Success Stories

Business: Maas Group Holdings Pty Ltd

Maas Group Holdings Pty Ltd is a name that has become synonymous with construction and earthmoving in the Orana region and beyond. Established in 2003, the company has grown from a single bobcat and truck to provision of 250 plant hire items, civil works and quarry products at a national level. As such, they have developed a media profile across…

Business: Jon Elder Australia’s Largest Solar Diesel System

Jon Elder is a primary producer of cotton and wheat from the Narromine region who has implemented the latest in technology to enable the future efficiency of his 122-year-old family farm. The Elder family has been farming in the district since 1897. The original owner actually broke down when travelling by horse and cart between Narromine and Dubbo which led…

Business: The Cobar Weekly Association

Since operation began in 1986, the Cobar Weekly Association (trading as The Cobar Weekly) has immersed itself in the town’s cultural fabric. Established by a group of community-minded volunteers, the original intention was to create a publication that was Cobar-owned and focused. This philosophy has continued to guide the business which produces a local newspaper The Cobar Weekly and a…

Business: Regional Enviroscience

Building a strong workforce from the ground up with a particular emphasis on encouraging young people into the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) has been a major focus for Regional Enviroscience. Established nine years ago by Juliet Duffy from her rental property garage, the business has really thrived and now employs 23 local people including four female…

Business: JLE Electrical

JLE Electrical in Dubbo is a local provider to regional NSW for electrical, communications and industry services. Growing from a staff of five to 35 employees has enabled the company to become an accredited specialist in underground and overhead power line construction and cable jointing for supply authorities and mining professionals. JLE’s commercial and industrial electricians provide electrical installations, maintenance…

Business: Soul Food Design Depot

The name Soul Food Design Depot & Gallery evokes delicious food accompanied by beautiful art. In this regard, visitors to the Narromine business will not be disappointed. Opened in 2014, Soul Food began as a design hub featuring a cafe, along with homewares, gifts and art and has evolved to include an event space for weddings, school formals, presentation nights,…

Business: Love Merino

Love Merino scarves are made from the finest Merino wool, with every fibre originating from their Glenwood farm near Wellington, in western NSW. Operational since October 2016, the business idea had been floated for some time by proprietors Phillipa (Pip) and Norm Smith. The couple brainstormed before undertaking research based on the success of industry partner Woolerina. The finely crafted…

Business: Lazy Oak Wines

Lazy Oak is a family-operated Mudgee vineyard producing boutique wines. Established by Paula Hanson and David Riley in 2015, the property was originally purchased as a lifestyle block. But with 7.5 hectares under vine, it has become a fully-fledged grape and wine producer with grapes grown on-site before development by expert winemakers. The range, which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc,…

Migration: The Oriental Hotel Mudgee

Hotelier Des Kennedy has worked in hospitality for many years, and says hiring migrant workers was a good decision for his business. As the owner of the Oriental Hotel, Mr Kennedy took over the 154 year old establishment in 2003, offering food, beverages and accommodation. The business has evolved from its traditional roots to provide modern conveniences such as a…

Migration: Xin Chen

Multilingual solicitor Xin Chen moved to Australia in 2009 because he loves living in a democratic, multicultural society. “The Australian government advocates cultural diversity and racial equality and Australians are easy-going and friendly people,” he said. “Comparatively speaking, Australia is also a safe country marked by low crime rate.” Starting his new life in sunny Qld, he decided to study…

Migration: The Ravari Family

After living in Iran, the Ravari family made their home in Australia during 2017. Civil engineers Mohammad Ali Karbakhsh Ravari and Mahshid Vakili Takalou and their son Elia emigrated to Australia for a new way of life. “I decided to migrate to Australia around seven years ago because I wanted to change my lifestyle,” Mr Ravari said. “I had enough…

Migration: Dr Danish Hassan

Brand new to the country, Dr Danish Hassan experienced a warm welcome in every aspect of his migration. A dentist from Pakistan, Dr Hassan said his new home and work life was greatly enabled by many friendly people along the way. “Settling in, I found nice colleagues and friends who helped me a lot in each step,” he said. Arriving…