Mel Rivera and Bill McDeed at their shop in Emu Plains. Photo: Kennedi Geyer
GOURMET Meat Company, based in Emu Heights, has been named Champion in the Butcher category at the 2026 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards, recognising the business as one of the nation’s top performers in its field.
The team was presented with their Champions trophy and winner’s certificate at a prestigious red-carpet ceremony held at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth on Saturday, 27 June. Hosted by Scott Irwin, the gala event – widely regarded as the “Logies of Australia’s trade sector”, attracted trades business leaders from across Australia for an evening celebrating outstanding achievement and industry excellence.
Now in its fourth year, the Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards celebrate and inspire the most dynamic, innovative, and high-performing trades businesses across metropolitan, regional, and rural Australia. In 2026, more than 587 trade small businesses across retail, services, and manufacturing were celebrated.
first prize at the Royal Easter Show this year.
Gourmet Meat Company stood out in the Butcher category, impressing an independent panel of expert judges. Evaluation criteria included business strategy, growth, financial performance, sustainability, innovation, customer service excellence, and community contribution.
“To be recognised as a Champion among businesses from across the country is an outstanding achievement and highlights the hard work, determination and leadership of Gourmet Meat Company” said Steve Loe, Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, which manages the program.
“Tradies form the backbone of Australia’s small business economy. With long hours, tough labour, and the pressures of ownership, it’s vital we acknowledge the businesses that perform at the highest standard, and Gourmet Meat Company is one of them.”
The 2026 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards are proudly sponsored by Westpac, Lifestyle Tradie, NOVA Employment, Xclusive Business Sales, Buy4Tradies, TradieSpec, VJB Group, Castaway Forecasting, Big Clean and MyHR.
For the full list of winners and more information, visit: championawards.com.au/trades
