LAST year’s overall winner of the Wyndham Business Awards will nominate again because of the benefits it’s reaped since the recognition.
Werribee Open Range Zoo was named ‘business of the year’ and labelled an outstanding tourism and recreation destination, and an integral part of Wyndham.
The awards, now in their 18th year, provide recognition for Wyndham’s growing business community.
Judges last year said the zoo was “a world-class facility” and one which Wyndham could take great pride in.
Zoo director Sally Lewis said staff and volunteers were proud to have won the award.
“Recognition by our community is of the utmost importance to us.
“We seek to build strong relationships with locals and be a highlight of the Wyndham community,” she said. An increase in patron numbers has been one benefit for the zoo.
“This financial year we have increased from 307,000 to 411,000 visitors,” Ms Lewis said. “The awards, together with our gorilla boys, free entry for kids [on school holidays and weekends] and our new programs and events have assisted in driving this incredible growth.”
Ms Lewis believes entering the award drives a business to deliver high standards across its operations.
“This includes safety, business planning, customer service and environmental practices. “This year has been a truly amazing year for Werribee Open Range Zoo and we would like to think the standards are getting even higher.”
Finalists for this year’s awards will be published in the Weekly on July 18.
