THE Port Authority of NSW has taken out two awards at the 2021 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards, being named Illawarra Business of the Year and winner of the Excellence in Business Award.
Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday said he was honoured that the region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra, selected its Port Kembla site as a winner.
“We couldn’t be prouder,” Captain Holliday said.
“This award gala ceremony is a great opportunity for Port Authority to celebrate with the other winners and finalists in what has been a very challenging year for so many businesses in the Illawarra district.
“However, despite these challenges, we have made it our mission to ensure we keep Port Kembla safe, secure and open for trading with the world in a bid to keeping businesses and industries afloat.”
He said being named Business of the Year was only possible because of the incredible crew working at Port Kembla, led by harbour master Sharad Bhasin and head of operations Peter Ernst.
Mr Ernst said the swards were the result of the outstanding commitment by staff who have worked hard to keep the port running efficiently over the course of the past 12 months.
“It is no secret that COVID has brought with it a new way of life for everyone, however, we have stayed focused on the job at hand and proven ourselves to be resilient and adaptable to change,” he said.
“Our staff at Port Authority, who are locals too, have found it incredibly rewarding to support their customers including local businesses they know well.
“By managing the navigation, security and operational safety needs of commercial shipping, Port Authority of New South Wales continues to play a leading role in ensuring our ports can deliver prosperity to the Illawarra and all of NSW,” Mr Ernst said.
