Tongala based company SLTEC Fertilizers has been named ‘Business of the Year’ at the 2022 Campaspe Murray Business Awards.

Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Chrissy Weller congratulated the award winners of all categories.

“The winners and finalists represent the highest calibre of business acumen throughout our neighbouring shires. These businesses are the backbone of our dynamic regional economy, providing jobs, vital services and goods for our everyday living and lifestyle choices.

“We have a diverse, energetic business community on both sides of the Murray and we should all be extremely proud to have these businesses call our shires home.”

Murray River Council Mayor Chris Bilkey said the awards were a fantastic way to bring the local business community together.

“Following the last few years of sporadic COVID restrictions, our business community has gone through an extremely stressful time.

“The gala dinner was a superb way to bring local businesspeople together and to acknowledge how valued they are within our communities.”

Business of the Year, SLTEC Fertilizers, is a leading manufacturer of fluid fertilizers. Established in 2005 by the McMaster family, SLTEC Fertilizers pride themselves on being innovators in their field, having a strong research and development focus. The plant in Tongala is a world standard, high volume operation, supplying products to a wide range of customers. They are committed to supplying consistently high quality products, with more than 70 standard formulations on wheir product list and the ability to manufacture custom blends to meet client requirements. SLTEC Fertilizers have also been awarded the Foodmach Excellence in Manufacturing and Trade – Manufacturing Award.

Employee of the Year, Olivia Wescombe is the operations manager at Rock Solid Gardening Supplies. She started with the business at the age of 19 with no experience in the industry and has grown to be one of the major players in the Rock Solid family. She runs the day to day operations and as part of her office administration duties has been working through the company’s safe work practices. Olivia runs all the budgets and keeps track of the business’ key performance indicators.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Kyle Bartlett is the owner director of 7 Beans Coffee and a self proclaimed ‘workaholic’. The 29 year old has grown his business from scratch (including no capital) to owning four stores in the space of seven years. 7 Beans Coffee operates in Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester and Moama. Kyle juggles his growing business commitments with a full time position at Kagome. In addition to his relentless business commitments, Kyle is a dedicated volunteer with the Echuca CFA.

To coordinate an interview or seek further information contact:

Campaspe Shire Council, Communications Unit, Georgie Hacon, Chris Hawking on 5483 6985
Murray River Council, Beck Hayward, 0427 560 934