Remarkable Regional Business

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Emerging and Energised Award Winner - Making Cents of Money

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Emerging and Energised Award
Business Name: Making Cents of Money
Presented to: Bec Dillon-Hensby 
 
// About the business
Making Cents of Money is a Bendigo-based financial planning business that provides straight-up, no-jargon advice to help people take control of their money and live life on their own terms. Founded by experienced financial planner Bec Dillon-Hensby, the company crafts personalised plans covering budgeting, investing, superannuation and more—making smart money decisions simple, sustainable and tailored to clients’ goals.
 
// Links
https://makingcentsofmoney.com.au/
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Technology and Digital Award Winner - AgriNous Pty Ltd

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Technology and Digital Award
Business Name: AgriNous Pty Ltd
Presented to: Joel Rockes
 
// About the business
AgriNous is an Australian agritech business transforming the livestock industry with cloud-based digital solutions. They build fully integrated tools that connect stock agents, saleyard operators, buyers and sellers, replacing outdated paper systems to boost efficiency, traceability and compliance across the supply chain. Founded to streamline livestock transactions and workflows, AgriNous delivers real-time data, automation and modern technology for smarter livestock management.
 
// Links
https://agrinous.com.au/
https://bbea.com.au/

BBEA 2025 Limited Series - Small and Succeeding Award Winner - White Deer

Bendigo Business Excellence Awards Winners 2025
Awards Category: Small and Succeeding Award
Business Name: White Deer
Presented to: Jacqui Naunton
 
// About the business
White Deer is a Bendigo-based brand and graphic design studio led by Jacqui Naunton that helps heart-led business owners craft strategic, standout visual brands and graphics. They offer both studio-done services and DIY-friendly courses focused on Canva and effective design that elevates business presence and sales. With a passion for design and business strategy, White Deer empowers clients to communicate their value clearly and confidently.
 
// Links
https://whitedeer.com.au/
https://bbea.com.au/

William Abbott - Mount William Station (Part Two)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 40 (Part Two)
 
Guest: William Abbott
Business Name: Mount William Station
Website: https://www.mountwilliamstation.com/
 
In Part Two of this conversation, William Abbott goes deeper into the realities of building and operating a premium destination business in a regional setting. From navigating staff shortages during the great resignation, to building an international live in hospitality program, William shares the practical lessons that only come from being in the business every day. This episode explores leadership, staffing, legacy, financial discipline, and the small moments that define unforgettable guest experiences. At the heart of the conversation is a principle that applies to every industry. When things go wrong, those moments often become the greatest opportunity to show how good your business truly is.
 
Topics Covered:
 
/ Finding exceptional staff in a post pandemic world
William shares how opening Mount William Station during a global labour shortage forced him to think differently about staffing. From recruiting Australia wide to trusting instinct, values alignment, and long interview walks through the garden, this section unpacks how the right people shape the entire experience.
 
/ Building a live in international hospitality program
With a limited local talent pool, William explains how necessity led to creating staff accommodation and a six month live in program for international hospitality professionals. The result is elevated service standards, global experience, and a flexible workforce that can expand and contract with the seasons.
 
/ Turning the family home into a commercial business
Operating a hotel inside the home he grew up in brings moments of nostalgia, tension, and pride. William reflects on balancing memories with modern business realities while still keeping the homestead a place for family gatherings, celebrations, and shared history.
 
/ Honouring one hundred years of stories and heritage
From tennis tournaments and long lunches to wool shed line ups and station legends, William shares the stories that shaped Mount William Station. These stories now form part of the guest experience through farm tours and storytelling that connects visitors to the land and its past.
 
/ Life after corporate banking
After more than a decade in Shanghai working in corporate banking, William reflects on the shift to running his own business in a town of just a few hundred people. He speaks honestly about purpose, pressure, motivation, and why ownership feels fundamentally different to corporate life.
 
/ Why finance backgrounds often create resilient founders
William explains why understanding cash flow, banking language, and financial structure can be the difference between a good idea surviving or failing. He shares how these skills helped create runway, manage risk, and sustain growth.
 
/ Adapting the business model to real demand
From underestimating older travellers to the unexpected growth of weddings and events, William talks through how Mount William Station evolved by paying attention to demand and being willing to lean into opportunities without losing the core vision.
 
/ Creating moments guests remember years later
Rather than focusing only on service delivery, William explains how the goal is to create moments that stand out as highlights of a year. Small gestures, emotional awareness, and empowering staff to act without approval all play a role.
 
/ Lessons from unreasonable hospitality
Drawing on ideas from the bookUnreasonable Hospitality, William shares how empowering teams to fix mistakes generously can turn disappointment into loyalty. When something goes wrong, it is often the moment that defines the brand.
 
/ The hardest truth about business ownership
William closes with an honest reflection. Business is harder than you think. It takes longer, costs more, and demands resilience. But long term commitment, belief in the vision, and persistence through difficult seasons are what make longevity possible. This is Part Two of the conversation with William Abbott.
 
If you have not listened to Part One yet, go back and start there to hear the full story of Mount William Station and how it began.

William Abbott - Mount William Station (Part One)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 40 (Part One)
 
Guest: William Abbott
Business Name: Mount William Station
Website: https://www.mountwilliamstation.com/
 
What happens when a century old family farm becomes the foundation for one of regional Victoria’s most distinctive luxury destination experiences?
In this episode of Remarkable Regional Business, host Caleb Maxwell sits down with William Abbott, the driving force behind Mount William Station. It is a boutique luxury hotel, dining experience, and events destination set on a historic working property in the Grampians. William shares the journey of transforming a multi generation family property into a sustainable and future focused business, while balancing heritage, succession planning, hospitality, and commercial reality. From communal dining and farm to table experiences to global inspiration and partnerships that help solve seasonality, this conversation is full of practical insights that translate far beyond tourism and hospitality.
 
Topics Covered
 
/ Turning a family succession challenge into a destination business
William unpacks how a long and complex succession process led to a bold idea. Create a boutique hotel and events business that could preserve heritage buildings, generate income, and help keep the farm in the family, without compromising the agricultural foundations of the property.
 
/ Designing a guest experience that feels like home
From greeting guests at the door rather than at a reception desk, to shared meals inspired by family dinners, William explains how Mount William Station intentionally recreates the warmth and generosity of a family home, not a traditional hotel.
 
/ Farm to table dining with no set menu
The Mount William dining experience has no menu. Instead, guests enjoy chef led seasonal meals sourced from the garden, farm, and local producers, with each dish explained during service. The result is a dining experience built around connection, conversation, and story.
 
/ Solving seasonality through strategic partnerships
Rather than accepting quiet winter months, William shares how partnerships, including a multi day horse riding experience, transformed low occupancy periods into some of the busiest months of the year.
 
/ Thinking globally while building regionally
William explains how studying world class destination experiences helped set the benchmark for Mount William Station. It lifted standards, sharpened vision, and informed long term strategy.
 
/ Marketing a high commitment premium experience
With a remote location and a premium price point, William discusses why emotive storytelling, clarity of offer, and strong partnerships matter more than simply paying for attention.
 
/ Building high standards through culture and induction
In a regional setting, Mount William Station focuses on warmth, kindness, and genuine country hospitality. William shares how staff induction, cultural buy in, and a strong sense of purpose help maintain quality.
 
This is Part One of the conversation with William Abbott.
Go to Part Two next to hear more of the story and what is coming next for Mount William Station.

Lou Hopwood - LouFit Personal Training (Part Two)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 39 (Part Two)
 
Guest: Lou Hopwood, Owner
Business Name: Lou Fit Personal Training
Website: https://www.loufitpersonaltraining.com.au/
 
Topics Covered:
 
/ Staying in the Game for 15+ Years
In an industry where most personal trainers last just 3–5 years, Louise shares what it has taken to build and maintain a thriving regional gym in Mansfield for more than 15 years – and why sustainability matters just as much as growth.
 
/ Avoiding Burnout When You Are the Business
Early mornings, late nights, family life and her own training – Louise breaks down how she manages it all. She talks about the role of recovery, sleep and having a support team around her (myo, massage, mentors) so she can keep showing up for her clients.
 
/ From “I Can Do Everything” to Zone of Genius
Louise explains how she shifted from trying to do everything herself – bookkeeping, marketing, cleaning and more – to focusing on her zone of genius: being in the room with clients. She shares how bringing in help has allowed her to better serve her community and scale sustainably.
 
/ Client Wins That Really Matter
From being able to hold a new grandchild for an hour to living independently at 81 and feeling less socially isolated, Louise reflects on the everyday wins that define success for her and why she cares more about real life outcomes than personal bests on a barbell.
 
/ Collaboration, Community and Reading People
Louise talks about collaboration over competition in regional towns, how partnerships strengthen community, and the skill of reading people – knowing when to push, when to pull back and how to create a genuinely safe space in the gym.
 
/ Lifelong Learning and What’s Next for Lou Fit
From business mentoring to dropping in on other trainers’ classes while on holidays, Louise explains why ongoing learning is non-negotiable. She also shares what’s next for Lou Fit as her kids grow and she continues to reshape the business to work for her life, not the other way around.
 
Connect with Louise: Train with Lou from anywhere via her live virtual and in-studio classes, and get a feel for the community on Instagram: @loufitpt
 
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Lou Hopwood - LouFit Personal Training (Part One)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 39 (Part One)
 
Guest: Lou Hopwood, Owner
Business Name: Lou Fit Personal Training
Website: https://www.loufitpersonaltraining.com.au/
 
Topics Covered:
 
/ Building a Thriving PT Business in a Town of 12,000
How do you grow and sustain a successful personal training studio in a regional town at the base of Mt Buller? Louise shares the story of building Lou Fit Personal Training over 15 years in Mansfield, and what it really looks like behind the scenes.
 
/ Creating a Community-First Studio for Ages 10–83
Lou unpacks how she’s created a genuinely welcoming space for people aged 10 to 83 – from the “one-percenters” and small personal touches that make clients feel seen, to turning her gym into a true community hub rather than just a place to work out.
 
/ Pivoting to Virtual and Building a Hybrid Model When COVID hit
Lou pivoted overnight to virtual classes to keep her clients moving and connected. She explains how that shift not only kept the doors open but also evolved into a hybrid model that still serves her regional community today.
 
/ Designing Memberships for Real Regional Life
From uni students and “mature moves” clients to farmers juggling seasons and long hours, Lou shares the creative ways she packages memberships so people at different life stages can still access consistent training and support.
 
/ Consistency, Women’s Health and Competing Kindly
Lou talks about running women’s health events for eight years, why consistency matters so much in small towns, and how she chooses to “compete kindly” in a crowded local fitness market – believing there are “enough people for everyone” if you stay in your lane.
 
This is Part 1 of the conversation with Lou – jump into Part 2 next to hear more of her story and practical wisdom for regional business owners.

Paul Olsen - ISH24 Safety & Rescue (Part Two)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 38 (Part Two) 
 
Guest: Paul Olsen, General Manager
Business Name: ISH24 Safety and Rescue
Website: www.ish24.com.au 
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-olsen-bendigo 
 
Topics Covered:
 
/ Navigating Growth and Challenges in a Niche Market
Paul continues the conversation, sharing insights from leading ISH24 through a competitive and highly specialized safety and rescue industry.
 
/ Standing Out in a Competitive Industry
Paul highlights the breadth of ISH24’s services — from equipment sales and servicing to expert training — and explains how their integrated approach sets them apart in a crowded market.
 
/ Training for Community Safety
The discussion turns to the vital role of skilled first aiders on site. Paul shares how ISH24’s training programs, led by current and former paramedics, help businesses maintain safety and preparedness across industries.
 
/ Adapting and Thriving During COVID-19
Paul recounts the challenges of the pandemic and how ISH24 adapted strategically, supporting clients while navigating uncertainty. Their approach to recruitment and operational flexibility ensured continuity and growth.
 
/ Growth Through Adversity
Despite industry setbacks, ISH24 leveraged opportunities to expand, ultimately tripling their business and securing major new clients. Paul reflects on how resilience and strategy fuelled this remarkable growth.
 
/ People, Culture, and Regional Impact
The conversation wraps with insights into proactive recruitment, strong team communication and building a company culture that supports growth — demonstrating how a regional business can have national influence.

Paul Olsen - ISH24 Safety & Rescue (Part One)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 38 (Part One) 
 
Guest: Paul Olsen, General Manager
Business Name: ISH24 Safety and Rescue
Website: www.ish24.com.au
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-olsen-bendigo
 
Topics Covered:
 
/ The Journey to 300 Employees
Paul Olsen shares his journey from stepping into a completely new industry to leading one of Bendigo’s fastest-growing businesses. Today, ISH 24 employs more than 300 people across Australia, delivering specialist safety and rescue services to high-risk industries.
 
/ Understanding Confined Space Management
Paul breaks down the complex world of confined space management – explaining the systems, training and teamwork required to keep people safe in some of the most hazardous environments.
 
/ A National Footprint and Award-Winning Growth
ISH24’s commitment to excellence has earned them both the Business of the Year 2025 and the National Global Footprint Award. Paul reflects on the recognition, the hard work behind it and what it means for a regional business making national impact.
 
/ Training, Consultancy, and Capability
As a Registered Training Organisation, ISH24 delivers industry-leading safety education and consultancy services. Paul shares how the company continues to build capability across mining, emergency response and essential services sectors.
 
/ Growth, People, and Purpose
From managing a growing national team to maintaining strong client relationships, Paul discusses the challenges and lessons of scaling a regional business with purpose and integrity.
 
References:
ISH24 – Safety & Rescue: https://ish24.com.au
Australian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC): https://www.afac.com.au

Bianca Tarrant - Our Cow (Part Two)

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 37 (Part Two) 
Guest: Bianca Tarrant, Co-FounderBusiness Name: Our CowWebsite: https://www.ourcow.com.auLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bianca-tarrant-a73b2519b/
 
Topics Covered:
/ Building Knowledge and a C-Suite Team from the Ground Up
Bianca shares how Our Cow grew by surrounding themselves with skilled mentors, industry experts, and a hand-picked leadership team—despite her and Dave's lack of formal business backgrounds. Their approach: hire people better than you and grow into your leadership role.
 
/ Leading with Culture and Self-Development
As the business scaled, Bianca and Dave learned the importance of personal growth and letting go of control. They focused on improving workplace culture, empowering staff, and showing up as the best versions of themselves.
 
/ The Power of Storytelling and Marketing Through Authenticity
Our Cow’s success was largely driven by grassroots, video-first storytelling on social media. Bianca discusses how transparency, daily farm life, and staying relatable helped build trust with a city-based customer base—and how they inspired other farmers to do the same.
 
/ Evolving Strategy While Staying Customer-Focused
Bianca details how their early desire to serve everyone led to strategic shifts: refining product range, raising prices, and attracting a customer base that values quality and ethics over price. Knowing their customer became key to sustainable growth.
 
/ Navigating Industry Perception and Carving a Niche
Initially met with skepticism, Our Cow earned the respect of the wider agriculture industry by proving their value as a complementary market—not competition. Bianca reflects on their position as industry advocates and change agents.
 
/ What’s Next for Our Cow
With national reach and processing in place, Our Cow is focusing on growing its subscriber base, staying true to its meat-first model, and exploring future retail and international expansion opportunities.
 
/ Women in Agriculture: Breaking Barriers
Bianca speaks candidly about being a young female leader in a male-dominated industry. She shares the challenges of gaining respect, the crucial role of female leaders in Our Cow’s success, and her mission to model inclusive leadership.
 
/ Lessons in Resilience, Delegation, and Asking Bold Questions
From staffing to scale, Bianca shares valuable takeaways—including how asking the right questions led to major breakthroughs (like nearly securing a $10M investor), and why letting go of operations enabled true leadership.
 
/ The Role of Team, Culture and Motivation
Bianca explains how a strong, unified team in Casino has powered their success. Through hiring for attitude, promoting from within, and building a culture of autonomy and trust, they’ve created an A-team that fuels growth and morale.
 
/ Introducing Their New Podcast: Paddock Talk
Bianca announces their new podcast aimed at telling more farmer stories and connecting even deeper with their community.
 
References:
Our Cow – https://www.ourcow.com.au
Paddock Talk Podcast – Available via Our Cow's social platforms