BUSINESS OF THE YEAR UAINE CANDLES HUNTER VALLEY

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) —Congratulations to Andrew and Suzanne Mason of UAINE Candles who were awarded both the Business of the Year and the general business excellence awards at the recent Hunter Region Business Hub Excellence Awards. The awards were held at the Cessnock Leagues Club late last month and I was thrilled to be there to share in the celebrations. The name UAINE ('oonyah') is Gaelic and means green and verdant reflecting the company's Hunter Valley heritage and their commitment to the environment and the local community. The UAINE manufacturing facility overlooks the Hunter River and interestingly are only metres away from Morpeth's original candle factory established in the 1850's. Following a candle accident in their home Andrew and Suzanne established UAINE Candles with the goal of making beautiful candles that are the cleanest, safest, and healthiest available. UAINE Candles are hand poured using 100 per cent soy wax and the finest fragrances and raw materials available. Unlike most other candles, they contain no chemicals or additives - they are natural and fresh & vegan-friendly. Congratulations Andrew and Suzanne.