue: Matt Dann Theatre and Cinema. Finalist: The Walkabout Hotel.

Best Fast Food: Zambrero. Finalists: Raika’s Cafe and Pilbara Flavours.

Best Hairdresser: Supernatural Hair. Finalists: Health & Beauty Shed and Hedland Barbers.

Best Health Provider: Port Hedland Medical Centre.

Finalists: Port Hedland Family Practice and Sonic Health Plus. Best Local Event: North West Festival. Finalists: West End Markets and Port Hedland Turf Club.

Best Pet Care: Hedland K9 Pet Care. Finalist: Dogtag Dog Training.

Best Photocopy Service: Scope Business Imaging.

Finalists: Pilbara Copy Service.

Best Real Estate: Ray White Real Estate. Finalists: Hedland First National and Caine Otley Real Estate.

Best Recreational/Sporting Group: F45 Training.

Finalists: Hedland School of Dance and Alliance Dance Company.

Best Retailer: Kmart South Hedland. Finalists: Tarzan loves Jane, and Just Jeans.

Best Restaurant/Dining: The Provedore.

Finalists: Chef Bistro and Raika’s Restaurant.

Best Teacher/Instructor: Karlee Orr — F45 Trainer.

Finalists: Roxy Oliver — Baler Primary School and Jac-kie Lindley — Zumba Fitness.

Best Workplace: The Walk-about Hotel. Finalists: Never- fail — Port Hedland and Town of Port Hedland.

Wild Card Entry Winner: Gilly Garget — Goodline.