“This long time incredibly hard working business leader began her association with what was then the Chamber of Commerce not long after she and her family moved to Deni about 1993,” Mrs Simpson’s citation read.
“Not only has this Chamber Champion been involved as a member, president and mentor for the business chamber, she has also given to our business and community by serving on council and was the inaugural president of the Deni Play on the Plains Festival.
“To this day she still holds a board position with the Ute Muster, along with being one of the team who has worked tirelessly to ensure our stunning golf club has not only survived but thrived.”
Mrs Simpson has also been a strong advocate for water issues, and involved in so very many other important matters for Deni businesses.
Mrs Simpson said she was surprised at last Friday night’s award announcement at the Business Excellence Awards.
“It was quite a humbling experience. You don’t do what you do for praise, you do it because you enjoy it,” she said.
“If you keep doing it you tend to roll together a few awards along the way. It was nice to be acknowledged.
“I’ve rolled from one thing to another. When I was at chamber I saw how much chamber and council needed to work together.
“We weren’t getting that far at that stage. We tried to help get people to visit Deniliquin. We also held a town raffle, Indonesian festival and other things which were opportunities to add excitement to the town and its businesses.
“I’ve always enjoyed seeing the outcomes of what we’ve done.”
Mrs Simpson said business and the volunteer base in the community - which she identified needed a huge boost - were the backbone of the community.
She also reminded people that shopping local is the best way to support your local community.
“The general public needs to recognise that businesses invest a lot of their own money, for their benefit of course, but also for the community and to provide services for us.
“We should recognise how lucky we are.”
Sponsored by Deniliquin Business Chamber.
