General News
26 March, 2026
Businesses named among the best
TERANG and Mortlake will feature prominently in the 2026 IGA Awards of Excellence after stores in both towns were named nominees in multiple award categories.
The awards are held each year in recognition of the achievements and dedication of the stores under the IGA brand.
Bates IGA in Mortlake was nominated in the Small Grocery and Perishables Award, Small Fresh Award, Community Award and the Innovation Award.
Bates IGA manager Ian Mahncke said he was thrilled to learn the store had earned nominations, despite not being sure who nominated the team.
“We’re not sure who nominated us, whether we have mystery shoppers coming in or if it’s purely based on the opinion of the business manager we have, but I think the renovations we’ve recently completed have thrown us in the mix,” he said.
“It’s a credit to our staff who do a terrific job for our customers, so it’s nice to be nominated.
“To win any category would be a nice little bonus as well, but to be nominated in these categories proves that we’re doing something right – not only in this industry but for our customers as well.”
Mr Mahncke said he expected the competition would be pretty stiff but hoped renovations, which were completed last year after years of efforts to expand the store, would push the team over the line.
“The renovations were our second go – we did other renovations back when the gas fire power station was being built out here,” he said.
“The most recent upgrades were an expansion of space.
“We think we’re better utilising the space we have and it’s nice to be recognised that our efforts are worthy.”
The Terang and District Co-op SUPA IGA was named a finalist in the Community Award and Customer Experience Award.
Terang and District Co-Op SUPA IGA supermarket manager Paul Bailey said it was pleasing to see the nominations aligned with aspects of business which the store emphasises.
“One is the Customer Excellence Award for excellent customer service throughout the whole supermarket, from the front end through to the deli,” he said.
“We try to help people out, to show them where stuff is and provide as much assistance as we possibly can.
“The Community Award would be for all our sponsorships, donations and hampers that we provide to groups throughout the year.”
Mr Bailey said it was important to go beyond just stocking shelves, ensuring customers are well catered to through a store which actively works to give back to its community.
“We pride ourselves on our service throughout our business,” he said.
“It’s the little things.
“It’s not just pointing and saying something is down there, it’s taking the customer to what they’re looking for.
“If a customer is looking for something we don’t have we try our best to get it in.
“We think that kind of direct customer service is something which sets us apart from the major chains.”
Mr Bailey said to even be nominated was a credit to the hard work and dedication of staff members.
“I’m very proud of our team,” he said.
“We’re all proud of the store and we’re all part of the business.
“We love coming to work, and we’re proud of what we do.
“It is one of those things where I think the results speak for themselves.”