Showing how talent usually rises to the top, one of our best-established local businesses, was recently recognised with a major award for worker relations.

Business NSW announced Ben Furney Flour Mills the winner of the Employer of Choice Award – for companies with more than 20 employees – at the 2024 Western NSW Business Awards, held at Rydges Mount Panorama, Bathurst, in late May.

As most locals already know, Ben Furney Flour Mills is an Australian family-owned and operated flour business based in Dubbo in the heart of the NSW wheat belt, and has been in operation for more than 60 years.

The judges – both senior human resource practitioners from outside the region – spoke highly of Ben Furney Flour Mills and their employee relations, with feedback including:

“Congratulations on the initiatives and practices put in place to develop a positive workplace culture.

“Great to see the focus on internal talent development and creating genuine career paths. A phenomenally-low attrition rate, which indicates employees are very happy and engaged.

“This is an excellent submission that clearly sets-out significant business-savvy decision-making and employee-focused outcomes.

“Your programs such the Career Path Matrix, the employee centric approach to hiring, your inclusive hiring practices, particularly in respect of diverse age groups, and your Employee Assistance Programs are excellent to see,” the judges concluded.

Ben Furney Flour Mills, CEO, Sarah Furney, said the win was both gratifying and unexpected.

“We are delighted and a little surprised, we had some tough competition, so we are very honoured to be recognised by our industry peers to be the employer of choice,” Ms Furney said.

“We would like to thank our team for making everyday a rewarding one at the Mill,” she added.

Western NSW, Business NSW, Regional Director, Vicki Seccombe, said that the awards are designed to highlight the dynamic and enterprising corporations and small businesses, operating in the bush.

“The Western NSW Business Awards are all about celebrating and showcasing the diverse array of talent in Western NSW’s business community,” she said.

“This year’s winners, should feel incredibly proud to be named as the region’s leading businesses and leaders for 2024.”

Ben Furney Flour Mills, alongside other fellow winners such as, Westfund Health Insurance, who took-out the Western NSW’s 2024 Business of the Year Award, will go on to represent the Western NSW region at the State Business Awards in Sydney in October.