Article by Liana Webster, from Murray Bridge News, re-published with permission.
The winners of the inaugural Murraylands Business Awards have been revealed at a gala dinner at the Bridgeport Hotel.
The winners of the inaugural 2025 Murraylands Business awards have been unveiled at a gala dinner at the Bridgeport Hotel.
Around 150 business, supporters and sponsors filed into the venue on Friday night to attend the first edition of the awards, presented by Murray Bridge News and 5MU/Power FM.
Without further ado, here are the 2025 winners…
Best Tradies
The night’s first award, presented by CW Products’ Alec Millard, went to Murray Bridge’s Ahrns Electrical.
“We understand the value of trades (and) the hands-on work they do ensure the smooth operation for our everyday life that often go unnoticed,” Mr Millard said.
“It’s great to be able to get dressed up, come together and show appreciation and give them the recognition they deserve.”
Director Tristan Ahrns collected the award on behalf of his company, with big thanks to his team and wife.
The other finalists were Doecke Electrical, Haig and Menzel, Mallens Electrical and Murray Bridge Septic Solutions.
Best Care, Help or Support
This award, presented by Resthaven‘s Gill McIntyre, went to Murray Mallee Aged Care.
“The care and support that is provided… enables each individual to live in their home, remain connected to their community and maintain their wellbeing,” Ms McIntyre said.
Nominees included Alchemy Services, Genuine Support Services Australia, Resthaven and The Wright Care.
Best New Business
The award, presented by Bowhill Engineering’s Chelsea Haby, went to discount retail chain Silly Solly’s, which opened a local store on Sixth Street last year.
“The Murraylands community sees something special in each of these exciting new business ventures,” Ms Haby said.
The winners were unfortunately not able to make it to the award night.
The Blade by Brodie, Mallens Electrical, Pop Nutrition and River Moon Yoga and Meditation were the other finalists.
Best Gym or Fitness Business
This award, presented by 5MU’s general manager, Brett Taylor, went to Inner Soul Physical Rehabilitation, in Murray Bridge.
Employee Kenisha Seidel accepted the award on behalf of owner Donna Jaensch-Brown.
The finalists in the category were more than just fitness professionals, Mr Taylor said: “They’re motivators, community builders, and they help people to push beyond natural boundaries … not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well, and their impacts reaches far beyond the gym or training field.”
Finalists included Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness, Tailem Bend Fitness and Ultimate Performance Fitness and Nutrition.
Best Hair or Beauty Business
The award, presented by Raptcha’u owner Linda Kyritsis, went to Adelaide Road barbershop Muscle Cutz.
The winners were unfortunately not able to make it to the award night.
However, Ms Kyritsis spoke emotionally about the supporting role hairdressers and beauticians played in their clients’ lives.
“We’re not just hair stylist’s, we’re often holding space for life’s moments,” she said.
“Our clients open up to us, trust us and many have been with us from the very beginning.”
The other finalists were Beauty on Cora, Raptcha’u, Tammy Broadley Hairdressing/Polished Hair and Tangles Hair Studio.
Best Restaurant
This award, also presented by Business Murray Bridge’s Nathan Gates, went to Murray Bridge’s 1924 Riverfront Steakhouse.
“Over the last six months, Business Murray Bridge has been going through a process of delivering our vision of a thriving business community,” Mr Gates said.
There were many new and exciting things happening for the association, “so keep an eye out in the latest editions of Murray Bridge News”.
Unfortunately the owners of the 1924 were unable to attend the awards night.
The other finalists were Bombay Beat, the GCS, Little Local Co and Luogo.
Best Takeaway
This award, presented by Murray Bridge News’ Peri Strathearn, went to Bridge Street pizzeria Jedz.
The winning margin was just six votes.
“There were some fantastic businesses in this category in our community, it was a very popular with our voters,” Mr Strathearn said.
Other finalists included Bridge Takeaway, Daily Deli, McCues Bakery and Sword and Ox.
Best Retailer
This award, presented by Business Murray Bridge’s Nathan Gates, went to west end greengrocers Farm Fresh Market.
“It’s fantastic to see so many local businesses continue to thrive during a challenging three years across our region,” Mr Gates said.
Finalists included Big W, Bunnings, Drakes, and Fiction and Friction.
Serg and Donna Grohs celebrate Bridge Takeaway’s win on Friday night, joined by Adam Connelly and Jerry Wilson. Photo: Penny Heighes.
Best Customer Service
This coveted award, open to any business and presented by Murray Bridge Self Storage owner Jerry Wilson, went to Bridge Takeaway.
Bridge Takeway owner Serg Grohs said he appreciated everyone’s support, including customers, staff and community members.
Mr Wilson emphasised the importance of the award category: “Without good customer service, a lot of our businesses wouldn’t be here, and a lot are still here because they have great service,” he said.
The other nominees were Fiction and Friction, Grazingfordayz, Mallens Electrical and Tammy Broadley Hairdressing/Polished Hair.
Best Coffee
The final award of the night, presented by Rural City of Murray Bridge Councillor Airlie Keen, went to Little Local Co, whose owners were absent from the gala dinner.
Ms Keen paid tribute to all the nominated businesses on the night.
“They work incredibly long hours and they pour their hearts and souls into their products, services and customers,” she said.
She also gave a shout-out to all the region’s baristas, who she said fuelled more work days, school drop-offs and meetings than could be counted, and brought people together, eased burdens and built understanding over a shared cuppa.
The other finalists included the GCS, Grazingfordayz, Luogo and Mojo’s.
Murraylands Business Awards will return in 2026
Special guest Senator Marielle Smith said the awards showed that Murray Bridge was not only a resilient community, but a fantastic one.
“What makes it so vibrant and wonderful is the people who bring the energy to grow the businesses, grow the opportunities and contribute to the broader growth of the region,” she said.
“I want to say thank you to the incredible role (businesses) play, in doing everything you’ve contributed to make the Murraylands such a fantastic region and somewhere I’m proud to represent.”
Murray Bridge News managing editor Peri Strathearn ended the night with a confirmation that the awards would return in 2026.
He thanked the event’s sponsors, co-hosts Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman, organiser Jane Intini and all others who had made the awards possible.
Each of the award winners will be celebrated with a story in this publication over the next 12 months.
Those who were absent on the night will have their framed award certificates and window stickers dropped off this week.
