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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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.