Again it was a local business that took out the Best Business in Cabonne award, with Canowindra Pharmacy awarded the top trophy.

Canowindra Pharmacy owner Vicki Grant said on Monday that she and her staff members were still enjoying the unexpected but very welcome honour.

"It really was a surprise and just so unexpected,” Mrs Grant said.

She believed that the service her staff members offer to customers - proven by a mystery shopper - was what marked the business as special.

"We have so much experience between us amongst the staff. They know everybody that comes in and will go out of their way to help people with whatever they need.

"This award is not about me personally, it's about the whole shop and the entire Canowindra Pharmacy staff.”

Mrs Grant said she and her staff had been inundated with congratulations since the Daroo awards ceremony last Friday night at Eugowra.

Along with thanks to her staff and those who nominated her business, Mrs Grant extended her appreciation to the supporters who travelled to Eugowra for the awards ceremony.

She also thanked the BEC, her family and its support of the business, and the other businesses competing in the category, saying "they were worthy competitors and just as deserving”.

In fact Trading Post owner/operators Rob Rogan and Nick Jacobs, also a finalist in the Best Business in Cabonne category, actually encouraged Mrs Grant to enter the Daroo awards, along with Bob Craven, who helped organise a last minute dash to the mail.

"It was lovely to be in such good company and everyone here is just very thrilled.”

Other locals were just as thrilled with their win.

Elizabeth Smith of Finns Old Store Coffee Shop said it was very daunting to discover that the little coffee shop was up against larger function centres like Eat Your Greens.

"We thought there was no way we could compete,” Elizabeth said.

Yet for the second year in a row, Finns Old Store Coffee Shop was the winner in the Hospitality section.

"We had no idea - we didn't even know who were the other finalists in our division. We weren't even sure if they would have separate divisions.”

Elizabeth said she believed that the business' strong community involvement was important in its submission.

They regularly provide display space for local artists, are involved as volunteers with several organisations and support local charities.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate other category winners within the Canowindra group,” Elizabeth said.

"We are proud to be a part of this hard working community.”

SEE INSIDE ON PAGE 59 FOR MORE DAROO COVERAGE AND CATEGORY WINNERS.