Mona Farm won the award in the Tourism and Hospitality category and are donating their prize money to the Safe Shelter Initiative.

Sandalwood, owned by Fiona Mutton and Bec Sherriff, opened in 2013 with the intention of providing Braidwood with something new. Ms Sherriff explained that their tagline is “For a life less ordinary”, and they aim to supply gifts and homewares that are different from the norm.

Ms Sherriff and Ms Mutton source all their supplies personally. They don’t do trade fairs or entrust buying to a third party, and in so doing, they have forged good relationships with suppliers and within business circles.

Lea Barrett from Provisions Deli said she and partner Colin McLean were delighted to be finalists in the award. Provisions opened in 2015 with a focus on local and regional growers and producers. They believe that a retail outlet should pay a fair price for fair food. They have combined with philosophy with a personal passion for good food and a sense of community.

Both Mutton’s and the Braidwood Bakery are well-established Wallace Street businesses, drawing both local and passing customers. Mutton’s opened as Len Mutton & Co in 1913 and Fiona is the fourth generation owner. The bakery, similarly, is a long-standing business with its origins going back to 1926.

All finalists and winners have worked hard to promote Braidwood.