Business Achievement Award Winners


The Commerce Ballarat Business Achievement Award congratulates and honours the significant contribution that an individual or business has made to the Ballarat community as a whole.
 

Previous Winners of the Commerce Ballarat Business Achievement Award...

2019 - Kay Macaulay
2018 - Award not allocated due to 30 Year Celebrations
2017 - David Haymes, Haymes Paint
2016 - Bruce E. Bartrop, Bartrop Real Estate
2015 - Joe Ballinger
2014 - Allan ‘Doug’ Douglas Sarah OAM
2013 - Barbara Hughes OAM
2012 - Geoff Torney AM, BJT Legal
2011 - Bill Flynn OAM, WM Flynn

2019
Kay Macaulay

IMGBorn 1949 to Joan and Ted Fanning, Kay Macaulay has fond memories of growing up in the working class suburb of Coburg, playing in the streets with younger sisters, Helen and Joy.

Encouraging them to strive for excellence in all that they did, Kay’s father would be very proud of his 3 girls.

After year 9, Kay left St Raphael’s Catholic School to undertake a Secretarial course at Northcote Business College, topping the class with a 98% grade for shorthand.

A junior stenographer at 16, Kay learnt the “ins and outs” of working in an office at Miller Rope Works in Brunswick.

In 1974, Kay married Steve. Life was then hectic with two young children, Dean and Erin. To supplement the family income, Kay worked nights at the Melbourne Hilton.

The family moved to Ballarat. In 1986 Kay started in a support role at the Australian Chamber of Manufacturers, now the Australian Industry Group, and enjoyed the vibrancy, creativity and innovation of the manufacturing sector.

Kay’s valuable contribution over 28 years ensured a strong representation for the manufacturing sector at local, state and national levels. Enjoying great rapport with members, Kay forged close relationships with local council, Government, educational institutions and other business bodies.

Involved with the children’s schools, Kay held position as President and then member of the Alfredton Primary School council.

Joining Zonta was an opportunity to see how service Clubs enrich the lives of people locally, nationally and abroad.

Kay co-ordinated a number of networking groups, including BROSH, established in 1974.

Passionate about encouraging young people to enter trades, Kay developed strong networks with local schools and TAFE, and 15 years ago introduced the Mindshop Program into Ballarat.

Another career highlight in the early two thousands, was the birth of B31, and Kay’s passion ensures it continues today.

A member of the Australian Institute of Directors, Kay has sat on numerous Boards and Committees, too many to mention.

In 2010, Kay was recognised as one of Ballarat’s Great Women. The Women’s Health Grampians award was presented at a Zonta International Women’s Day celebration.

Kay was involved with the inaugural committee for Springfest, Awarded the Paul Harris Fellow in 2014, and undertook the Rotary Leadership Institute program in 2017. A member of Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast, Kay is the epitome of a Rotarian, serving as secretary, program coordinator, publicity director and social committee convenor, and hands on to this day.

After retiring from the Australian Industry Group in 2015, Kay was enjoying the freedom of doing whatever she wanted. Six months into retirement Kay was invited to join the V/Line Board as a Non-Executive Director. This has proven to be one of her most challenging roles, learning much about rail and seeing an enormous growth in patronage across Victoria.

Kay and Steve have travelled the globe, with many more places yet to visit. They are very proud of their children Dean and Erin, and their partners Mel and Dan. More than anything they love being grandparents to Maddy, Brigitte and Angus- perhaps Kay would say her greatest achievement.

2017
David Haymes, Haymes Paint

img.David was born in 1943 and adopted by Mavis and Henry Haymes - his mother Mavis always said she and Henry chose him because he was special. David attended Ballarat Clarendon College and was a keen sportsman.

David’s father (Henry) died when David was 12 years old, his uncles then took on the running of his company.  When David was ready to enter the workforce, his uncles encouraged him to find employment outside of the company – he would need to earn his position at Haymes Paint.

After six years learning and developing his skills with Paddles Shoes and Clarkes Shoes subsidiary Hush Puppies, David was offered a position at Haymes Paint.  He married Jenny in May 1967 and began at Haymes Paint two weeks later.  David started at the bottom, first as a storeman then in the factory.  He progressed quickly, in 1968 he became Assistant to the Manager. When a vacancy arose on the Board of Directors David was nominated and became a member of the Board.

In 1971 David was promoted to Manager of the Haymes Paint subsidiary company Hayccl Chemicals. When the Haymes Paint General Manager retired in 1974 David was one of two applicants for the position, the Board appointed David Haymes as Managing Director and Company Secretary. At the time of his appointment the company was lacking direction and financially was unable to pay its bills.  Using his business acumen David restructured the business to streamline its product range and target customer base. 

In 1988 David and Jenny Haymes purchased the shareholding of the company to become the sole proprietors of Haymes Paint.

In 2002 David was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Business by the University of Ballarat for his outstanding service to business and the community. 

 In 2006 David was named on the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll for his outstanding contribution to manufacturing excellence in Victoria.

In 2008 David Haymes retired from the day to day operations of the business, David remains as Chairman of the Haymes Paint Board.

David learnt from his father Henry the importance of community service, he joined the Apex club in 1967 – in 1986 David was made a Life Member of the Wendouree Apex Club.

David was a member of the Rotary Club for 8 years, in the 1980’s and 1990’s David and Jenny were involved in hosting Rotary Exchange students from South Africa, Norway, Japan, Denmark and Finland.  David was also the Counsellor for outgoing students.

As a business leader in the community David has contributed to many Boards including, McCallum Foundation, LLEN, AIGroup, Family Business Australia and the Ballarat Mechanics Institute to name a few.

David and Jenny have three children (Belinda, Matt and Tim) and are the very proud grandparents of six grandchildren (Chloe, Joel, Gemma, Gabrielle, Riley and Charlotte)

2016
Bruce E. Bartrop, Bartrop Real Estate

Bruce_BartropBruce has a strong commitment to the Ballarat community. He was the founding secretary of the 1st Mt. Clear Scouting Group in the 1960s and held numerous portfolio positions with Ballarat Apex, which included being President in 1964 and serving as a District Governor before his appointment as an Honorary Life Member in 1977.

He also joined Wendouree Rotary in 1974, became its President in 1977 and was appointed as an assistant to the District Governor in 1978. He was Conference Chairman of the District and was appointed a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary circa 1981. He is still an active member of Rotary today.

Bruce was Chairman of the major Ballarat Base Hospital Appeal in 1978 and was appointed a Life Governor of the hospital in that year. He was also appointed a Life Governor of the Queen Elizabeth Geriatric Centre in 1991, a Life Member of the Ballarat Children’s Homes in 1988 and was a Governor of the Ballarat District Community Fund.

He was an inaugural member of the Board of the Ballarat Health Services Foundation and was its Chairman in 2005. In that same year he was also appointed a Life Governor of Ballarat Health Services.

Bruce was also an inaugural member of the Committee of the then Ballarat Chamber of Commerce and served as its President in 1977.

2015
Joe Ballinger

2015 Retirement as VS&L managing director in 1992 led to Joe becoming:
• A director of Ballarat Credit Union/Gold Credit
• Member of McCallum House Committee of Management
• Chair of Central Highlands Water regional water authority
• And mentor to two of his children who were establishing businesses.

Joe spent about 15 years on the CHW board – eight as chairman. During this time, CHW made substantial gains in securing a quality water supply and sewerage treatment plants for Ballarat and much of the Central Highlands region.

In 2000 Joe was elected chair of McCallum Disability Service; the position he still holds today. Under his leadership McCallum has been transformed from a struggling enterprise to the strongest disability service provider in the Grampians region.

He is a sporting enthusiast having played Australian Rules, tennis, golf, cricket, basketball and indoor bias bowls.

Joe’s service also extends to many community organisations with perhaps the most predominant being the Ballarat and District Trotting Club committee of which he has been a member for more than 20 years, from 1994 until 2015. He was a member of Ballarat Rotary Club, chaired the St Patrick’s Cathedral restoration committee and the parish finance committee and was a member and chair of several school committees and coached junior football teams.He has also been a representative on numerous industry bodies.

2014
Allan ‘Doug’ Douglas Sarah OAM

2014 Raised and educated in Ballarat, Doug grew up in his family home in Howitt Street along with his younger brother and twin sisters. He attended Macarthur Street Primary School and completed his education at Central Tech. He often credits his mother as the strong, defining influence through his childhood.

Doug began his career in retail and spent 10 years building up his skills before opening his own menswear store, Mr Casual, in 1960. For nearly 20 years Doug put in long hours with no holidays to develop his business. His dedication paid off, enabling him to purchase Shirt Stockade and expand Mr Casual to Warrnambool.

Doug often quipped that his goal was to retire at the age of 45 and the success of Mr Casual allowed him to meet this goal. However, Doug did not retire to do nothing; instead he invested his time and expertise into many theatrical, community and business groups. He went on to spend three years as Manager of Small Business Victoria before moving on to manage Greenhill Enterprise Centre at the University of Ballarat.

Doug also took his business expertise and became Chairperson of Victorian Business Enterprise Centres which educated people how to successfully venture into their own small business. He was part of the committee that formed the Ballarat Business Enterprise Centre where he was made Patron.

Doug has always had a passion for the arts. After a 10-year association with Ballarat Lyric Theatre, Doug joined Ballarat National Theatre where he spent 36 years as a board member, including 14 years as president, before standing down in 2009. He has also been an active member of the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery.

In addition to being an active member in the arts community, Doug played an integral part in the development of Sovereign Hill’s renowned Blood on the Southern Cross sound and light show. It was not uncommon to see Doug and his good friend Peter Tobin walking the main street of Sovereign Hill in their 40th Regiment of Foot uniforms. He then went on to sit on the board of Sovereign Hill from 1981 – 2012. Doug also served as Chairman of the Ballarat Tourism Board for 15 years, now BRT.

Although investing a lot of time in the development of new business, Doug was also instrumental and in some cases the founding party in some of Ballarat’s key community groups including Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast, Wendouree Women’s and Men’s Probus Clubs and Wendouree Rotary Club.

His tireless work was acknowledged in January 2007 when Doug was awarded with the prestigious Order of Australia medal.

In recognition of his contributions to the economic environment, arts and community in Ballarat, Doug was presented with a doctorate of the University Honoris Causa by Federation University Australia in 2008.

By his side have been his devoted daughters, Virginia and Olivia and partner Penny.

Doug has been and continues to be an advocate for business, tourism and the arts in our community.

2013
Dame Barbara Hughes OAM D.S.J

2013 Barbara Hughes has provided many years of service to the Ballarat business sector and community and is a highly respected figure in the business and not-for-profit sectors.

Barbara has significant business experience and a long career in management with the Victorian Chamber of Manufacturers and the Ballarat Chamber of Commerce.

Barbara launched her own business in 1979; one of the first employment agencies in Victoria.

In 1982, Barbara was elected as a Shire of Ballarat Councillor, representing the Wendouree Riding, and went on to serve as Shire President in 1992.

During her role as Secretary of Ballarat Chamber of Commerce, Barbara created the Ballarat Business Excellence Awards which has evolved into one of the most respected awards within our region.

In 1996 Barbara was honoured by the State Government with an award recognising her service to local government and community. She was the Ballarat Citizen of the Year in 2011.

Barbara has been an active member of several organisations including, Ballarat Stereo Radio, Ballarat Aquatic Centre, Ballarat Area Planning Committee, Ballarat School of Mines & Industries Council, Group Apprenticeship Scheme Committee and Ballarat Regional Board along with several committees to do with state and regional planning and development.

Following her retirement, Barbara has worked tirelessly to support Ballarat District Nursing and Healthcare, sitting on the Committee of Management from 2001-2010 and serving as Chair for three years.

Barbara was instrumental in the writing of Nurse on Wheels, a book that recounts Ballarat District Nursing Healthcare’s history, and which was released for the organisation’s centenary in 2011.

2012
Geoff Torney AM, BJT Legal

2012Geoff Torney A.M. is a well known and highly respected figure in legal, racing and Catholic education circles in Ballarat and beyond. During more than 40 years service to legal firm Byrne Jones & Torney (BJT Legal) Mr Torney earned a reputation for commitment, dedication and client relations that his partners and colleagues can only hope to emulate.

Mr Torney did not restrict his zest for excellence to his legal firm; he took it to many community organisations which have benefited greatly from his involvement.

Apex, Ballarat Water Board, the Sportsmen’s Club, Ballarat Special School, Ballarat Regional Industries and The Courier Charity Fund and Rural Press Limited are just some of the recipients of his expertise. Others are the Law Institute of Victoria, the Victorian Legal Practice Board and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Also central to Mr Torney’s life are horse racing and Catholic education.

So involved was he in the racing industry that Mr Torney holds life membership to all metropolitan racing clubs. This involvement has included Ballarat Turf Club, Victorian Country Racing Council, Moonee Valley Racing Club and heavy involvement in the privatisation of Tabcorp and restructure of the racing industry.

Such was his involvement with the Catholic Diocese and Catholic education that Mr Torney holds the Order of St Gregory the Great – a Papal award for service to the Ballarat Diocese. He has a 30-year association with the Australian Catholic University through its Aquinas campus and various boards and chapters, is a legend of St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, and has been a member and chairman of several Catholic school committees.

Despite these many activities, Mr Torney lists “family” as his major interest – his wife Janet, and their five children while Geelong Football Club also holds a place in his heart.

2011
Bill Flynn OAM, WM Flynn

2011Bill Flynn founded W.M. Flynn Pty Ltd in 1950 and continues to be closely involved with the company; it is one of the most successful family building companies in Victoria. Trading for more than 60 years, the company has constructed a number of Western Victoria’s commercial buildings including schools, hospitals and public buildings.

However in addition to his business achievements, Bill has actively engaged in leading community organisations and volunteered his time and energies in the affairs of local council and community groups.

These engagements are many and varied, and include but are in no way limited to: planning and overseeing the  construction of the new library for the Central Highlands Regional Library Service; instigation of the transformation of the former Ballarat common to an industrial estate to employ hundreds of Ballart workers; Councillor for the Shire of Ballarat for 18 years and elected Shire President in 1982 and 1991; Director and Trustee of Ballarat High School Co-operation; board member, trustee and associate Governor for the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation; Past President of the Dunnstown Football Club and Life Member; and one of the longest serving members of the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

Bill has taken on these roles with the interest of the community at heart and has freely given his time to the benefit of the Ballarat region. Last year, Bill and wife Mollie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have six children and nine grandchildren.