After a year of struggling through closure because of the Pandemic, the Reptile Park showed outstanding resilience in business in 2021 and was rewarded with two major accolades at the awards presented by Business NSW
The Park also won the Excellence in Business award alongside sister charity Aussie Ark, who won Excellence in Small Business.
The Business of the Year title is awarded by judges as the business with the overall outstanding achievements.
Ms Gabriel said it was the second time the popular international attraction won the award and this was a unique achievement.
The win came as a massive shock to senior staff after the tremendous hardships that the tourism destination had experienced during the last two years including bushfires, floods and the global pandemic.
This win marks the second time that the Australian Reptile Park has been recognised as the top business at a state level, having won the same award in 2018.
In addition to winning the most coveted award of the evening, the Central Coast-based wildlife park also won the Excellence in Business category.
Business and marketing manager Amanda Woodbine was nominated for Young Business Leader as well as Zac Bower in Outstanding Employee and director Tim Faulkner as Outstanding Business Leader.
Even with the event being hosted online, it was a wonderful evening for the Reptile Park with staff members tuning in from their homes to watch Australian Reptile Park director Liz Gabriel accept the award.
“We were absolutely thrilled to win 'Excellence in Business' at the start of the evening but then when it was announced that we won Business of the Year, we couldn't believe it - it was a total shock,” Ms Gabriel said.
“Like most businesses, we’ve had a tough couple of years but through the support of the community and the dedication of our incredible staff, we’ve been able to thrive and have bounced back stronger than ever after lockdown.
"It was wonderful to share our successes of the evening with Aussie Ark, who won their first state business award with their 'Excellence in Small Business' win."
“Winning these awards just confirms my belief that the Australian Reptile Park is truly the Best Family fun day out,” Ms Gabriel said.
“It's fantastic to have that recognised by Business NSW and we so excited that we get to share the Park with our visitors after we reopened in October.
"We're looking forward to seeing everyone again for our massive summer school holidays at the Australian Reptile Park", Ms Gabriel said.
The Park was able to share the win with sister organisation, Aussie Ark, who won Excellence in Small Business, their first award at a state level. Founded by the Australian Reptile
Park's Director John Weigel, Aussie Ark has grown to become the largest privately owned conservation organisation in NSW.
Previous achievements include winning 2018 NSW State Business of the Year, 2018 Regional Business of the Year and 2019 Major Tourist Attraction Gold Award for Destination NSW.
Meanwhile, the Australian Reptile Park has reopened and as a COVID-Safe business, will be observing all Government rules to keep its staff and visitors safe. As well as the chance to reconnect with nature after months stuck at home, visitors will be able to redeem their Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers at the Park - both at Reception and the on-site kiosk, the Hard Croc Café.
The Park is open daily from 9am.
For more information, visit www.reptilepark.com.au
