“The 2009 Mudgee Clock Awards night has finally arrived,” president Ann Wormald said.

“Tonight we will have the pleasure of acknowledging 10 businesses whose submissions have won them the award for their category.

“Those involved in the judging process in 2009 have commented on the high standard of the submissions and how difficult it was to make decisions in many of the categories. Each year, the standard seems to lift which can only be a good sign for the future of businesses in Mudgee.

“Three businesses will also be awarded the ‘most popular business’,’ best new business’ and we will have an inaugural winner of the ‘award for disability access.

“Then, of course, there is the moment that we all wait for each year - the winner of the Clock Award. It is always fantastic to see the looks on the faces of the people whose business has won the award. They are just so excited when they hear their name read out. It makes all the hard work by the members of our Rotary Club worthwhile”.

Guest speaker for tonight’s gala awards presentation dinner is well-known Mudgee wine identidy David Lowe.

The master of ceremonies is ABC Western Plains morning presenter Dugald Saunders.

The night kicks off at 6.30pm for a 7pm start at Oatley Wines’ Craigmoor. Snake Creek Cattle Company Catering and Events will be providing a sumptuous feast.

Profits from the 2009 Clock Awards are being donated to Carewest Lodge and are being matched up to $4000 by the Mudgee Guardian and The Weekly.