LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Consumer Affairs a question about local business.

Leave granted.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: The Rann Labor government has a proud history in promoting economic growth and encouraging development in local communities. The government aims to help small business develop new products and services, improve processes and business practices, develop business models and apply advanced technology. My question to the minister is: how has the government contributed to the celebration of the successes of local business in our community?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:12): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. As you would be aware, each year the Messenger Community Newspapers Group holds an awards night to celebrate the contribution of local business to our community.

Messenger newspapers publish 11 publications across metropolitan Adelaide. I recently had the privilege of attending the 2011 Messenger Local Business Awards on behalf of the Premier, Mike Rann, who I know was very disappointed to miss this particular event. Now in its 19^th year, the Messenger Local Business Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in quality and service amongst local business groups.

As Minister for Consumer Affairs and business, I was pleased to offer my support in promoting the achievements of local business in the area. This is an opportunity to celebrate their successes and promote awareness of the role that local business plays in our community.

Messenger first promoted the Local Business Awards in 1993, with the aim of recognising and rewarding small businesses across Adelaide. The awards are sponsored by Bendigo Bank, SafeWork SA and Network Ten, and their ongoing support ensures that the Messenger Local Business Awards maintains its position as the leading awards program in Adelaide's local business community.

The awards also provide Messenger readers with a meaningful way of expressing their gratitude as satisfied customers by giving voters the chance of winning a $1,000 prize for participating. Readers are able to vote for their favourite local business, or register their own business. Categories include things like: retail, hospitality, professional and trades services and also real estate. There are a number of great prizes available for business and voters. The major prize winner can receive $10,000 in cash and $40,000 in advertising services.

Winners include Gold Award winner, under Speciality Retailer, the delightful young businesswoman, Alice MacDonald and her small business, Flowers by Alice, which I am advised has been operating since 2002 and has been growing from strength to strength. The Silver Award went to the inspiring Leanne Hoad Singing Studio in the category of recreation and leisure.

Messenger newspapers coordinates the awards in four geographic regions across Adelaide with the aim of acknowledging and celebrating the success of local business. The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and talent which is obviously cherished in our community, as award winners came from a wide variety of backgrounds. Unlike any other medium, community newspapers have a really unique relationship with readers, local businesses and the community. The importance of recognising community achievements and excellence is something this government sees as crucial in developing local business and also helping to drive the South Australian economy.