2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists

2023 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

BUSINESS FINALISTS

2023 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

THE 2023 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS ARE CREATED TO CELEBRATE THE EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESS SECTOR AND TO RECOGNISE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE ECONOMY IN HOBSONS BAY.

Local business is the backbone of our economy and it’s fantastic that these awards can celebrate the great work and achievements that are happening in our city. Congratulations to all the finalists for this year’s Business Excellence Awards.

CR TONY BRIFFA MAYOR OF HOBSONS BAY

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

AWARD CATEGORY

This award recognises businesses that provide outstanding customer service and demonstrate commitment to achieving excellence throughout the entire customer journey.

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE | FINALISTS

JIM’S SELF STORAGE

Jim’s Self Storage, a family-owned business with more than 27 years’ experience, started small but has significantly expanded, now providing more than 900 storage units, emphasising security, convenience, and affordability.

Jim’s commitment to customer service is rooted in values that place their customers at the heart of their operations, ensuring an exceptional experience at every stage of the customer journey.

MABEL AND WOODS

Mabel and Woods, founded by local mums five years ago, is a fashion boutique specialising in a genuine and personal styling service.

The secret to their exceptional customer service is commitment to listening to their customers, forging a genuine connection, and empathising with the daily experiences of their customers.

PREMIUM GLASS & ALUMINIUM

Founded in 2018, Premium Glass & Aluminium provides premium glass work in various types, thicknesses and colours, and glazing services to both the residential and commercial sectors.

Premium Glass & Aluminium has a customercentric approach to its trade, assisted by implementing internal processes and work flows so it can go above and beyond for local customers.

RENEW HAIR – HAIR SALON

Renew Hair is a hair salon committed to providing luxurious hair experiences. It offers a wide range of hairdressing services using environmentally friendly products and specialising in colour work. The salon prioritises personal customer experience from pre-appointment texts and regular surveys to thoughtful gifts and free amenities.

CREATING SOCIAL CHANGE AND DIVERSITY

AWARD CATEGORY

This award recognises businesses who seek to introduce initiatives that create positive change, opportunities, and social outcomes, particularly to benefit those who experience hardship, vulnerability or disadvantage.

CREATING SOCIAL CHANGE AND DIVERSITY | FINALISTS

Founded in 2020, Nova Rose Coaching specialises in mentoring and coaching of neurodiverse children and teens, and group programs that teach effective parenting skills using evidence-based techniques to manage emotions, build confidence and enhance emotional wellbeing.

Nova Rose Coaching is dedicated to creating positive social change by fostering connections within neurodiverse families.

NOVA ROSE COACHING SENSORY OASIS FOR KIDS

Sensory Oasis for Kids is a neurodiverse family-owned business in Hobsons Bay committed to offering products that foster inclusivity, mindfulness and creativity, and specialises in sensory toys and educational products for neurodivergent children.

The business provides meaningful employment to people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals, and has established an online community to bring together families with kids on the spectrum.

TREEHAUS WILLIAMSTOWN

Established in 2014, TreeHaus is a holistic health clinic with 26 multidisciplinary medical and allied health practitioners providing comprehensive mental health services and holistic care for individuals of all ages.

The clinic actively reduces wait times for mental health services compared to nearby alternatives, ensuring prompt care for those in need, and hosts events to help break down the stigma associated with mental health issues.

WAMARRA PTY LTD

Established in 2019, Wamarra is an Indigenousowned and operated civil construction and landscaping company, which experienced remarkable growth and boasts a workforce of nearly 100, of whom 55 proudly identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Wamarra sets itself as an industry leader through active commitment to reconciliation and focuses on Indigenous empowerment, collaboration, and cultural celebration.

EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY

This award recognises businesses that have demonstrated leadership and commitment to sustainable and circular economy initiatives.

EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY | FINALISTS

FOOTPRINT GROUP EVENTS

Footprint Group Events, founded during the pandemic, specialises in sustainable event management, with a core mission of reducing waste, supporting local businesses and prioritising sustainability.

Their commitment to carbon offsetting is demonstrated through their sustainable corporate gifting services, collaboration with purpose-led organisations, alignment with sustainable development goals and active engagement with their community.

GEDLEC ENERGY PTY LTD

Altona-based Gedlec Energy is a dedicated renewable energy business with a mission to provide access to free energy to 10,000 properties through cutting-edge solar solutions by employing ethically sourced materials, and championing near-zero waste practices.

Gedlec Energy’s commitment extends to carbon-neutral operations, community education, a unique solar panel recycling centre, pursuit of B-Corp certification, and global community initiatives.

LOUIS JOEL ARTS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre is a community-owned hub fostering connections and offering diverse arts, cultural and community programs.

Every month, the centre hosts the Altona Repair Café with the support of a talented and dedicated group of volunteers who share their skills and time to fix things free of charge, and so far has diverted 1.2 tonnes from waste streams.

ML WINDOWS

ML Windows collaborates with overseas manufacturers to provide high-quality, energyefficient products to Australian homes, and has a mission to offer sustainable and affordable construction solutions to the Hobsons Bay community and to expand nationally. The business reflects the highest standards in the world for designing and building energyefficient homes with its double- and tripleglazed windows that significantly reduce energy consumption and enhance home comfort.

NEW / START-UP BUSINESS

AWARD CATEGORY

This award is open to any new Hobsons Bay business that has been operating two years or less, has experienced rapid growth, and actively contributes to the local community positively.

Big Badge Wolf, a badge-making home business founded in 2021, specialises in producing trendy badges from sustainable, recycled and upcycled materials that not only serve as fashion statements but also as symbols of responsible consumerism.

The owner’s dedication, despite full-time work and motherhood, has helped the business trade at four stalls in Melbourne’s west.

BIG BADGE WOLF OCULUS DEXTER OPTOMETRY PTY LTD

Founded in 2021, and despite facing lockdown challenges in its first year of operation, Oculus Dexter Optometry is a thriving eyecare business known for its commitment to exceptional customer experience, a holistic approach to eyecare, community involvement and innovative use of technology.

Starting without a patient database, today the business welcomes patients into their warm and inviting space, offering them streamlined customer experience with three employees.

THE HEALTH SANCTUARY

The Health Sanctuary, an allied health clinic, has grown rapidly in just two years, currently offering myotherapy, remedial massage, naturopathy, psychology, homeopathy and meditation, and employs 11 people.

The clinic is committed to exceptional service, community engagement, job creation and has a clear vision for growth to make a positive difference in the lives of its clients and the community.

THE QUILT MERCHANT

The Quilt Merchant, a family-owned business established in 2022, specialises in industrial longarm quilting and quilting classes. They offer a unique combination of quilting services and teaching, and foster connections among their customers. Despite facing challenges, the business rebounded with strong community support. They are committed to supporting individuals learning to quilt and providing free classes for those in need.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS

AWARD CATEGORY

This category aims to celebrate the array of talented home-based business owners who through their products or services contribute positively to the local community and embody business excellence. The category is open to any registered Hobsons Bay business whose primary office is in the business owner’s home.

Founded in 2020, A Focused Birth offers an online antenatal education course with hypnobirthing techniques delivered in telehealth group classes, and self-paced options, combining the expertise of a registered midwife and psychotherapist.

The business was created to provide comprehensive preparation for parents expecting a baby with the intention of helping families be informed, prepared and inspired for a positive birth experience.

A FOCUSED BIRTH DESIGN YOUR BEST WORK LIFE

Design Your Best Work Life, established in 2020, is a home-based career coaching service specialising in assisting individuals through various career transitions, including returning to work after parental leave and managing redundancy.

The business owner has recently initiated a structured one-on-one career coaching program for individuals navigating career transitions.

KERRIE GOTTLIEBSEN ART

Kerrie Gottliebsen Art, founded in 2020, is a home-based art business specialising in creating digital artworks that celebrate Melbourne’s western suburbs, with a particular focus on Hobsons Bay.

The artworks capture the essence and nostalgia of local landmarks and places, and are available in various formats such as posters, calendars, greeting cards, mugs and tea towels.

MUMS MATTER PSYCHOLOGY

Established in 2020, Mums Matter Psychology has become the largest private perinatal psychology practice in Australia. It has a team of 45 independent contractors to deliver affordable and accessible psychological therapy for women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The practice has been recognised for its commitment to women’s mental health with certifications and awards for its outstanding work.

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION

AWARD CATEGORY

This award recognises a business that has used technology to make significant contributions to its industry and/or community by implementing innovative customer, social or environmental solutions.

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION | FINALISTS

Established in 1971, Signcraft is now Australia’s largest signage company, employing more than 100 people and delivering signage solutions across Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand into the Asia Pacific region. Their commitment to constantly seek innovative opportunities is what drives the business, making them a leader in their industry. Signcraft is also a member of Hobsons Bay Community Fund.

SIGNCRAFT SWEENEY’S SWIM SCHOOL

Sweeney’s Swim School, founded in 1968, has been teaching the children of Melbourne’s west for 50 years, offering classes for babies, pre-school and school age children, as well as recreational squad sessions. Their innovative approach to updating systems, facilities and programs has made them able to adapt to the changing needs of local families and staff members.

TREEHAB TINY HOUSES PTY LTD

Treehab Tiny Houses builds tiny houses on wheels. It is focused on providing affordable housing solutions for living and tourism, and addressing the current housing crisis by manufacturing transportable, affordable homes, using the latest in cutting-edge materials.

The business has revolutionised tiny home construction with high-tech materials that can be manufactured in-house, and is currently working on permanent affordable tiny homes suitable to combat the worsening housing crisis.

WISHKEEPER

Wishkeeper, a Williamstown-based business, offers a secure online place for storing and sharing vital life information, which is revolutionising how people approach and plan for critical life events.

Wishkeeper’s innovative approach blends advanced security, user-friendly design and human connection to redefine how to manage and share essential information, enhancing preparedness and peace of mind for unexpected moments and end of life wishes.

MAYORAL AWARD –SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

AWARD CATEGORY

This mayoral award recognises businesses or business people that have significantly contributed to the local community. The category is open to any business or businessperson that provides significant support, events, fundraising or goods and/or services for the benefit of the Hobsons Bay community. Nominations for this category could come from community members or the business.

MAYORAL AWARD – SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY | FINALISTS

ASSIST ABILITY AUSTRALIA VIC PTY LTD

Assist Ability Australia specialises in delivering a comprehensive range of disability support services, tailored to meet the specific requirements of its participants. It significantly contributes to the wellbeing of people with disabilities in Hobsons Bay, including a respite accommodation service in Williamstown.

It has pioneered the Beyond Labels program in partnership with Upparel, promoting environmental sustainability and empowering participants to actively reduce textile waste.

LAVERTON COMMUNITY INTEGRATED SERVICES INC.

Laverton Community Integrated Services Inc has been open since 1974, providing education, childcare, emergency relief and youth programs through its three arms: Laverton Community Education Centre, Laverton Community Centre and Laverton Community Children’s Centre.

The centres aim to empower the community with a variety of programs including skills and employment, adult migrant English, emergency relief and Our Youth Foundations.

MIND UP

Mind Up is a thriving psychology and counselling practice offering a wide range of services, including psychology, counselling, cognitive assessments and virtual reality phobia clinic programs, emphasising holistic wellbeing for clients.

Mind Up actively engages with the local community, offering workshops and initiatives such as Hospo in Mind, and provides clinical supervision and mentorship, contributing to the development of aspiring psychologists.

WILLIAMSTOWN COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION CENTRE

Celebrating 50 years of continuous service in 2024, Williamstown Community and Education Centre provides family support, training, education and inclusive social activities to the Hobsons Bay community.

The centre is committed to partnering with local businesses and organisations, and actively engages with the community through their three venues across Hobsons Bay. They offer programs across a wide range of interest areas that benefit more than 200 community members.