Local not-for-profit organisation South Eastern Community Connect (SECC) has been named a finalist in the Excellence in Education and Child Services category in the inaugural Bayside Business Awards.
Bayside Council has partnered with the Bayside Business Enterprise Centre (BBEC) to recognise local businesses that have excelled in their field and made a positive contribution towards the Bayside region.
South Eastern Community Connect (SECC) is a community based organisation managed by a voluntary board of directors made up of local community members and services.
SECC has been running for 40 years and provides a diverse range of community service programs and community engagement activities for people living in the local government areas of Bayside, Randwick, Woollahra, Waverley, and City of Sydney.
While SECC provides a range of services such as casework, classes, community transport, family support, social support, and respite care, the award recognises its work in education and child services.
SECC runs a Before and After School Care program called Safe and Multicultural Outside School Hours Care (SMOOSH) at Gardeners Road and Eastlakes Public Schools, as well as Vacation Care programs, playgroups and parenting programs.
CEO Kate Melhopt said it was an honour for SECC to be recognised and considered for an award.
“We pride ourselves on the services we offer the local community, and I’m overjoyed that our work in educating children in a safe, multicultural environment has been acknowledged in the Bayside region,” she said.
“The hard work of our SMOOSH Coordinator Rekkha Moda and her team is admirable, and much appreciated and valued in the local community.”
A Bayside Council spokesperson said the awards were designed to encourage the local business community to keep striving and being innovative.
“It takes hard work and persistence to run a business, and our business owners are passionate about what they do and the benefits they bring to Bayside,” the spokesperson said.
To ensure the awards process is delivered credibly and transparently, Council has engaged ACA Research to accept the award nominations and conduct the judging process.
All businesses large and small across the LGA are encouraged to get behind the inaugural Bayside Business Awards and enter.
The Bayside BEC Annual Dinner and Bayside Business Awards will be held at Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport on Thursday 18 October 2018.
The complete finalists list
Emerging Business Excellence (under 2 years)
- FKG Law Pty Ltd
- Leading Australian Finance
- Nineteen43 Cafe
- Rubbish Removal Kings
Excellence in Education and Child Services
- All Star Early Learners
- Creativity Inc
- Integricare Occasional Care Centre Rockdale
- South Eastern Community Connect Inc (SECC)
- St George Montessori ELC
Excellence in Health, Fitness & Medical Services
- Back to Basics Chiropractic
- Eastlakes Discount Drug Store
- Eyecare Kids
- PhysioFIXX Pty Ltd
- The Centre Pharmacy Sans Souci
- Tribe41 Functional Training Botany
Excellence in Hospitality Services (10+ empl.)
- Ble Greek Kouzina
- Capanno Trattoria
- South Sydney Graphic Arts Club Mascot Ltd
- The LoKal cafe
- Two Fives
Excellence in Hospitality Services (-10 empl.)
- Babel Cafe
- La Piazza Woodfired Pizzeria and Restaurant
- Little Sicily
- Nakhon Thai
- Panivore Pty Ltd
- Parea Greek Restaurant
Excellence in Professional Service
- Century 21 Southern Realty
- Ray White – Brighton Le Sands
- Recruitment Edge
- Windgap Foundation (Customer Care and Advocacy)
- Smartline Bexley
Excellence in Retail
- Admire Florist and Gifts & Flora Art School
- German Butchery Deli & Cafe
- IT Super Store
- Sydney Dive Safari
Excellence in Service & Trade
- Brooks Radio and TV
- Call a Cooler
- Inspirations Paint Rockdale
- Simplay Flooring Pty Ltd
- St George Painting