Big night for locals at the Business Awards

Rod Graham, left, Tammi and Justin Abrahams, and Samantha
Andrews with the Bridgewater PCYC's award.

THE achievements of three local ventures were recognised at the Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards in Hobart on Friday night.

New Norfolk-based Crusader Homes won its category in the awards; the Bridgewater Police and Citizens Youth Club was another winner; and the Maydena Bike Park was a finalist.

The win in the "Medium and Making Waves" category is the third major recognition of the work of Crusader Homes this year, added to its recent accreditation as an Employer of Choice and being named the Small Business of the Year at the Tasmanian Training Awards last month.

"This was our third entry into the Telstra Business Awards and we won our category!" Kelvin Derksen-Luelf said in a Facebook post. "Without a doubt this is a family effort and one that is supported by the community we live in and call home. I’m looking forward to the next year with many more amazing things to come for our family, our community and Crusader Homes and the New Norfolk Distillery!"

Derksen family members at the Telstra Tasmanian Business
Awards night in Hobart on Friday.

The award citation noted that Crusader Homes provides clients with beautifully-designed and high-quality homes at a low cost for residents mainly located in the Derwent Valley. The family-owned and operated business prides itself on its commitment to build houses on a given time frame and within budget.

The team at the Bridgewater PCYC (which now operates the Derwent Valley PCYC) were the proud winers of the Social Change Maker category at the Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards. The centre is managed by Constable Justin Abrahams who is well known in New Norfolk.

"Winning this award was only made possible by the tireless effort, dedication and commitment of our people and their belief in the Bridgewater PCYC, and thanks to all of our community members who have supported us and can be proud of what their PCYC has achieved," a spokesman said in a Facebook post.

The Bridgewater PCYC is a not-for-profit community service organisation that provides a safe environment for youth and the community to enhance their future career and personal development. It offers social and recreational activities, ranging from mentoring and sports to driving lessons, giving an opportunity to socialise and build resilience.

The Maydena Bike Park, which opened early last year, was a finalist in the "Emerging and Energised" category of the small business awards. Inspired by the natural beauty of its location, director Simon French operates a gravity-focused mountain bike park catering to guests of all abilities from families through to elite riders.

Developed through World Heritage forests, it boasts a network of 80km of downhill trails, where riders can let gravity do most of the work. “We want to provide a safe, fun and supportive experience for our guests while protecting, showcasing and enhancing our natural environment,” Mr French said in the award nomination.