Coral Coast heli tours flying high after award success

The Coral Coast Helicopter crew is sitting on “chop” of the world after taking home a swag of awards from the 2017 Gascoyne Regional Business Awards.

Coral Coast Helicopters will have to find a bigger hangar to store its awards after winning the tourism, customer service and best business with zero to four employees, as well as taking out the overall winner of the night.

Co-owner operation and accounts Jodie Anderson said the company had seen strong demand in the tourism and mustering markets since starting up.

“The mustering industry has just blown up, it has been our bread and butter really, but tourism is fantastic as well,” she said.

“We were actually expecting to do more business out of Coral Bay but Carnarvon has been really good.

“There is definitely an international clientele that we are trying to tap into and hopefully next year we can really get a hold of that.”

Ms Anderson said the company was looking at purchasing its third helicopter next year to keep up with demand.

Other multiple award winners on the night included the Liz Newton Dance Academy and Coral Coast Veterinary Hospital.

On The Deck Shark Bay owner Phil Thomson, who won the accommodation category, said operating a business in the bush was a challenging but rewarding experience.

“We have won many awards from overseas, but this is the first time our business has been recognised in Australia,” he said.

“It has got its difficulties, but you have to remember Shark Bay is one of the most spectacular places in the world and the guests we have come to see our beautiful ecology.”

Awards event co-ordinator Marilyn Rulyancich said business in the Gascoyne was an untapped resource.

“Sometimes small businesses run by mums, dads and one-man bands have no one saying to them ‘You have done a great job, well done’,” she said.

“The challenges which exist for regional business in WA means we build the quality, we just don’t always get recognised for it. Having these awards means everyone gets to know a little business really deserves recognition.”

Ms Rulyancich said she expected big things from State finalists this year, after two Gascoyne businesses won awards last year.

Award: Winner

Accommodation: On The Deck, Shark Bay

Health and Community: Exmouth Wellness Centre

Hospitality: Whalers Restaurant

Professional Services: Coral Coast Veterinary Hospital

Retail Services: Tackleworld Exmouth

Sports and Rec: Liz Newton Dance Academy

Manufacturing: Parkwood Upholstery

Tourism: Coral Coast Helicopters

Trades and Construction: Northern Aspect Construction

Regional Business: Monkey Mia Yacht Charters

Community Engagement: Cabs On Call

Customer Service: Coral Coast Helicopters

Innovation: Exmouth Computers and Technology

New Business: Froth Craft

Sustainability: Dive Ningaloo

Child and Family Friendly: Liz Newton Dance Academy

0-4 Employees: Coral Coast Helicopters

5-10 Employees: Coral Coast Veterinary Hospital

11-20 Employees: Exmouth Escape Resort

Outstanding Achievement: Coral Coast Veterinary Hospital

Judge’s Choice: Coral Coast Helicopters