18 December 2013 | Tennis West

Murlpirrmarra Connection was one of 24 Western Australian small businesses awarded in the 20th Belmont Small Business Awards. The winners were showcased at the ‘Night of Stars Event’ Grand Ballroom, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth on November 28th, 2013.

Attendees on the night enjoyed a WA Designer Showcase which was supported by Atelier Zuhal and Green Embassy, Morgan Marks and Joan Dellavalle. In addition, entertainer Miss Poppy performed on the night. This year’s MC’s were Cassie Rowe, Chair Belmont BEC & Louis Geneste, Secretary Belmont BEC. Glenys Godfrey MLA, Member for Belmont, gave an update on small business in WA and Dianne May, WA State Manager of AusIndustry, presented a message from The Hon Bruce Billson MP, Small Business Minister.

This year a special raffle was conducted to help people in the Philippines that has been recently been devastated by Typhoon Yolanda. The Belmont BEC & TCFWA gathered more than $10,000 worth of gift prizes which were drawn on the night, and the proceeds will be directed towards the rebuilding of the TCF Ormoc Sewing Centres and the TCF ESVU Centre of Entrepreneurship, Leyte Province, Philippines.

Winner of the ‘Indigenous Business of the Year Award’ was Murlpirrmarra Connection. Murlpirrmarra Connection assists to improve the education, educational options, social skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects of Wiluna’s young Indigenous men and women. This is achieved by a variety of activities performed between the students, parents, educational facilities, partnered organisations and government departments. This interaction creates a smooth and comfortable transition for the students into educational facilities, development programs and helps maintain a high level of engagement with those involved in the program.

Presenter of the award Anna Dickie, Communications Officer, Perth Airport said, “Perth Airport is proud to continue its support of the Indigenous Business of the Year Award. As custodians of the land on which the airport is located, Perth Airport recognises the importance of the area to the Noongar people and values its ongoing partnership with the local Indigenous community. Perth Airport would like to congratulate the winning Indigenous Business of the Year Murlpirrmarra Connection and all entrants in this category.”

For details of the 20th Belmont Small Business Awards 2013 visit www.belmontbec.com/awards