Susan Finn of Burnetts On Barney was named as the region's Outstanding Employee at the 2021 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards last Friday.

“It is nice to be able to sing her praises because she never would,” says the owner of the garden centre, Elizabeth Burnett.

“We opened this together and our partnership has helped the business get to this point.

“Susan embodies all we would like Burnetts to represent – she is knowledgable, friendly and has a community focus.”

The first Susan heard about the nomination was when the six finalists were announced.

“I was blown away and honoured,” she says.

“I love working here – it is my second home.

“Elizabeth and Andrew are great employers that allow me to have some autonomy in my role, so I can constantly grow.”

Susan with Elizabeth Burnett, at the Garden Centre they built together

The trained horticulturist has worked for them for eight and a half years, starting when the garden centre was just an idea. She was chosen for the award after being interviewed by two judges.

Susan says the COVID period was challenging, and reinforced the importance of working as a team.

“We were fortunate to be able to stay open as an essential service, but the pressures that came from being able to do that were great.

“People very much appreciated the efforts we made, and during that time we became an important community hub when people were feeling alone.

“We had people coming in every day for some company.”

Burnetts itself was named as a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category, with two other local businesses also recognised for their efforts by being named as finalists - Jamberoo Action Park, Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality; and Finocomp, Excellence in Import & Export.