Geelong business Barwon Valley Smallgoods has been named national champion for its handmade liverwurst at the 2026 Australian Meat Industry Council Charcuterie Awards. The family-owned company also won national gold medals for its boneless ham, shortcut bacon and pastrami. Owner Damien Batties has worked in the smallgoods industry for 40 years, and his eldest daughter Ashleigh is now learning the trade. The business also sponsors the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club and the Torquay Football Club. It is promoting its Christmas hams and smallgoods ahead of the festive season.
Samaras owner Omar Nemer returned to his former school, Illawarra Sports High, to speak at the class of 2026 graduation ceremony. He told students there is no perfect path and urged them to keep moving forward, learning and enjoying the journey. Nemer described his own route from high school to university and then to running three branches of the family business. He said one small opportunity, a community event in Unanderra, led to a food truck and many new chances. He encouraged graduates to be brave, work hard, and never be afraid to say yes.
Fedra Olive Grove, a family-run business near Collector in New South Wales, has been named Champion Australian Olive Oil Producer at the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards. Owners Spiros (Jeff) and Fedra Konstantinou started the grove in 1999, inspired by their Greek heritage. The business uses more than 6000 olive trees and a specially imported Italian press. Its oil has also won medals since 2009, including gold and two gold awards at overseas competitions. Jeff says the grove is proud of its chemical-free oil.
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Ballan family-owned business Paarhammer Windows and Doors was named Best Regional Manufacturer at the 2026 Australian Manufacturing Awards in Melbourne on Thursday 8 October. The company beat six other finalists. Founded in 1990, the firm makes energy-efficient and bushfire-resistant windows and doors, employs 32 staff and ships products Australia-wide. Managing director Tony Paarhammer was named Industry Person of the Year in 2025, and production manager Mat Thorne was named Manufacturing Worker of the Year. Thomas Paarhammer is set to take over once his parents retire.
Freeburn Surveying, believed to be the longest running family business in Penrith, is celebrating 75 years in operation. Founded in 1951 by Matthew Freeburn's father, the Castlereagh Street firm has completed more than 40,000 surveys, most of which are still kept in its office. Matthew Freeburn has run the business for about 45 years and now employs 12 staff, up from two when he took over. He says his children have no interest in surveying, so he plans to donate the business to his staff or make other arrangements.
Nerissa and Hiran run Lankan Tucker, a Sri Lankan food business rooted in family recipes. It operates from a hidden spot off Lygon Street in Melbourne's College Square. The business began with workplace deliveries and moved into food festivals and night markets. Collaborations with venues such as Fitzroy Bowls Club and Patient Wolf have brought the food to new audiences. Nerissa says the business keeps its roots while finding new ways to reach people, marking 10 years of trading.
