Grinning winners: Wendy Le, Brendan Rowney, Hayden Pearce, Gemma Donaldson, Ebony Johansson, Vanessa Andrews, Holly Halliwell, Shannyn Bathman and Marnie Milne are proud of their team effort.
Photo by
Bree Harding
From little things, big things grow, so they say.
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And from small towns, huge things are achieved.
Ritchies SUPA IGA in Tatura is a testament to that, recently taking out the award for Large Store of the Year in the annual IGA Victorian State Awards of Excellence.
But that’s not the only accolade the supermarket won on April 20.
It also took the Large Store crowns for Grocery and GM Department of the Year, Meat Department of the Year and Transformation and Innovation Award.
Clean sweep: Ritchies SUPA IGA Tatura took out four awards at the Victorian awards night in April.
Photo by
Bree Harding
It was up against 333 other IGA stores, with just six of those making the shortlist.
“To be nominated is a fantastic achievement,” store manager Brendan Rowney said.
“To win is amazing.”
The store recently underwent a rigorous three-year refurbishment that Mr Rowney said came at a considerable cost to both Ritchies and site owner Fisher Developments.
Developing: The Ritchies renovation is complete, but speciality shops in the complex are still being built.
Photo by
Bree Harding
“Both parties backed not only the store team, but the wider community and town by investing so heavily into such a stunning, world-class store,” he said.
“This award is as much for the town as it is for us.”
As store manager, Mr Rowney said he was proud of his team and honoured that the store he headed won the awards.
“I know how amazing our people are, so it’s great to see them get recognition on a stage as big as the state awards,” he said.
“For the team, these awards are recognition for their resilience and attitude during the three-year journey.”
Sushi servers: Wendy Le and Shannyn Bathman show off some of the sushi available.
Photo by
Bree Harding
Mr Rowney gave credit to Tatura’s locals, saying that while it was rewarding to be recognised, they were the ones who made it all worth it.
“We’re so lucky to be in such a fantastic community,” he said.
Extensive range: There is loads of liquor in Ritchies SUPA IGA’s well-stocked bottle shop.
Photo by
Bree Harding
This is the first time the store has won any of the awards, but Mr Rowney said, hopefully, it wouldn’t be the last.
Ritchies Tatura will now represent Victoria on the national stage in Queensland in July, competing against the best stores from across Australia.
Meat Alan: Alan Mutimer in Ritchies SUPA IGA’s refurbished and award-winning meat department.
Photo by
Bree Harding
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