Their faces said it all – Paige Wade and Jordan Souter were stunned when their business GTS Farm Supplies was announced as Business of the Year at the 2026 Campaspe Murray Business Awards on Wednesday night.
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And in front of a sellout crowd of more than 300.
The Tongala couple, who took over the diverse ag supplies and home hardware business just five years ago, have turned it into a regional dynamo, with customers stretching as far south as Melbourne.
Paige said signing on the dotted line to take over the operation in 2021 was “a huge leap of faith” but they had been working morning, noon and night since then to not just keep it going but to make it much bigger – and much better.
They weren’t just named business of the year either, they were also named ag business of the year earlier in the night.
She said by joining major buying groups such as AIRR (Australian Independent Rural Retailers) and Total Timber and Hardware they had been able to deliver a huge product range to local buyers at competitive prices.
“Jordan has also worked hard to grow the seed business and that has been a big success,” Paige said.
“We’re a small town but our business model has been to give customers plenty of reasons to come into the store and see us,” she said.
And if ag supplies and hardware aren’t enough reasons, GTS Farm Supplies is also the local butcher, supplying quality cuts from Greenham’s.
Over at Rushworth, Jasmin Le Deux didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when she heard her name read out not once, but twice, at the awards dinner.
First up her Rushworth General Store took out the retail award, and then she was named people’s choice business of the year.
“We’re just so blown away, we love our shop and we are so excited our customers do as well,” Jasmin said.
“We started off a few years ago in a smaller site and early last year moved into our renovated 1890s building,” Jasmin said.
“My husband Tim and I have worked hard to reach this point, he is down there at the crack of dawn every day setting up and I come in after the kids go to school,” she said.
“And our focus has been on quality lines, in women’s clothing, homewares and toys – things of value, things that will last and be valued.
“Like all the other businesses at the awards, we are about the same thing – country and community, and service with a smile because we are all in it together.”
Now in their 24th year, the Campaspe Murray Business Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across a diverse range of industries, recognising the businesses which make a significant contribution to the region's economy and communities.
The awards culminated in a gala presentation at Rich River Golf Club on Wednesday, October 21, bringing together business owners, industry leaders and community representatives from across the Campaspe and Murray regions.
Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood congratulated all finalists and winners, saying the awards showcased the depth of talent and innovation across the region.
"Our businesses are the backbone of our community, and it's wonderful to be able to recognise their dedication, resilience and achievements through these awards.
"The calibre of this year's finalists and the diversity of their locations demonstrates the strength of our local business sector and the important role these businesses play in creating jobs, supporting our communities and driving economic growth."
Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie said it was encouraging to see businesses from across the region recognised.
"It's great to see winners from all corners of the Campaspe Murray region, showcasing the incredible diversity and strength of our local economy.
"These awards celebrate not only business success, but also the innovation, leadership and commitment that continue to shape the future of our region. We hope they inspire ongoing excellence and growth across our business community."
This year's awards featured 76 finalists across 16 categories, with each category independently assessed by external judges who reviewed written submissions and conducted on-site visits to gain a deeper understanding of each business.
CATEGORY WINNERS
The business category winners of the 2026 Campaspe Murray Business Awards are:
Greenham Agri-Business Award: GTS Farm Supplies (Tongala)
Yield Insurance Home Based Business Award: Acre Town Planning (Barham)
Foodmach Manufacturing & Trade Award: Super Clean Linen Service (Echuca)
C4EM Professional Service - Community Award (Small): Moulamein Preschool Inc
Coolabah Turf Professional Service - Community Award (Large): Community Living & Respite Services Inc. (Echuca)
Kagome Health and Wellbeing Award: Moama Dental Clinic (Moama)
Murray Regional Tourism (MRTB) Tourism and Events Award: Shiraz Republic (Cornella)
CVGT Employee of the Year Award – Joint Winners: Josh Petersen - O'Brien Plumbing (Echuca Moama) and Vienna Lelei Castilla - Riverbank Moama (Moama)
Community Bank Rushworth and Tongala New Business Award: My Coffee Cart (Echuca)
Telstra Business Professional Service Business Award: Moama Dental Clinic (Moama)
McPherson Media Group Retail Award: Rushworth General Store (Rushworth)
Rich River Golf Club Hospitality Award: Riverbank Moama (Moama)
Ace Radio / Edge / 2QN Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Chloe Bishop - Chloe Jade Marketing Agency (Moama)
Byford Equipment Apprentice of the Year: Jack Kohn - Payne Plumbing Service (Echuca)
NBN Local Community Minded Business Award: Switched On Electronics (Echuca)
Bendigo Kangan Institute (BKI) Sustainability Award: My Coffee Cart (Echuca)
Nichol Trading People’s Choice: Rushworth General Store (Rushworth)
Business of the Year: GTS Farm Supplies (Tongala)