IGA Local Grocer Forest Lake has been recognised by the community it serves, winning multiple honours at the 2025 Inala Electorate Small Business Awards.
A Community’s Choice
Forest Lake residents have placed their trust and votes behind their local grocer, with IGA Local Grocer Forest Lake taking home three awards at this year’s Inala Electorate Small Business Awards.
The family-run store was named Small Business of the Year, while also receiving first place in the Community Support category and second place in Retail and Sales. The awards were determined by community nominations followed by an online voting process.
Owners Harshi and Vijay expressed their gratitude to customers, saying they are thankful for the ongoing support that has helped the store become a cornerstone of Forest Lake.
More Than Just a Supermarket
Located at 120 Woogaroo Street, Forest Lake, the IGA Local Grocer serves as more than a place to shop for groceries. The store offers a wide range of services, including takeaway meals, a gold lotto counter, dry cleaning, ATM facilities, and newspapers. Customers also have access to fresh flowers, ready meals, and weekly specials through the IGA catalogue.
With extended trading hours from early morning through the evening, the store has built its reputation on being a convenient and welcoming stop for locals. Many residents have noted the friendly service and family atmosphere as reasons they continue to return.
Community Roots in Forest Lake
Forest Lake, a suburb located just over 20 kilometres southwest of Brisbane’s CBD, is known for its strong community identity. The suburb was one of Brisbane’s first master-planned communities and is home to more than 22,000 residents.
At the heart of this setting, businesses such as IGA Local Grocer play a role not only in providing essential goods but also in shaping the social fabric of the area.
Continuing the Story
Winning three awards does not mark the end of the journey for the Forest Lake grocer. For its owners, the recognition is motivation to keep refining what the store offers and to keep investing in the relationships that sustain it. It is the kind of small business story that reminds locals why supporting independent shops matters: the transactions may be simple, but the impact on community life is lasting.
Published 19-Aug-2025
