The SPAR Australia annual Gala Awards Dinner was held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on July 30. Over 300 retailers, suppliers and media, as well as the Directors and staff of SPAR Australia joined to celebrate the achievements of SPAR Retailers over the last year. SPAR Maclean had an extremely successful night, walking away with a trifecta of awards, including the Produce Department of the Year (for the third consecutive year), the Deli Department of the Year and the major award of the event, SPAR Store of the Year. This was the second consecutive year SPAR Maclean has taken out the biggest prize, being crowned the SPAR Store of the Year. SPAR Maclean is owned by Bob and Judith Little and is managed by Tina Ross. This unique store proudly claims the title of the longest continually running grocery store in Australia. The fantastic combination of the store’s heritage and the new and exciting modern offer resulting from the renovations completed last year, provides a unique and wonderful feel in the store. Feedback from customers since the refurbishment has been extraordinary and sales have continued to grow. Strong supporters of their local community, SPAR Maclean maintains a high focus on staff presentation and providing exceptional service. Ongoing efforts to continually find new ways to better serve their local community see SPAR Maclean go above and beyond all expectations to provide a superb shopping experience for their customers. With the slogan “We pack, we carry, we care” emblazoned on the front of the store, the team at SPAR Maclean really live and breathe this motto.