Agent breaks news ground for State award

Running a business like a football team and ensuring "fresh legs" has been credited for a Bunbury newsagency winning one of the industry's top State honours at the weekend.

Nextra Crosslands News was announced as the Lotterywest lottery retailer of the year at Saturday's WA Newsagent Industry Awards for Excellence.

It capped off an excellent night for Bunbury newsagents, with Central News Bunbury named WA retail newsagent of the year.

Nextra Crosslands News owner Mark Dennis has been in the industry for 25 years in both Harvey and Bunbury and said it was "gratifying" to be named the State's best after so long as a newsagent.

Mr Dennis credited his team for their involvement in winning the award and also congratulated Central News on its prize.

"It was exciting, we were up against some outstanding outlets across WA and there is some very high-profile outlets around," Mr Dennis said.

"It was very gratifying and humbling to even be named as a finalist.

"Bunbury has done very well in the awards, picking up the two majors for the State and we certainly showed the Perth metro area what to do."

Part of the newsagency's submission outlined its involvement in community groups and activities such as seniors bingo.

Sales manager Tash Babich said the newsagency's staff were proud to be acknowledged.

"I was stoked because we put so much effort into the business and what we do for the community," she said.