Kiama businesses continue to be recognised, with three awards picked up at last week’s 2022 Local Business Awards Illawarra and South Coast, sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank.

Miss Arda was named Outstanding Restaurant, Gerringong’s Hill to Air took out Outstanding Photography Business and Sam Scobie of Ray White Kiama won the Youth award.

“It was a pretty tough year, and to get recognition like this is pretty nice,” says Miss Arda’s Emily Lewisman.

“So much has changed in this last year - with coming out of lockdown and me having a baby - I was so excited for the hard work of our staff to have paid off with a regional award.

“You need to have customers vote for you to make it to the finals, so that is pretty special to have had their support.”

As for the year ahead, Emily hopes to hold more brunches and events, introduce a new menu and be open more for breakfasts over the summer.

Trent Hilaire says his Gerringong based video production house, Hill to Air, is a great way for local businesses to tell their stories in an increasingly important format.

“Video viewing accounts for 80% of all internet traffic,” he says. “We are mostly helping South Coast businesses at the moment, but are looking to extend further afield. We have a very talented crew on board.”

He has been in the industry since 2017, and founded the company in late 2019. It is the second time it has been a finalist in the Photography award.

Sam Scobie, 20, is delighted to have won the Youth Award for the enthusiasm he has brought to his role at Ray White Kiama, where he is using his IT skills to improve efficiencies.