Hard work and dedication have paid off for In-Depth Landscape Construction CEO Sarah Bateman, who was recently named Business Person of the Year at the Canberra Region Local Business Awards, up against a strong field of business leaders.
In-Depth was also nominated in the highly competitive Service and Trade category, highlighting a strong commitment to excellence. CW spoke with Sarah to celebrate the award and gain insights into her success and the achievements of In-Depth.
What does winning the Business Person of the Year mean to you and your team?
Being named a finalist in this category among such accomplished business leaders was humbling in itself, so receiving this award is truly a privilege and an incredible honour. Being a business owner is no easy task—there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work and countless hours that people don’t see. But I wouldn’t change it for the world because I’m doing something I truly love. I like to be the quiet achiever, not bring any attention to myself, so I honestly never imagined I would receive this kind of recognition.
But I believe that this award is not just for me, it is also for my husband Justin, as it validates our efforts and reflects the culture we’ve built together. For our amazing team, it embodies the collective passion, commitment, and excellence that they bring to work every day. Without all their hard work and dedication, I would not be the leader I am today. This acknowledgment has motivated us to keep pushing the boundaries, supporting our clients, and contributing to our community. It’s a celebration of what we have all achieved together, and I am incredibly proud to have such a phenomenal team by my side.
Can you describe the moment you found out you had won the award? How did you celebrate?
When they announced the list of finalists, I already felt proud just to be named among so many amazing businesspeople—it was an achievement in itself. I was sitting with a few of our team members and my husband, and seeing all the finalists was nerve-wracking because they had all achieved so much. My team were joking around and just as they announced the winner, they said my name. Then it was repeated by the presenter and I had a “pinch-myself” moment, it felt a bit surreal, as if time stood still. To celebrate, I shared the moment with my husband and business partner, Justin, who has supported me every step of the way, as well as some of our amazing team. We had a few celebratory drinks and took time to reflect on how far we’ve come as a business. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever and a milestone that inspires me to keep pushing forward.
What have been the key contributors to In-Depth’s success?
I believe In-Depth’s success comes down to several key contributors:
Our incredible team: At the heart of our business is a talented, hardworking, and passionate team. Each team member brings unique skills and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results. I believe their dedication is what truly sets us apart.
Client-centred approach: We have always prioritised our clients, focusing on their needs and delivering solutions that exceed expectations. Building strong relationships and maintaining open communication have been instrumental in earning trust and loyalty.
Innovation and quality: Staying at the forefront of industry trends and using high-quality materials are central to our work. We strive to deliver cutting-edge solutions that maintain the highest standards.
Community support: The Canberra community, along with our clients, suppliers, and supporters, have played a significant role in our growth. We’re proud to be able to give back by sponsoring local teams and initiatives, helping strengthen the community that supports us.
Each of these elements has been vital in building a company we’re truly proud of, and we’re excited to continue to grow, push boundaries and deliver exceptional results.
How important is the support of the local community to the success of local businesses?
Community support is absolutely vital for the success of any local business, it’s the foundation on which businesses like ours are built. For In-Depth, the community provides not just clients but also vital connections, partnerships, and a sense of belonging. Local support creates opportunities for growth while inspiring us to give back. It’s a two-way street: as we thrive, we reinvest in the community through sponsorships, job creation, and initiatives that will benefit everyone. A strong, supportive community not only helps businesses succeed but also strengthens the local economy and fosters resilience. We are deeply grateful for the trust and encouragement we’ve received from the Canberra region—it inspires us to keep reaching higher.
What role do local/small businesses play in shaping the identity and economy of Canberra?
I strongly believe local/small businesses are the backbone of Canberra’s identity and economy, they bring vast amounts of diversity and innovation, and add that personal touch that larger corporations often cannot replicate. We all contribute to shaping Canberra’s identity, through our businesses’ character and uniqueness. From family-run cafes to specialised trades like ours, we all reflect Canberra’s values, creativity, and culture. As we all know, economically small local businesses are vital to Canberra’s growth, we create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and encourage entrepreneurship. We source locally and reinvest in the community, we foster a sustainable and resilient economy.
Beyond economics, local/small businesses help build community connections and support local causes. They contribute to the sense of pride that makes Canberra such a special place to live and work. Together, we’re not just running businesses—we’re shaping the future of our city and its people.
In-Depth Landscape Construction
Unit 3/1 Sawmill Cct, Hume
