By Bonny Burrows
Some of the South-East region’s best businesses are vying for this year’s Casey Cardinia Business Awards.
In the lead-up to the gala presentation dinner on Friday 27 October, Star News will profile the nominees in each category, this week focusing on health, education, wellbeing and hospitality.
Health, education and wellbeing:
Kinders Together
Kinders Together operates 20 early learning childhood education and care services across Cardinia and Baw Baw shires and employs nearly 150 local staff.
Kinders Together also provides access to wraparound/ secondary services for families; working with a range of local community-based partners to offer occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, and other allied health services.
CEO Roger Chao said: “Kinders Together’s point of difference is our strong community ties, linkages and roots.
“We are not just an early years manager, we are part of the local community. Community engagement and consultation underpin everything we do.”
Lakeside Psychology
Lakeside Psychology in Pakenham prides itself on providing an exceptional service for mental health at any age.
It offers a range of services including child psychology, psychoeducational assessment, autism assessment and diagnosis, early intervention therapy for autism, counselling for adolescents and adults, victims of crime, WorkCover and TAC services, school and community presentations, and involvement in local council programs.
“Our informed reception staff make getting help smooth and easy, and our highly skilled psychologists provide contemporary and innovative psychological treatments to get the best outcomes for clients and the community,” psychologist and director Michael Tomek said.
Lakeside Psychology motto is ‘Believe, Grow, Live’.
YMCA Casey
YMCA is celebrating 20 years as a part of the Casey Cardinia community in 2017.
Its role is to manage the six leisure facilities on behalf of the City of Casey.
These facilities include Casey ARC, Casey RACE, Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre, Berwick Leisure Centre, Casey Indoor Leisure Centre and Doveton Pool in the Park.
YMCA Victoria media specialist Brad Kingsbury said health, education and wellbeing underpin the focus of YMCA’s engagement within the community.
“Our commitment to ensuring an inclusive and holistic approach to enabling a healthier, happier and more active Casey Cardinia community has never been stronger,” Mr Kingsbury said.
Hospitality:
Cannibal Creek Vineyard
Cannibal Creek Vineyard is a quiet achiever offering French leaning food and wine made by the hand up. Proprietor Kirsten Hardiker said under winemaker Pat Hardiker, the wines were “single estate, cool climate varietals made using traditional by-hand methods and high quality French oak”.
“Our new restaurant offers a changing menu of French-inspired food made by scratch by Michelin-trained chef Philippe Desrettes who takes direction from local produce complemented by our own kitchen garden,” Ms Hardiker said.
Elevation at Emerald
Elevation at Emerald Restaurant and Bar is a fully licensed restaurant and bar situated in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges.
It overlooks the green hills of Emerald and director Ken Billman said the building was architecturally designed to blend into its surrounds.
“With our floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened on fine days, distinctive focus on catering for those with special dietary requirements, while providing appealing meal choices that are innovative fresh and interesting with friendly and informal service, our guests can expect a memorable dining experience,” Mr Billman said.
Settlers Run
Settlers Run Golf and Country Club is set among the Botanic Ridge housing estate and features a magnificent 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman, a full service golf shop, bar, bistro and restaurant, pool, sauna and gym.
Sales manager Emma Robinson said the superbly designed $10 million clubhouse was a popular functions venue which catered for weddings, conferences, birthdays and events for up to 150 people.
“Employing over 50 staff across the gold and food and beverage operations and with over 1600 members, the Settlers Run Golf and Country Club is a popular venue offering exceptional service to members, guests and visitors,” she said.
