Hay Veterinary Clinic is 2023 Business of the Year
Wayne Gardam’s Hay Veterinary Clinic was crowned 2023 Business of the Year at the gala awards night held on Friday evening.
Hay Veterinary Clinic has been crowned Hay’s 2023 Business of the Year at a gala event held on Friday evening.
The clinic received several nominations this year, including small business of the year and the Ambassador Award, and founder Wayne Gardam and vet nurse Susann Carter each received customer service nominations.
“Wayne has been providing veterinary services to the people and animals of Hay and district for the last forty-one years, since February 1982,” one nomination read.
“He looks after all creatures great and small from our loved pets to the livestock concerns of farmers and graziers.
“A quiet man, he goes to great lengths, including working out of hours and attending to pet emergencies, and providing genuine care. It is clear that he does not do what he does for accolades, but that he is a highly intelligent and professional person who is devoted to his chosen vocation.
“For the vast majority of time, Wayne is the sole veterinarian in a radius of hundreds of kilometres, basically placing him on call constantly.”
Other nominations echoed these sentiments.
“Wayne treats the A to Z of the animal world from someone’s budgie, chooks, dogs, cats, through to sheep, cattle, horses, Stud animals worth thousands of dollars or not, all animals get his undivided attention and superior medical knowledge and understanding.
“Wayne is very obliging with his own time, and can often be available seven days a week, and when his invoice arrives it never outweighs the final result.”
The nominations were heartfelt, indicating just how valuable the services offered by Hay Veterinary Clinic are to the community.
“Wayne and Susann have an excellent reputation throughout Hay for their empathy and professionalism when treating our beloved pets.”
Upon accepting his award Mr Gardam admitted to being speechless.
“I admit to feeling a little bit overwhelmed,” he said. “I remember reading something that said if you want to be a success in business you have to get up and chop wood and cart water, and that’s just doing the things. I sometime discuss with colleagues in multi-vet services that my roster system is pretty simple; if the day ends in a ‘y’ then I am on duty.”
“I acknowledge the help and support I have had from Susann, who was nominated for the customer service award.”
The gala awards night was held at Hay Services Club with tickets once again selling out to the star-studded event.
VIP guest speaker Samantha Armytage enthralled the crowd with her tales of her international career, including a diverse range of interview subjects, from royalty to pop stars.
Full winners list:
Small Business of the Year - Rick’s Parks & Gardens
Ambassador Award - Hay INc
Business Champion - Kurt Woods
Apprentice/trainee of the Year - Rebecca Woods
Employer of the Year - Australian Food & Fibre Hay
Employee of the Year - James Maloney
Excellence in Ag & Industry - Kayla Garner
Excellence in Trades Services - Nathan Best
Excellence in Health and Beauty - Drs Shaz, Nadia and Mojjin
Excellence in Customer Service - Nicky Edwards
Excellence in Hospitality - Julie Lawrence
