Nominate
Celebrating ‘that’ moment for our finalists
The 2018 Telstra Business Awards finalists represent the highest achievers in Australian business. The Awards aim to celebrate the most innovative and entrepreneurial businesses across four categories, designed to recognise small to medium businesses in their respective fields.
Learn more about this year’s finalists below – find out who they are, where they’re from and how they came to be ‘that’ business achieving even more in 2018.
At ‘That’ Business Masterclass, 2018 finalists will have exclusive access to industry leaders and the opportunity to partake in hands on skill development exercises.
Join us at the South Australian 2018 Telstra Business Awards dinner, to celebrate some of Australia’s most innovative and entrepreneurial businesses.
“We want to inspire women to live healthy and active lives by producing high quality activewear for all women, regardless of their shape, size or stage of life.” Stevie Angel, Co-Founder
Co-founders Stevie Angel and Nadia Tucker discovered that buying new active wear post pregnancy was a challenge and from there stemmed Active Truth, an online active wear company that caters to, and celebrates, all women regardless of their shape, size or stage of life.
“We want to provide the ultimate dark tourism experience to our guests – something that they will remember for their lifetime – and carry out this function in a factual, fun way.” Alison Oborn, Owner
Founder Alison Oborn has always been fascinated with the paranormal and has been active in heritage and tourism for over 25 years. In 2010, she found a way to bring her two passions together and Haunted Horizons was born. She now runs ghost tours, dark history excursions and paranormal investigations across South Australia’s most iconic haunted venues.
“Our focus is on helping clients to build better businesses which, in turn, helps them to live better lives.” Andrew Mattner, Director
Altitude Advisory is on a mission to help people build and run better businesses. From a suburban accounting practice over twenty-five years ago, the business has transformed to become a technology-led advisory company dedicated to giving business owners the focus, advice and tools they need to get their lives back.
“As a provider of performance equipment that enables sport horses to perform at their peak, we exist to help our riders and trainers to achieve their goals.” Jo Schneider, Director
Horse trainers, Animal Therapeutics Online, use the latest therapy equipment to ensure horses are prepared for competition enabling them to perform to the best of their ability and recover quickly.
“We know that by harnessing media and creativity with data, there is a better way to focus on the things that are important, and to reach audiences that have a high propensity to buy a product.” Tom Evans, Managing Director
Steering away from the traditional model of a media/advertising agency Audience Group Agency is a media agency that uses data points from target audiences to understand what messages are going to appeal to what audiences, often before the creative process even starts.
“It’s well known that there are not enough doctors in Australia. If we don’t fill the vacant shifts, the public could be at risk. Our business fills every possible shift requested because it is simply non-negotiable.” Jodi Duyster, Director
With an extensive network and knowledge of the medical industry, Australian Medical Placements (AMP) delivers the ideal medical recruitment solutions that meet clients’ staffing requirements by matching highly qualified doctors to short, long or permanent placements.
"We strive to lead the audio-visual industry by creating memorable experiences for our clients and partners using the latest technology." Graham Evans, CEO
Founded in 1987, AVT helps organisations make the best technology decisions in order for them to teach, reach, collaborate and share ideas.
“If people and businesses can communicate clearly, they have a greater chance of achieving their goals. We make this possible by giving everyone the opportunity to create engaging video content.” Tommy Fotak, Co-Founder
Biteable, was founded in 2014 with the mission to make studio-quality video – an increasingly standard form of communication – accessible to all. Thanks to intuitive design and high-end content, the company empowers people to make professional video content in minutes.
“Our ability to genuinely assist youths in need attracts not only increased community interest, but also the involvement and partnership of others working in this space.” Justin Abrahams, Manager
Since 1979, the Bridgewater Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) has existed as an extension of Tasmania Police to support youths in the poorest performing community within Tasmania and one of the most disadvantaged in the country. Its vision is to engage, empower and support our youth and community to develop resilience and maximise opportunities.
“Our focus is to minimise the incidence and impact of cancer on all Tasmanians. Their courage and resilience inspires us every day to continue with our efforts.” Penny Egan, Chief Executive Officer
Cancer Council Tasmania (CCT) is funded principally by the community. With over nine Tasmanians a day receiving a cancer diagnosis, it is focused on its mission to minimise the impact and incidence of cancer on all Tasmanians.
“We're enabling small and medium sized logistics companies to be competitive with the industry giants by developing easy-to-use cloud-based technology.” Vincent Fletcher, Co-Founder
CartonCloud was originally developed to save a refrigerated transport and warehousing company from bankruptcy. The business is now used by over 90 carriers and warehouses across Australia and New Zealand after new owners Nic Comrie and Vincent Fletcher solved the company’s key challenge, poorly managed administration and operation costs, with a new software solution.
“Charles Clinic Heart Care delivers comprehensive and innovative healthcare solutions to Tasmanian communities with some of the worst health outcomes in Australia.” Alistair Sherman, CEO
When Dr Geoffrey Evans arrived in Tasmania after working in the Northern Territory, he was shocked to see similar issues of poor cardiac health outcomes, especially in the state’s North West. His solution was Charles Clinic Heart Care.
“Coder College operates to give every child the confidence and skills essential for their future, by providing fun and exciting courses in coding.” Chris Deeley, Founder/CEO
After being approached by a number of parents who had been hearing about the importance of coding, computing teacher, Chris Deeley, came to the realisation that demand was far outweighing supply when it came to coding programs. Chris established Coder College to bridge this gap.
“Online conversion rate optimisation is both an art and a science. We help clients identify what is stopping their visitors from taking a desired action, develop solutions to solve, then scientifically test to provide validated recommendations.” Matthew Pezzimenti, Founder and Director
Founder Matthew Pezzimenti set out with a big vision: he wanted to build an agency which set the global standard for conversion rate optimisation (CRO). Since 2014, Conversion Kings has been helping clients improve their user experience for website visitors, generate more conversions online and ultimately improve profitability.
“We spotted an opportunity to completely change the way commercial buildings are maintained. Using big data, we are addressing the growing demand for building energy management services.” Chris Stamatis, Director
CopperTree Analytics Australia provides the commercial building market a software platform that helps lower carbon emissions and streamline building maintenance processes. By using Big Data, it wants to disrupt the traditional building industry.
“To survive in the saturated world of catering and make a profit, you have to stand out from the crowd by being the best of the best.” Nicholas Pinter, Sales and Marketing Manager
Established in 1994, Corporate Catering by Mr Cappuccino began as a mobile espresso bar and has grown into a multifaceted business. Mr Cappuccino now consists of multiple espresso bars located in government and commercial buildings, and wholesale food production kitchen preparing goods for its cafes and corporate catering service.
“I believe the essence of a successful business is having a vision, a dream for the future, sharing it with others and then having the confidence in your own ability and that of those around you to make it happen." Sue Chase, Managing Director
Cowell Electric Supply specialises in providing design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance services in mining, oil and gas industries, renewable energy, defence and land subdivisions in remote and regional Australia.
“We are passionate about helping people with challenges enjoy a beautiful well-designed home, made just to suit their circumstances.” Justin Derksen, Director
When co-founder Justin Derksen read an article on the lack of quality housing in Tasmania, he believed that by building just a small portion of those houses, they would be able to reduce the housing need in the region. Crusader Homes is dedicated to helping the development of the Derwent Valley Region by creating low cost, quality housing with a dash of community mindedness.
“Creating the world’s best data centre solution is the inspiration behind Datapod. We want to become the name synonymous with high-quality manufactured data centres worldwide.” Scott Carr, Managing Director
Canberra-based engineering firm Datapod is driving cost-efficiencies and reducing the environmental impact of data centre facilities with a modular design that can adapt to client’s specific needs. This unique approach helps clients reduce their capital risk and improve operational efficiency.
“Pursuing our goal, to be the most sought-after boutique digital agency in Adelaide is a journey. Throughout that journey, we focus on delivering quality work. We never settle for ‘just OK’.” Sam Davies, Owner
Digital Noir is an Adelaide-based digital agency with a strong sense of purpose: They Give A Damn. Whether it be web design, app development or digital marketing, founder Sam Davies and his team focus on listening to their clients and providing a simple, stress-free service.
“The Institute was established by leaders with disabilities, for leaders with disabilities to change the way leadership is understood.” Christina Ryan, CEO/Founder
People with disabilities have little presence in politics, high levels of business or government, or on ASX boards. And if they are, they are more often than not expected to only be experts in disability-related areas. Christina Ryan established the Disability Leadership Institute in 2016 to address this imbalance by offering coaching, training and connection to opportunities.
“As a 120-year-old retail store, our business makes a difference to the day-to-day lives of Queenstown locals as they can get most of what they need at their doorstep, at really competitive prices.” Adam Mansson, Managing Director
Evans IGA Supermarket is the longest serving family-owned retail business in Tasmania. Originally established by the Evans family in 1898, it strives to give the most enjoyable, unique grocery shopping experience to valued customers, while supporting and engaging the local Queenstown community.
“Our business has grown because of our commitment as innovative entrepreneurs to enable clients to grow and prosper through the maze of a fast, evolving media world.” Jo Scard, Managing Director
Fifty Acres is a full-service communications agency, headquartered in Canberra. Managing Director, Jo Scard, founded the agency after recognising that social enterprises, start-ups, entrepreneurs, creatives and small businesses often lacked the budgets, skills and resources to PR themselves.
“We believe we have succeeded in our mission when we observe people playing wilder and enjoying an outdoor lifestyle. Sharing in their successes and excitement reiterates what we ourselves love and how we ‘find our feet’.” Hanny Allston, Founding Director
Find Your Feet Australia is a multi-faceted independent company that is devoted to providing an exceptional retail experience and quality education to inspire the community to enjoy an outdoors lifestyle and ‘find their feet’.
“Our dietetics programs achieve greater results than traditional services. We help the older population improve their physical and mental health. Helping them achieve their goals in the short and long term” Tyson Tripcony, Managing Director
Each week, thousands of clients are helped by Fuel Your Life’s experienced dietitians to achieve their health and lifestyle goals. The team have a specific focus on providing convenient dietetic services to older members of the Australian community, including war veterans and those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
“It's more than just building new walls and putting in new doors. We transform a space and create new and inspiring environments for our clients to thrive and succeed.” Aaron Lowe, Co-Founder / Managing Director
Founded in 2010, Future Fitouts is a commercial fitout company that empowers businesses to transform work spaces into inspiring environments.
“We’re empowering Australians to invest their superannuation in line with their values to create a better future to retire into, while also democratising the clean energy revolution in Australia.” Kirstin Hunter, COO
Co-founders, Simon Sheikh and Adam Verwey, created Future Super 2014 as a way to influence Australia’s move towards a low-carbon environment. In just four years, the business has created a community of over 10,000 Australians who are actively using their super to help avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
“Our aspiration is to provide life-changing pharmaceuticals and solutions for patients, by addressing unmet medical needs in hospitals and ambulance services.” Antony Condina, CEO
GD Pharma is a progressive speciality pharmaceutical company that develops and commercialises innovative drugs and drug delivery systems that improves a patient’s quality of life.
“We are exclusively dedicated to provide training for general practice, which is the cornerstone of successful primary health care and underpins population health outcomes.” Peter Harrison, CEO
Since 2002, General Practice Training Queensland has been providing training for general practice doctors to make a positive and sustainable difference to the health of south-eastern Queensland communities, including local Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.
“We are driven by our desire to provide children with the same connection that we were afforded from living on farms throughout our childhood, while also contributing to the securing of our global food supply.” Simone Kain, Managing Director
When looking for inspirational farming stories for her son, Simone Kain discovered there wasn’t a children’s character telling stories about life on the land. So, she created George The Farmer with business partner Ben Hood, as a fun way of educating kids about farming practices and innovative careers in agriculture.
“Our biggest achievement is watching our customers return to the dock with huge smiles on their faces, having experienced Canberra in a totally new way, and having shared it with the people they love.” Nick Tyrrell, Owner
Founded on the idea of creating a sustainable outdoor experience, GoBoat Canberra offers people the chance to enjoy boating on Lake Burley Griffin where they can chart their own adventure, hot drinks and grazing platters included.
“We want our protein powders to make women all over the world feel positive about their body and empowered to make an impact on their life.” Hien Nguyen, Co-Founder
Working as a personal trainer for over 15 years, Hien Nguyen would have many of his female clients asking for suggestions of protein powders as most formulas were designed for male bodies. After months of researching and gathering data, Hien and his co-founder Ben Germein, had a break through and created Happy Way protein powder.
“Our greatest achievement is becoming an integral part of the fabric of Launceston, bringing together food producers and the community, united by their love of fresh local food and drink.” Caroline Williamson, Market Manager
Harvest Launceston Community Farmers' Market is the brainchild of Jenny Edis, who was passionate about introducing the Launceston community to local food growers and makers, showcasing the breadth and quality of Tasmania’s wonderful produce. The market, running since 2012 has been celebrating and promoting authentic Tasmanian produce, with a distinctive Tassie flair.
“As a progressive technology organisation, we’re dedicated to advancing the capability of helicopter rotary-wing operations worldwide.” Will Shrapnel, Founder
Founded in 2002 by Will Shrapnel, Helimods was built on an appreciation of, and a thirst to understand, the technical complexity and mission versatility of helicopters. As a technology company, it delivers innovative products and services for rotary-wing operations in Australia and around the world.
“We believe in good people. We also believe in good beer. Our vision is to continue bringing the two together. Good beer with good people.” Brendan Parnell, General Manager
Hobart Brewing Company is on a mission to bring good beer back to the local community, and new life to an unloved corner of Hobart. As well as innovating with barrel-aged beers, the business collaborates with the local distilling, cider and food industries to create exciting beers with seasonal ingredients, such as apples, bacon and even maple syrup.
“We spotted a gap in the employment market for a truly consultative recruitment experience. Canberrans don’t want to be sold something. They want a partnership with a recruiter they can trust.” Simon Cox, Director
Believing the days of recruiters trading resumes found on SEEK for fees were numbered, the founders recognised that clients and candidates were crying out for a value-add, consultative approach. Candidates and clients want to know they have someone ‘in their corner’ when navigating the challenges of recruitment. HorizonOne seeks to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity through insight.
“My philosophy is to encourage dancers of all skills and levels and abilities to dance. I want to excite the hearts and minds of all the dancers who walk through my doors each week.” Michelle Williams, Owner
As an ambitious young dancer, Michelle Williams had to leave Tasmania to find professional training. Some years later, after a successful performing arts career, she returned with the mission to unlock opportunities for aspiring dancers in her home state. And so, House of Dance Tasmania was born.
“Our aim is to provide tools to improve access to quality, affordable health simulation. This in turn will help increase the quality of patient care.” Dr Anthony Lewis, Co-Founder
Intensive care paramedic Peter Mckie and anaesthetist Dr Anthony Lewis sought to solve the challenge of expensive simulation technology for medical education by converting ordinary iPads into world-class medical training devices.
“Our concept is based on a model seen in the US but never in Australia before: a paediatric occupational therapy clinic that specialised in the private treatment of children with attention and behavioural issues.” Joanna Buttfield, Founder and Executive Director – Clinical Operations
Kid Sense Child Development is one of South Australia's leading private providers of paediatric occupational therapy and speech pathology services to children with disabilities and developmental challenges.
“Our concept is based on a model seen in the US but never in Australia before: a paediatric occupational therapy clinic that specialised in the private treatment of children with attention and behavioural issues.” Joanna Buttfield, Founder and Executive Director – Clinical Operations
Kid Sense Child Development is one of South Australia's leading private providers of paediatric occupational therapy and speech pathology services to children with disabilities and developmental challenges.
“We are a team of marketers who love to help businesses reach their full potential. Our philosophy is to prioritise fun and create an enjoyable workplace for everyone, while still being successful. In fact, ‘having fun’ is part of our job descriptions.” Rob King, CEO
Founders Rebecca and Rob King strongly believe that if people spend so much time at work, they should enjoy it. Based in Launceston, Kingthing Marketing is helping small businesses navigate the ever-changing world of digital marketing, while creating a great place to work.
“In the creation of the Life Portraits partnership, we took a risk by stepping away from our own personal businesses to collaborate and create something new and greater than its constituent parts.” Emily Clarke, Co-Owner/Partner
Stemming from very different demographic and generational backgrounds, photographers Andrew Jarvie & Emily Clarke merged their skills, knowledge and personalities three years ago to form Life Portraits. A photography business that specialises in commercial, family, weddings, fitness and beauty photoshoots as well as workshops to rural and metro parts of Australia.
“A major pain point for small businesses is invoice processing. We developed the technology that not only fixes the problem, but also keeps delivering benefits for them.” Robin Sands, CEO
Founded by Robin Sands and Sam Hassan, Link4 addresses a painful and daily issue for most SMBs: invoice processing. Link4’s vision is to be the number one invoice delivery choice for small and medium businesses, to help them save time and increase control over their cashflow.
“We are focused on using the best available local ingredients and growing the local demand for an Australian-made Miso and other Japanese food products.” Meagan de Bono, Co-Founder
Chris & Meagan de Bono founded Meru Miso in Melbourne in 2015, with the intention of creating an authentic fresh miso the whole world could enjoy. Today, they are based in Tasmania and are continuing to pioneer the commercial production of miso in Australia.
“We strive to become the most trusted service provider for construction, maintenance, refurbishment and remediation across Australia. We build long-term relationships with our clients by servicing all stages of the building lifecycle.” Callan Cox, Managing Director
Managed by third-generation builder, Callan Cox, Mykra is a family-owned business delivering high-quality construction and maintenance services, drawing on six decades of building expertise.
“Our market continues to change and evolve as we bring like-minded businesses together to trade with us. The variety of old and new stallholders every month, keeps our market alive and diverse.” Anthony Niravong, Director
The Old Bus Depot Markets hosts a variety of small business stallholders and has been a launching pad for local retailers, producers and artists, to allow them to gain enough traction to launch their own ventures, whether that be a storefront or an album.
“At the heart of our identity and culture is an absolute commitment to exceed our customers’ needs and expectations.” Jonathan Dwayre, Owner/Managing Director
Orbitz Elevators is an elevator and escalator service provider that has grown to be a multimillion dollar company in three years. It aims to change the perception of elevator service providers by truly understanding customer expectations and addressing them with solutions that directly caters to their needs and requirements.
“We create value for our customers by using products that can be used repeatedly like building blocks. Our system is completely modular, meaning clients can adapt the size and shape of their event booths as needed.” Tom Meredith, Director
Fuelled by their passion for the exhibition industry, Tom Meredith and David Coulthard took a leap of faith and started Outstanding Displays, after discovering a gap in the market for large scale, visually appealing and affordable custom exhibition displays.
“Visitor numbers to the park are constantly growing, meaning that we have to grow and evolve with them to ensure our customers have an unforgettable experience.” Mark Evans, Director/Custodian of Paronella Park
The heritage-listed Paronella Park was built in the 1930s by Jose Paronella, a Spanish immigrant whose dream was to create a pleasure garden for visitors to enjoy. With over 7,500 tropical plants and trees, the lush rainforest boasts a 1930s castle, picnic areas by the waterfalls, tennis courts, bridges, and guest accommodation.
“We offer hundreds of courses as well as bespoke programs to ensure that we are able to provide our clients with the hands-on training they need to thrive in their business.” Curtis Chappell, Director of Marketing
PD Training is a global training and professional services company based in Australia. It empowers thousands of small, medium & large enterprises around the globe to achieve their business goals through professional development and training.
“We focus on delivering disruptive cybersecurity capability to solve tomorrow's digital challenges. Our team can identify and solve the hard problems that others haven’t been able to unlock.” Matthew Wilson, CEO
Canberra-based cybersecurity firm Penten focuses on two core areas: enabling government users to access classified information on mobile devices and tricking and trapping attackers with realistic decoys using machine learning.
“We firmly believe that holistic healthcare must encompass a range of professionals with differing skill sets, yet a shared end goal: amazing client health outcomes and experiences.” Peter Flynn, Co-Director
Physio Fit Adelaide is on a mission to change the healthcare experience for the better. Starting as a physiotherapy clinic in 2014, the business now offers a multi-discipline experience of physiotherapy, podiatry, remedial massage therapy, strength and conditioning, body composition and sports bio-mechanical analysis – all under one roof.
“Our commitment to take on what no other organisation seeks to do – streamlining public hospital costing and billing functions – and our constant focus on customer retention and R&D, has enabled our business to thrive for two decades.” Patrick Power, Managing Director
Established in 1995, PowerHealth is a global healthcare software partner, offering products to optimise efficiency and productivity in hospitals and other healthcare organisations.
“We seek to not only help individuals deal with their immediate injury or trauma, we want to show them how to become healthier and happier and be a positive influence on those around them.” Nives Matkovic, Founder
ProActiv People Solutions was established in 2006 to provide a holistic approach to the provision of injury management services. The business not only returns people to work, it also restores them to the community and empowers them to be active participants in their world.
“That we have achieved 100 consulting staff in just three years signals that our hard work, understanding of our clients, track record of delivering excellent value on every engagement and relentless focus on being Canberra’s best place to work has paid off.” Greg Sly, Executive General Manager
Since starting out in 2015, Projects Assured has relentlessly pursued one vision: to be Canberra's premier management consultancy and best place to work. The fast-growing consultancy works tirelessly to solve its clients’ most challenging business problems and deliver high quality outcomes in the public sector.
“We set out to change the way the property management industry traditionally performs its daily work, by providing solutions to common pain points: staff turnover, admin inconsistencies and scalability.” Tiffany Bowtell, Director
Property Management Virtual Assistant helps property management and real estate agencies save thousands per year on their fixed operating costs by reducing their back-office admin. It frees up the agencies’ time to focus on delivering quality service to their landlords and tenants.
“What motivates us and fuels our passion for work and life is contributing in a very real way towards building a better society through better thinking.” Dr Samantha Crompvoets, Director
Rapid Context was founded in 2015 to give people a sophisticated way to think about issues facing their organisations. By providing rapid delivery of in-depth research and analysis, the business helps organisations to develop and implement change, policies and programs.
“Around 86% of our customers are international and travel up to 10,000km to experience the beauty of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. We take their once-in-a-lifetime experience very seriously.” Julie Telford, Co-Owner
Red Cat Adventures is a new, rapidly growing, family operated marine tourism business, owned by Julie and Asher Telford, offering visitors from around the globe ‘the adventure of a lifetime’ as they explore the spectacular Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
“We’re disrupting the legal industry to inspire a change to the traditional way family law matters are negotiated to reduce the impact it is having on couples and families.” Rose Cocchiaro, Director and Solicitor
Resolve Divorce was created out of the need to improve the way couples and families experience divorce in Australia and to help lessen the impact.
“Launching Rhuby Innovations was the culmination of more than two years of research and development, following an instinct that the combination of rhubarb and chocolate would be a success that had the potential to grow.” Malcolm Ryan, Owner/Manager
Founder of Rhuby Innovations, Malcolm Ryan, began growing an extraordinary variety of rhubarb over three years ago on his family farm. Typically perceived as an old-fashioned product, the business strives to make rhubarb ‘retro’ and new again, with its range of freeze dried, chocolate coated products.
“Breaking the mould of traditional video production is the reason for doing what we do. We want to create a positive culture that opens the doors of possibilities. One where we empower our clients, our people and our stories.” Jared Nicholson, Co-Founder
Run Wild Productions is the brainchild of independent filmmakers Scott Baskett and Jared Nicholson, who have brought together their experiences and creativity to create meaningful video content.
“We work to strengthen the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors by supporting a diverse and flourishing sector and advocating for robust public and private investments.” Kylie Walker, CEO
Science & Technology Australia (STA) is the country’s peak body in science and technology, providing a strong and influential voice for more than 70,000 Australian scientists and technologists working across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). STA aims to advance the role, reputation and impact of the sector across the nation.
“We want to inspire, educate and advocate for a barefoot natural approach for horses around the globe, changing 1500 years of tradition. Our Scoot Boots allow horses to virtually go barefoot, an option that is much suitable to their overall health.” David MacDonald, Creator
Scoot Boots is the only Australian manufacturer of protective equine hoof boots. Creator and Co-Founder Dave MacDonald has been working with horses as a trainer and farrier for 30 years, so he knows the benefits of hoof boots, which are designed to allow horses to forgo the steel shoe.
“Share the Dignity began with the simple premise of collecting and distributing sanitary items and has grown to support women at all stages of their journey.” Rochelle Courtenay, Founder
When founder Rochelle Courtenay heard about the plight of homeless women who couldn’t afford sanitary items, she decided there and then to make a difference. Share the Dignity is on a mission to restore self-worth to homeless and at-risk women and children by ending period poverty in Australia.
“We established Skipper Care to help people with a disability develop stronger living skills to increase their independence, and make sure that they can live a fulfilled, meaningful life”. Rebecca Skipper, CEO
Skipper Care is a family-focused disability support provider, specialising in arranging carers for those who need it. Founders Rebecca Skipper and Kagan Skipper, have built the business with an understanding around the challenges and rewards involved when caring for someone with a disability.
“It’s time we change the way consumers, builders, architects, the community and government think about windows and doors.” Karen Porter, Owner
Solace Creations was established in 2006 when owner, Karen Porter, saw a gap in the market after looking to buy good quality double-glazed windows and doors for her home. Since then, the company has helped Canberra builders, renovators and home owners save money on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint with double-glazed windows and doors.
“We believe in empowering people to stay healthy, active members of their community. We are locals caring for locals, helping our communities enjoy the life they want to live.” Emily Dunn, Community Relations Manager
In 1970, a group of passionate community representatives saw a gap in the care and support available for the ageing and vulnerable people living in rural and regional parts of South East Tasmania. Developed by three nurses working out of their cars, today South Eastern Community Care (SEC Care) has over 120 staff and volunteers who provide care and support to over 900 clients living independently in their homes.
“Quality isn't just a word we use to describe the standard of our work or the materials we use. It is a word that runs through every aspect of our business: from the first contact a customer has with us through to the level of respect we show to our construction and collaborative partners.” Stuart Spencer, Business Operation Manager
Spencer Constructions was established in July 2012 by Benjamin Spencer as a carpentry business. It completes a range of projects including innovative residential and commercial building, from small renovations to architecturally designed new homes and new developments across south-east Queensland.
“We deliver the results needed today, and are on track to deliver the demands created by the rapidly growing and evolving sponsorship industry of tomorrow.” Mark Thompson, Managing Director
SponServe is a cloud-based rights-management platform for sponsorship professionals which started in Canberra but since spans Australasia, Europe and the USA. It provides a way of tracking and measuring sponsorship relationships for brands and rights owners including the English Premier League, the English FA, Williams F1 and AS Roma in Italy.
“We focus on engaging kids of all ages to foster a love of problem solving, a passion for science, understanding the world around us and the world we need to prepare for.” Steven Liddell, Director
Street Science is on a mission to create the next generation of scientists for the future of Australia. Since 2012, the science education program has made an impact on over 500,000 students and community members through school workshops, community events, science festivals and collaborations.
“We focus on helping people help themselves. We believe this sets us apart from some larger social change organisations as we are addressing the root cause of issues, such as self-confidence.” Nicole Hard, General Manager
Not-for-profit community organisation, Suited to Success, originally set out to help disadvantaged women transition back into the workforce by providing outfits and support for job interviews. Four years later, by popular demand, it expanded to also provide services for men and anyone undergoing gender transition.
“I am continually inspired by the dedication and ingenuity of the Synergy team, who go above and beyond all expectations, to ensure our goals are aligned with our clients' objectives.” Andrew Reardon, CEO
From humble beginnings over a decade ago, Synergy Resource Management, provides a comprehensive range of contracting services specialising in civil construction, demolition, and environmental contamination remediation industries.
“Body art can help clients express themselves or make them feel whole again after life-changing medical procedures like a mastectomy. It’s important to make tattoos more accessible to clients from all backgrounds, which is why we provide a clean-cut service.” Peter Bone, Founder, Owner and Operator
Tatts On Tatts Off (TOTO) is an independent, full service tattoo studio which provides creative and detailed tattoos and body piercing, but also tattoo removal, for those moments you’d rather forget. Founder, Peter Bone, also provides a free service for breast cancer survivors for realistic nipple tattooing.
“Our interactive entertainment courses are practical, career-focused and delivered by industry experienced teachers in a creatively-demanding studio environment.” Vicki De Margheriti, CEO
The Academy of Interactive Entertainment's (AIE's) vision is to be the premier 3D animation, visual effects and computer games educator in Australia and globally, through the development of innovative courses and product development.
“We believe that if we apply the same level of Investment and rigour to social innovation as we do commercial innovation, our country and all of its people would live better lives.” Carolyn Curtis, CEO
Formed in 2009 as an initiative of the South Australian Government, The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) is now an independent not-for-profit organisation working on projects & initiatives across Australia. Bringing together a unique and diverse team of people from all over the world, the staff at TACSI are all united in their commitment to developing new and better ways to build social and economic prosperity for all
“The impact on children being taken into care is severe and long-term. We are providing a solution to a community need which is driving social change.” Bronwyn Sheehan, Founder
The concept for the The Pyjama Foundation was born when founder, Bronwyn Sheehan, met a baby boy in the foster care system who was frightened and clinging to his foster carer. The foundation works with volunteers to empower children in foster care with the life skills and confidence they need to change the direction of their life.
“Every design project we work on, every single day, is selected because of its capacity to make the world a better place.” Dr Nina Terrey, Global Partner
ThinkPlace is a strategic design consultancy specialising in designing for public good within complex systems. It started in 2005 when former public service executive John Body saw the potential for a company that applied design thinking and a process of co-design to solve complex problems within the public, private and humanitarian sectors.
“We want to see a world where every person, no matter what they earn or where they live, can feel protected and have the basic legal knowledge they need to live happy, meaningful lives.” Katie Richards, CEO
Lawyer Katie Richards started Virtual Legal in 2013 to address the massive social issue of up to 85% of the population being unable to access legal help.
“Accountants tend to follow a certain process because it’s always been done that way. We encourage our team to always examine the way we do things and strive to find a better solution.” Thomas Boyd, Partner
Canberra-based business Vivid Accounting was established in 2015 by Chartered Accountants James Watt and Thomas Boyd. The firm heroes the principles of transparency and innovation and is a departure from the ‘charge for every minute’ mantra of other firms.
“Walk With Wings started with one child, Harrison, who grew his wings too soon, and now helps to save many premature babies’ lives each year and support affected parents.” Kerry Norris, Co-Founder
Since 2013, South Australian charity Walk With Wings has been dedicated to changing the impact of premature babies and premature death within Australia.
“Our clients are the fundamental focus of our firm. We aim to always put our client's financial needs and goals first.” Catherine Smith, Director
From the very start of her career Catherine Smith had a vision of using her knowledge to help people build better lives for themselves. With this objective in mind, she set up the multi-disciplinary firm, Wholistic Financial Solutions in 2010.
“Wines by Geoff Hardy are known for their tradition of quality, innovation, and premium production, which encompasses a unique 165-year-old family history of winemaking in South Australia.” Richard Dolan, CEO
Wines by Geoff Hardy is a 6th generation family-owned and operated wine company made up of three South Australian wineries. It’s products are rated five red stars by Australia’s most prominent wine critic, James Halliday, and their business was named Australian Wine Company of the Year in 2012 and 2014 by Australia’s leading wine publication, Winestate Magazine.
“Our mission is to transform the way legal services are delivered to clients, by removing or at least minimising costs and overheads while maximising productivity and value received by clients.” Sarah Bartholomeusz, Principal
Founded by Principal, Sarah Bartholomeusz, You Legal is virtual law firm providing corporate and commercial legal services to clients online. This business model allows You Legal to provide practical solutions to clients where they work, when they need it, and without the overheads of traditional firms.
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