Aquatec Maxcon, a leading provider of water and wastewater technology and equipment in Australia, has won Business of the Year at the 2017 City of Ipswich Business Awards.
The Wulkuraka-based waste experts featured prominently in Ipswich First last month discussing how Ipswich ingenuity and manufacturing had been applied to ground-breaking projects.
The company, which began in 1977, employs more than 200 people on site, including about 60 engineers and draftsmen who do all design work locally.
Over the last 10 years, Aquatec Maxcon has invested more than $20 million in research and development as it strives to find sustainable technologies in water and waste.
Gerard Pender, from local law firm Walker Pender Group, won Business Person of the Year, which was presented at the black tie event at the Ipswich Civic Centre on Saturday night.
The firm – including a fourth generation practice member – has offices in Ipswich CBD and at Orion, Springfield Central.
Mr Pender recently described how the business had transitioned to a corporate structure modernising its basis of operation.
He put much of Walker Pender’s success down to “supporting the Ipswich community in the many ways we do by joining and supporting community groups has led to a hand-in-hand relationship with thousands of families over the years”.
Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli presented his Mayor’s Pride of Ipswich Business Award to David Cullen, Director of Pro Drive Ipswich.
Mr Cullen has been in the transport industry for almost 30 years and taught thousands of motorists how to drive cars, trucks and other heavy vehicles.
Cr Antoniolli said Mr Cullen was a “worthy recipient” of the Mayor’s Pride award for his years of hard work making Ipswich, Queensland and Australian roads safer and saving lives.
Springfield founder Maha Sinnathamby was on hand to receive the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce & Industry President’s Award on behalf of the Springfield Land Corporation.
SLC recently celebrated 25 years since Mr Sinnathamby, business partner Bob Sharpless and members of the Sinnathamby family first put their vision in place to turn bushland between Ipswich and Brisbane into Australia’s largest master-planned community.
High-profile journalist and Seven News presenter Bill McDonald was MC for the event, while fellow Channel 7 television presenter, actress and host of The Great South East Sofie Formica was also a host.
Ipswich Chamber of Commerce President Phillip Bell said for the businesses involved it was a great honour to be nominated in such a prestigious awards system that “highlights the diversity and depth of talent within the broader Ipswich business community”.
“The Chamber would like to take the opportunity to thank all the businesses involved for helping to make this years’ Business Awards a huge success,” he said.
“We would also like to thank our Business Award Partners for their continued support throughout the year.
“To all the businesses and people selected as a finalist or winner for the 2017 City of Ipswich Business Awards, congratulations, we personally wish you every success in your future business endeavours.”
The Winners for the 2017 City of Ipswich Business Awards were:
- Ipswich City Council – New Business of the Year
Hello Home Doctor Service
- Bendigo Bank – Customer Service Award
Walk on Wheels Ipswich
- Ipswich Turf Club – Tourism / Community Event of the Year
Wicked the Musical
- River 94.9 – Community Involvement Award
Ipswich Hospital Foundation
- TAFE Queensland– Young Business Person of the Year
Esther Trapp (Urban Day Spa)
- Sirromet Wines – Business Person of the Year
Gerard Pender (Walker Pender)
- Konica Minolta – Innovation Award
Fountx
- The Queensland Times – Small Business of the Year
Infants Friend Pty Ltd
- RPQ Pty Ltd – Business of the Year
Aquatec Maxcon
- Mayor’s Pride of Ipswich Business Award (Presented by Mayor Andrew Antoniolli)
David Cullen – Pro Drive Ipswich
- Ipswich Chamber of Commerce & Industry President’s Award
Springfield Land Corporation
