Gerald Lynch
Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) receiving double honours at the recent Hume Business awards.
The Craigieburn-based not-for-profit organisation received the award for innovation and continuous improvement, while chief executive and founder Marisa Debattista also claimed the Hume Business Leader accolade.
She said she was elated to receive the awards off the back of a mountain of hard work.
“When they read out my name I was stunned, I am so honoured to have been chosen as the 2023 Hume Business Leader,” she said.
“I am truly grateful for this award and would like to thank the team at the Hume City Council for their constant support and belief in the work we do at SCAR, and in my abilities as a leader in the community.
“I would also like to acknowledge my entire team, without these amazing people behind me I would not be where I am today.”
Since SCAR opened up in 2008, they have rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed more than 15,000 displaced cats and dogs who were in need of a new start.
Ms Debattista is proud of the work her team has done to help not only the animals but also their prospective owners.
“We have also started many pet outreach programs, aimed at helping disadvantaged pet owners to care for and keep their pets in times of crisis,” she said.
“The work we do at SCAR literally saves lives, and not just the lives of animals. Pets bring so much to our community, and sometimes a pet is the only companionship and support that a person has in their lives… so looking after their pet means the world to them.”
Also winning awards were Campbellfield caterers Hearty Health for food manufacturing, Craigieburn’s Vietnamese Restaurant VHM Bros for visitor economy, and the Melbourne Airport Holiday Inn for customer service.
