It was a night for business owners across the Southern Highlands to let their hair down and celebrate all of their hard work and resilience in the last 12 months.
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More than 30 businesses were recognised with the top honour in their category at the Southern Highlands Local Business Awards.
This year, the top gong for Business of the Year went to Our Lawyers in Mittagong. They also won Most Outstanding Professional Service.
Principal solicitor Alana Jacquet said she was surprised by the win.
"It's been rough over the last two years and we are so happy to see the other side and happy to be out," she said.
"Congratulations to everyone."
It was also a big night for Mrs Oldbuck's Pantry, with owner Carol Brown named Business Person of the Year.
The opportunity to celebrate the region's business in a year of uncertainty, restrictions and lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic was not lost on those in attendance.
Winners shared stories of the struggle to remain viable through shutdowns and restrictions. Others referred to uncertainty and concern associated with being shutdown completely for several months.
Many also highlighted the need to boost tourism and the economy in the Highlands after the Sydney lockdown affected businesses in the Southern Highlands.
One thing was certain that all were excited to celebrate a return to business and the honour of the business being recognised for a job well done.
The local businesses awards were held on Wednesday, December 8 at the Mittagong RSL.
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