During the year we’ve met some inspirational leaders and learners from a variety of businesses – here are some of the most popular stories.
15. Paws and effect: Ewa Mantaj takes a science-based approach to canine care
by Dione David
Ewa Mantaj founded Wollongong K9 Academy last year. Photo: Wollongong K9 Academy.
It was clear from a young age that Wollongong K9 Academy founder Ewa Mantaj was destined to work with animals. From as young as eight she could regularly be spotted walking the dogs of neighbours and family friends.
14. Skydive Australia’s 25-year leap from one Wollongong drop zone to national leader
by Kellie O’Brien
Anthony Boucaut suited up for a jump post IPO day. Photo: Supplied.
From one plane and a drop zone in Wollongong to becoming the world’s largest skydiving company, Skydive Australia started when founder Anthony Boucaut came up with an idea on holiday.
13. Mark Sleigh steps down as tourism boss, praised for ‘dedication and passion’
by Jen White
Mark Sleigh has “loved every second” of his 12 years as General Manager of Destination Wollongong. Photo: Supplied.
A former Edmund Rice College student who led the push to promote his hometown as one of the country’s premier tourist destinations is stepping down after more than a decade. Mark Sleigh held the reigns as General Manager of Destination Wollongong for 12 years.
12. Proud family business heads into its 50th year with third generation in the driver’s seat
by Michele Tydd
Alan Ross, owner and CEO of Ross Transport is handing over the company to his daughter True. Photo: Supplied.
From a meagre one-truck hauling service, Ross Transport has grown into a thriving Illawarra business about to mark its 50th anniversary with its third generational leadership change.
11. Dapto teen’s passion for all things western spurs unique online store success
by Kellie O’Brien
Jayda Barnes has started her own business selling fishing shirts and trucker caps. Photo: Supplied.
A love for horses and all things western inspired 15-year-old student Jayda Barnes from Dapto to launch Dixie Creek Western, an online store selling everything from fishing shirts to trucker caps and genuine cowhide earrings.
10. Callum Crinis cultivates cactus business from humble horticulture hobby
by Kellie O’Brien
Callum Crinis with one of his cactus plants. Photo: Supplied.
A hobby sourcing, propagating and growing cacti not only took over Callum Crinis’ home, but branched into a thriving business that continues to grow.
9. Farmborough Heights nurse comes up with ingenious solution to smelly dog walks
by Zoe Cartwright
Groodle Winnie was the inspiration behind Sarah Ashby’s first foray into business. Photo: Sarah Ashby.
If you’re in love with your dog, but less in love with inhaling the pungent aroma of their poop on long walks, Farmborough Heights woman Sarah Ashby has a home-grown solution for you.
8. Sometimes you need more than a driver – you need a Daisy
by Dione David
Bethany Paterson (with her partner Adam) launched the companion driving service Driving Miss Daisy in Wollongong to give residents a ride to freedom. Photo: Driving Miss Daisy.
Two years ago, Figtree woman Bethany Paterson hit the brakes on her corporate career and steered towards her true calling.
7. Two women overcome disability stigma to build a thriving NDIS business empowering others
by Kellie O’Brien
The Real Car Wash is one of the micro businesses part of Real Life Assistants. Photo: Supplied.
Samantha Hill and Justine Leonard, once hesitant to reveal their own disabilities due to the stigma of being “broken”, have turned their experiences into a thriving NDIS provider, Real Life Assistants.
6. Flipping burgers since 14: Meet the new McDonald’s Warrawong licensee
by Dione David
Sharnae and James Dwarte have taken over McDonald’s Warrawong, realising a lifelong ambition for James. Photo: James Dwarte.
He’s the new licensee of McDonald’s Warrawong, but James Dwarte was practically born under the Golden Arches.
5. Historic Mount Kembla Village Hotel pedals into mountain bike tourism with new cafe and accommodation renovation
by Kellie O’Brien
Outside the Mount Kembla Village Hotel are licensee Daine Blackburn, UCI Bike City ambassador Samara Sheppard and new cafe operator Kath Walshaw. Photo: Supplied.
The historic Mount Kembla Village Hotel has launched a cafe, and renovated its former miners’ lodgings to open accommodation for the first time in decades, to support mountain bike tourism ahead of the upcoming completion of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network.
4. Meet Kanahooka’s Will Green – he’s only 14, but his barber’s business is booming
by Zoe Cartwright
Will Green in his home barbershop with client Dustyn Kotwal. He might be just 14, but Will is already well on the way to his dream career. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
A Kanahooka garage might not be your first pick for a quality barbershop, but 14-year-old Will Green will change your mind.
3. Haworth Guitars to change hands after more than 30 years, but the melody plays on
by Kellie O’Brien
Glenn (second left) with his mum Silvana, sister Deanna Breasley and dad Phil. Photo: Supplied.
From humble beginnings in the family garage in Kiama Downs more than 30 years ago, cherished institutions Haworth Guitars and Haworth Music School have been sold, with the baton passed on to new owners to continue the legacy and name.
2. Nifty knickers designed to deal with women’s ‘everyday annoyance’
by Kellie O’Brien
Bek McAlister with a pair of Luckies Knickers. Photo: Supplied.
Kiama woman Bek McAlister has debuted revolutionary undies to help women deal with daily “undercover” issues – and it was such a simple solution!
1. Albion Park couple’s backyard eucalyptus venture blooms into thriving business
by Kellie O’Brien
Michael and Riani Goodridge from The Eucalyptus House in Albion Park. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
Albion Park couple Michael and Riani Goodridge stumbled upon an unexpected business venture after deciding to sell eucalyptus cuttings instead of discarding them around Mother’s Day two years ago. Their spontaneous decision marked the inception of The Eucalyptus House.
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