Coast Shelter has been named Business of the Year at the 2023 Business Wyong Awards.
Held on Friday, July 29, at Wyong Race Club, the awards celebrated exceptional business achievements in the northern growth corridor.
Organisers hailed the awards night, held at Wyong Race Club, as a “wonderful celebration”.
Taking out the top gong as Business of the Year was Coast Shelter, which was also named Outstanding Community Organisation.
Coast Shelter CEO Michael Starr said it was special to the entire team to be acknowledged by thecommunity.
“It gives us great encouragement to know we have support from local business leaders and community members in our mission to end homelessness and domestic violence on the Central Coast,” he said.
Marketing and Communications Manager, Erin Maxwell, said Coast Shelter staff were incredibly proud to have won the Business of the Year award.
“Our entire team at Coast Shelter really do just get on with the job at hand, so winning an award like Business of the Year is the perfect opportunity to stop and reflect on how much progress we’ve made in recent years,” she said.
Other category winners were: Outstanding Employee – Thomas Spooner – Green Aspect Consulting; Outstanding Business Leader – Shaun Mielekamp – Central Coast Mariners; Excellence In Sustainability – Iris Lodge Alpacas; Outstanding Start Up – NeuroKind; Excellence In Micro Business – 5th Element digital transformation; Excellence In Small Business – Lift3 Central Coast; Excellence In Large Business – The Art House; and Business Wyong Kevin Faulks Award – Paul Levick.
Co-founders Matthew Craig and Jaime Wroe were delighted when NeuroKind took out theTaking out the Start Up of the Year award.
NeuroKind is making remarkable strides in the field of psychology services as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity.
Craig and Wroe accepted the award on behalf of their team, highlighting the efforts of all who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
“This accomplishment stands as a testament to the relentless dedication, passion, and significant contributions from every member of the NeuroKind family,” they said.
Amidst the challenges of the current economic state, NeuroKind, along with other local businesses, has shown resilience, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to its mission.
It was founded on the concept of embracing brain differences and empowering neurodiversity through understanding and support.
It offers specialised, evidence-based and empathetic psychology services for neurodivergent individuals, aiming to help them discover their strengths, connect with their true selves, and belong to a caring community.
“Variations in the way we process information should never be treated as a deficit, but rather a unique part of our identity that makes us who we are,” Wroe, who is a psychologist, said.
“We work collaboratively with our clients to encourage autonomy and self-advocacy, where we provide the tools for them to build their neurodivergent identity, identify their specific needs and advocate for their required accommodations.
“Every single brain is valuable and worthy of love and respect – which is what NeuroKind strives to embody.”
Craig said the award strengthened the company’s belief that it is on the right path.
“Our deepest gratitude goes to our outstanding team of associates, amazing partners and, most importantly, our trusting clients who are at the core of our mission,” he said.
He said the award was not just a celebration of NeuroKind’s accomplishments but also a symbol of the Wyong community’s commitment to support businesses that positively impact society.
Terry Collins