Ms Laws is the owner of Pilot Station Pizza, and Ms Pandey is the owner of the Costa Rica Motel.

The awards are organised by Destination North Coast NSW and aim to highlight the hard work and dedication of locals who go above and beyond, lead from the front and always put themselves forward to support their team, peers, guests, and the industry.

The ladies were jointly awarded the Kempsey Region Local Tourism Heroes for 2021.

Costa Rica Motel owner, Ms Pandey, grew up on the site of a caravan park that her parents managed and has a lifetime of experience in hospitality.

"I was pretty shocked that I won actually, but obviously I like to be a part of the community, support everyone, and help everyone out in our local area, so for it to be seen and for the award to acknowledge that was really good," Ms Pandey said.

Ms Laws from Pilot Station Pizza was overjoyed with the award.

"I think it's great, and certainly unexpected as it's not something we applied for. I'm just a proud local you know, I do it because I love South West Rocks and not for any other reason, and I don't want to hide things from tourists, I'll tell the world how wonderful it is here and tell them all to come and see it." Ms Laws said.

Pilot Station Pizza also won the Macleay Valley Business Award of Excellence in Small Business, and has qualified for the regional awards in Port Macquarie next month.

Coming into the end of year holidays, hopefully COVID clears up soon so these two can keep providing brilliant service to incoming travellers.

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