A hugely successful night was had by all, at the VANA Industry Awards at the divine Plaza Ballroom on Saturday night.
VANA Chairman Chris Pecora described the evening as an “Unprecedented Success – we have raised the bar a couple of levels this year and what a sensational evening for the Industry.”
Eight Awards were presented with the highlights being Mentone Newsagency, Geoff & Theresa Deas taking out the coveted VANA Retailer of the Year.
Veteran Newsagent John Blane (Blanes Newsagency Colac) was honoured with the VANA Lifetime Achievement Award, after having been a VANA Member for over 60 years.
The first-ever “Rookie of the Year” was won by the hard working and innovative Heidi Shu and her team at Somerville News & Lotto.
Kammeron George, General Manager Consumer Sales & Marketing News Corp, won the Inaugural Award for “VANA INDUSTRY BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR”, presented by our Vice Chairman Kate McDonald, in what can only be described as a memorable win in a field of the highest achieving women in our Industry.
MENTONE DELIVERS:
Newsagents of the Year: Retail
Geoff and Theresa Deas
Mentone Newsagency
Presenter: Chris Pecora, VANA Chairman
BLANE’S GAME:
Lifetime Achievement Award
John Blane
Blane’s Newsagency
Presenter: Elaine Munro, VANA Legend
SOMERVILLE SALUTES
Rookie of the Year
Heidi Shu
Somerville Lotto and News
Presenter: Ross Payne, Ladbrokes
KAMMERON GEORGE WINS INAUGURAL AWARD
Industry Business Woman of the Year
Kammeron George
News Corp
Presenter: Kate McDonald, VANA Vice Chairman
Other Award winners included Jay Naran (Wandin Newsagency) the Lottery Agent of the Year recipient, whilst Angela Temple from Traralgon News & Lotto won Employee of the Year and gave a wonderful speech.
The quality line up continued in the Community Newsagent of the Year which was won by Jodie & Adrian Grzeschka from Corryong Newsagency.
In a hot field, Cameron Mullenger proved Deliveries Plus is still the NO 1 distributor in Victoria.
The night was complimented by an outstanding talent line up that included stars of stage & screen Jemma Rix, Rob Mills & the Michelle Serret-Cursio Band.
Thanks to Mary-Louise Santa of MLS Management for sourcing these amazing performers.
Our Industry is alive and well and brings on next year’s Awards!
