Nillumbik’s 2023 business achiever award nominees

Published on 08 September 2023

Two outstanding Nillumbik businesses and a young entrepreneur have each received a business award.

Naturally Goat and Local Fine Foods have been named Nillumbik’s Small Business Achievers for 2023. They are now competing against other businesses from the northern municipalities in the Northern Business Achievement Awards (NBAA) to be named Small Business Achiever of the Year.

Throughout the year, councils comprising the northern municipalities – Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik and Whittlesea – nominate two small businesses for an achievement award at a breakfast event.

Naturally Goat is based in St Andrews. The family-owned business combines high-quality oils and the finest Australian full-cream goat milk to manufacture organic skincare, household cleaners, and baby care products. It uses no toxic or harmful chemicals or palm oil.

Local Fine Foods in Diamond Creek prides itself on providing quality, fresh and delicious groceries, fruit, and vegetables. The family-owned business takes the time to focus on amazing produce so customers can enjoy the food on their table.

Our Young Business Achiever nominee for 2023 is Amy Shaw. Amy is the co-owner and co-creator of Hillmartin Distillery in Plenty, which she runs with dad Gavin. Just a couple of years into the business, Hillmartin Distillery’s Rare Dry gin earned a gold medal and was judged country winner - Australia as the best London Dry style at the 2023 World Gin Awards in London.

Mayor Ben Ramcharan said the nominees are achieving big things for themselves and for the Shire.

“Through hard work, commitment to their craft and pride in their produce, each of our nominees is deserving of recognition,” Cr Ramcharan said.

“It’s wonderful to see a range as broad as gin, skincare and fresh produce making a mark. All nominees are to be congratulated,” he said.  

Presented by NORTH Link (a regional partnership of industry, education and government), the Northern Business Achievement Awards recognise the achievements of small to medium businesses and encourage excellence, growth and competitiveness.

The 2023 winners will be announced at the Grand Finale event in December.

Pictured: Amy Shaw.