Business of the Year*
Awarded to a business that has been judged to be an outstanding business, that has provided an entry that demonstrates achievements and excellence in their field over and above all other entrants. Judges assess winners of each business category. |
All winners from each business category will be eligible to win. |
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Origin Energy People's Choice Award*
Selected from all finalists in the business categories, not just the winners. The public will be able to vote for their favourite organisation and the winner will be the entry with the highest number of votes. |
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Outstanding Employee
Recognises an inspirational employee who has demonstrated a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and the community. It is open to businesses to nominate an employee. |
- Alexander McCallum - Lakes Custom Computers
- Bernice Andrews - Evolution Advisers
- Eddie Toubia - LJ Hooker Belmont
- Leanne Horton - The Disability Trust
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Outstanding Young Business Leader
Recognises an inspirational business leader aged 35 or under at the time of entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry and the community through leadership. |
- Alice Gerner - Weekenda
- Jye Rimmington - Rimmington Legal
- Stuart Wright - Banlaw
- Trystan Auddino - Lakes Custom Computers
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Outstanding Business Leader
Recognises an inspirational business leader aged 36 years or over who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry and the community through leadership, whilst providing mentorship to others. |
- Dr Deepika Jadhav - Ishana Wellbeing Centre and Specialist Services
- Melanie Bird - Lake Group Strata
- Michelle Kent - Kent Conveyancing
- Mitchell Cramp - Cramps Earthmoving
- Nathan Franks - Dynamic Business Technologies
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Employer of Choice - 20 or less employees
Recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment. |
- Dynamic Business Technologies
- LJ Hooker Belmont
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Employer of Choice - 21 or more employees
Recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment. |
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Excellence in Innovation
Recognises a business that has implemented innovative solutions for new and existing needs through the introduction or improvement of a product, technology or application that impacts the wider community. |
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Excellence in Sustainability
Recognises a business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices and is working to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment. |
- Aware ... the social design project
- Fraztec
- Lakes Custom Computers
- Visionise
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Outstanding Community Organisation
Recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural or environmental wellbeing of the community. |
- Boolaroo Speers Point Community Kindergarten
- Car 2 Home Project
- Southlake's Incorporated
- Survivor's R Us Incorporated
- Zeal Futures Learning
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Outstanding Visitor Experience
Recognises a business that understands the importance of visitor engagement for a region’s economy and reputation. The business needs to articulate how they promote the city of Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Region as well as offering an exceptional visitor experience. |
- 8 at Trinity
- Coast XP
- Matt Hall Racing
- Women Embrace Adventure
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Outstanding New Business
Recognises a new business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success. |
- Baja Pools
- Silver Sun Sailing
- Telethrive
- Trusted Socials
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Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Recognises businesses that address the needs of a diverse community, including seniors, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers. |
- Dynamic Business Technologies
- Flying Colours Education
- Freedom 4U (Supported Holidays)
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Excellence in Micro Business
Recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience. |
- Andersen Pest Services
- Lakes Custom Computers
- Newcastle Lymphoedema & Lipoedema Clinic
- Newvo
- Pod and Pen Productions
- Prime Health Podiatry
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Excellence in Small Business
Recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience. |
- Design Anthology
- Dynamic Business Technologies
- Hayden Health & Safety
- Jaegersoft
- Maxi-Jazz Dance Studio
- Spectrum Comms
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Excellence in Large Business
Recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience. |
- 8 at Trinity
- Evolution Advisers
- Toronto Private Hospital
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