When Shantell Gannon and her husband Brenton packed up their life in Wagga Wagga in December 2023, they had one goal: to build something of their own in Griffith.

Eighteen months later, Shantell found herself on stage at the Piccolo Family Farm, collecting not one, not two, but three trophies at the Griffith Business Chamber awards.

Businesswoman of the Year, Outstanding New Business, and Local Outstanding Customer Service Winner for automotive services – a hat trick that would make any entrepreneur proud.

"We're in a very male-dominated industry and try and promote women to work here," Shantell explains, her enthusiasm evident as she talks about Griffith Panel and Paint on Willandra Avenue.

It's not just talk, either. Walk into their workshop and you'll find two female spray painters showing the blokes how it's done.

"The girls in the workshop are great; they usually tell the guys what to do," she laughs.

The journey to Griffith began in December 2023 when Shantell, originally from Tumut, and her Griffith-born husband Brenton decided to take the leap into business ownership.

After 13 years building their life in Wagga, it was time for something new.

"I really like Griffith; I find it friendlier here," she reflects. "It's nice working with my husband every day; we work very well as a team."

While Brenton handles the technical side in the workshop, Shantell manages the administrative backbone that keeps any small business running – payroll, estimates, quotes, and jumping in wherever hands are needed.

"I do a lot of the admin and payroll, estimates for quotes and go and help them out the back when needed."

Starting a business in a new town comes with its challenges, but the response from the Griffith community has been overwhelmingly supportive. "As a new business, it means a lot to have so much support both locally and within Griffith," Shantell says.

Her individual recognition as Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by Griffith Women in Business, holds particular significance. The community group was formed to connect, support and inspire local women – values that align perfectly with Shantell's approach to her own business.

When it comes to encouraging other women to follow their entrepreneurial dreams, Shantell's advice is refreshingly direct: "Always follow your dream and don't let anyone stop you from doing what you do. Don't let being a female stop you from making it in a male-dominated industry."

It's advice she's clearly taken to heart herself. Every time they advertise a position at Griffith Panel and Paint, they actively encourage women to apply. It's a small but significant step towards changing the demographics of an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men.

The awards night at Piccolo Family Farm, attended by 220 guests, celebrated businesses across multiple categories.

Nutrition expert Cassandra Irvin, a previous Businesswoman of the Year winner, took home the Excellence in Micro Business prize.

Young entrepreneur Ben Ellevsen, just 18 years old, saw his Peeches Coffee Lounge recognised for the best coffee in town.

But for Shantell, standing on that stage collecting her three awards, the recognition represented something more than business success.

It validated the decision to take a risk, to start fresh in a new community, and to challenge the status quo in her industry.

As she settles into life in Griffith, building both her business and her place in the community, Shantell's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the biggest rewards come from the biggest leaps of faith.

And judging by those three trophies now sitting in the Griffith Panel and Paint office, this particular leap has landed exactly where it was meant to.

Griffith Panel and Paint is located on Willandra Avenue, Griffith. For automotive repair services, contact the business directly.