The Wyndham Business Awards will be back in 2024! These awards are a highlight of our local business community, celebrating innovation, excellence, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our region.
In 2024, the Wyndham Business Awards promise to be as exciting as ever, offering a platform for businesses of all sizes and industries to shine and be recognised for their incredible efforts in the community. Whether you're a small startup with big dreams or an established business leading the way, entering the awards are your chance to showcase your achievements and be recognized for your hard work and dedication.
Please note that categories are not final until entries close.
New & Emerging/Start Up
To be eligible for the New and Emerging/Start Up Award, the date of registration of the business’s ABN must be after 10 May 2021.
Not for Profit/Social Enterprise
To be eligible for the Not for Profit/Social Enterprise, the business must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission or otherwise able to demonstrate that it is driven by a public or community cause and does not derive a majority of its income from donations and grants.
Micro Business
To be eligible for the Micro Business Award, the business must employ a maximum of 4 full time equivalents.
Small Business
To be eligible for the Small Business Award, the business must employ between 5 and 19 full time equivalents.
Medium to Large Business
To be eligible for the Medium to Large Business Award, the business must employ at least 20 full time equivalents.
Excellence in Innovation
To be eligible for the Excellence in Innovation Award, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to continuous improvement, investment or research into technology or continuously pushing the boundaries within an industry.
Excellence in Sustainability
To be eligible for the Excellence in Sustainability Award, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to reducing the business’s impact on the environment and supporting initiatives to protect and preserve.
Excellence in Customer Experience
To be eligible for the Excellence in Customer Experience, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to creating the business’s customer experience.
Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
To be eligible for the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to providing a diverse and inclusive experience for employees (if applicable), customers and suppliers.
Excellence in Local Community
To be eligible for the Excellence in Local Community, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to supporting the local economy and local community.
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
To be eligible for the Business Person of the Year Award, the entrant must be aged 36 years or older as at 1 January 2024 and must have worked in the Wyndham business community for a minimum of 5 consecutive years.
YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
To be eligible for the Young Business Person of the Year Award, the entrant must be aged between 16 and 35 as at 1 January 2024 and must have worked in the Wyndham business community for a minimum of one year.
To nominate someone for either the Business Person of the Year or Young Business Person of the Year awards, please fill out the online nomination form.
If you would like some further information about entering the awards or nominating someone for the individual awards, we invite you to come along to one (or all!) of our FREE information sessions.
During these sessions, we provide an overview of the awards and go through the entry form.
These sessions are also a fantastic chance for you to network with other local Wyndham Businesses.
Refreshments will be provided at the in-person sessions.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to enter the 2024 Wyndham Business Awards the business entrant must:
The following are ineligible to enter:
The 2024 Wyndham Business Awards is a competition run by Wyndham City Council (‘Council’) in the state of Victoria, Australia only.
By submitting an entry to this competition, you agree to accept these terms and conditions of entry. If your entry does not comply with these terms and conditions, it will not be valid and will not be accepted.
Entries for the Business Awards, Business Person of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year and open at 9:00am on 10 May 2024 and close at 5:00pm on 7 June 2024 (‘entry period’). Entries received outside of this entry period will not be accepted.
2.1 To be eligible for a Business Award (including the Business of the Year Award) the business must:
(a) have a current, active ABN with the registered business address being an address within the Wyndham municipality;
(b) not be insolvent;
(c) not have any electronic gaming machines at its premises; and
(d) be compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
2.2 If at any time before 6 September 2024, the business becomes insolvent, they must immediately notify Council by email to businessawards@wyndham.vic.gov.au and will be immediately disqualified from the competition.
2.3 To be eligible for the Young Business Person of the Year Award, the entrant must be aged between 16 and 35 as at 1 January 2024 and must have worked in the Wyndham business community for a minimum of one year.
2.4 To be eligible for the Business Person of the Year Award, the entrant must be aged 36 years or older as at 1 January 2024 and must have worked in the Wyndham business community for a minimum of 5 consecutive years.
2.5 Council staff, Councillors, sponsors of the 2024 Wyndham Business Awards, members of the judging panel (Elizabeth Joldeski Consulting) and their immediate family members are ineligible to enter.
3.1 ENTRIES
3.1.1 To submit an entry for a Business Award, a representative from that business must submit a properly completed entry form at https://wyndham.awardsplatform.com/ during the entry period.
3.1.2 Businesses may enter a maximum of one Business Category, and may enter a maximum of one Excellence Category, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements of each of those awards.
3.2 BUSINESS CATEGORY AWARDS
3.2.1 New and Emerging/Start Up Award
To be eligible for the New and Emerging/Start Up Award, the date of registration of the business’s ABN must be after 10 May 2021.
3.2.2 Not for Profit/Social Enterprise Award
To be eligible for the Not for Profit/Social Enterprise, the business must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission or otherwise able to demonstrate that it is driven by a public or community cause and does not derive a majority of its income from donations and grants.
3.2.3 Micro Business Award
To be eligible for the Micro Business Award, the business must employ a maximum of 4 full time equivalents.
3.2.4 Small Business Award
To be eligible for the Small Business Award, the business must employ between 5 and 19 full time equivalents.
3.2.5 Medium to Large Business Award
To be eligible for the Medium to Large Business Award, the business must employ at least 20 full time equivalents.
3.3 EXCELLENCE CATEGORY AWARDS
3.3.1 Excellence in Innovation
To be eligible for the Excellence in Innovation Award, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to continuous improvement, investment or research into technology or continuously pushing the boundaries within an industry.
3.3.2 Excellence in Sustainability
To be eligible for the Excellence in Sustainability Award, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to reducing the business’s impact on the environment and supporting initiatives to protect and preserve.
3.3.3 Excellence in Customer Experience
To be eligible for the Excellence in Customer Experience, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to creating the business’s customer experience.
3.3.4 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
To be eligible for the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to providing a diverse and inclusive experience for employees (if applicable), customers and suppliers.
3.3.5 Excellence in Local Community
To be eligible for the Excellence in Local Community, the business must demonstrate outstanding dedication to supporting the local economy and local community.
3.4 JUDGING
3.4.1 The judging panel will assess all entries and shortlist up to 5 businesses from each category of the Business Category and Excellence Category Awards as the finalists.
3.4.2 Entrants will be notified by the outcome of their entry and whether they have been selected as a finalist by telephone between 24 June and 28 June 2024. All finalists will be publicly announced on Council’s website on 1 July 2024.
3.4.3 Site visits will be arranged with each finalist. Members of the judging panel will attend each finalist’s business between 1 and 5 July 2024 to conduct further assessment of the business.
3.4.4 On completion of the site visits, the business in each category of the Business Category and Excellence Category Awards with the highest score will be declared the winner for that category.
3.4.5 Winners will be announced in accordance with condition 7.
3.4.6 Council reserves the right not to determine a winner in any category or sub-category.
3.5 PRIZES
Each category winner for the Business Category and Excellence Category Awards will receive a trophy and flowers, valued at approximately $150. Winners will also receive VIP invitations to various Council events in 2024 and 2025, as determined by Council.
4.1 The winner of each Business Category Award (excluding the New and Emerging/Start Up Award) and Excellence Category Award will be considered for the Business of the Year Award.
4.2 The business with the highest score across all entrants will be declared the Business of the Year. The winner will be announced in accordance with condition 7.
4.3 The winner of the Business of the Year Award will receive a trophy and flowers, valued at approximately $150. The winner will also receive VIP invitations to various Council events in 2024, as determined by Council.
5.1 ENTRIES
5.1.1 To submit an entry for the Business Person of the Year Award or Young Business Person of the Year, you must complete and submit a properly completed entry form at https://wyndham.awardsplatform.com/ during the entry period.
5.1.2 You may nominate yourself or another person for the Business Person of the Year Award. You must not submit more than one entry for this award.
5.1.3 If you are nominating another person for the Business Person of the Year Award, you must have the prior consent of the nominee. Evidence of such consent must be provided to Council on request.
5.2.1 Following the close of the entry period, the judging panel will assess all entries and select up to 6 entrants as Business Person of the Year finalists.
5.2.2 Entrants will be notified by the outcome of their entry and whether they have been selected as a finalist by telephone between 24 June and 28 June 2024. All finalists will be publicly announced on Council’s website on 1 July 2024.
5.2.3 Site visits will be arranged with each finalist. Members of the judging panel will attend each finalist’s business and conduct an interview with them between 1 and 5 July 2024.
5.2.4 On completion of the site visits, the finalist with the highest score will be declared the Business Person of the Year.
5.2.5 The Business Person of the Year will be announced in accordance with condition 7.
5.2.6 Council reserves the right not to determine a winner for Business Person of the Year.
5.3 PRIZE
The winner of the Business Person of the Year Award will receive a trophy and flowers, valued at approximately $150. The winner will also receive VIP invitations to various Council events in 2024 and 2025, as determined by Council.
6. YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
6.1 ENTRIES
6.1.1 To submit an entry for the Young Business Person of the Year Award, you must submit a properly completed entry form at https://wyndham.awardsplatform.com/ during the entry period.
6.1.2 You may nominate yourself or another person for the Young Business Person of the Year Award. You must not submit more than one entry for this award.
6.1.3 If you are nominating another person for the Young Business Person of the Year Award, you must have the prior consent of the nominee. Evidence of such consent must be provided to Council on request.
6.2 JUDGING
6.2.1 Following the close of the entry period, the judging panel will assess all entries and select up to 6 entrants as Young Business Person of the Year finalists.
6.2.2 Entrants will be notified by the outcome of their entry and whether they have been selected as a finalist by telephone between 24 June and 28 June 2024. All finalists will be publicly announced on Council’s website on 1 July 2024.
6.2.3 Site visits will be arranged with each finalist. Members of the judging panel will attend each finalist’s business and conduct an interview with them between 1 and 5 July 2024.
6.2.4 On completion of the site visits, the finalist with the highest score will be declared the Young Business Person of the Year.
6.2.5 The Young Business Person of the Year will be announced in accordance with condition 7.
6.2.6 Council reserves the right not to determine a winner for Young Business Person of the Year
6.3 PRIZE
The winner of the Young Business Person of the Year Award will receive a trophy and flowers, valued at approximately $150. The winner will also receive VIP invitations to various Council events in 2024 and 2025, as determined by Council.
7.1 The winner of each Business Category Award, Excellence Category Award, Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year will be announced at the 2024 Wyndham Business Awards Presentation Evening, to be held at Encore Events Centre on 6 September 2024 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. Entrants acknowledge and agree that this event is a ticketed event and that event details are subject to change.
7.2 Winners’ names will subsequently be published on Council’s website and social media pages, in a media release and other Council publications, such as Wyndham News and the Achievers Magazine, and in a paid advertorial in the Wyndham Star Weekly newspaper. Winners consent to the publication of their names in this regard.
8.1 Council accepts no responsibility for late, lost, incomplete, corrupt or invalid entries.
8.2 If for any reason, the competition cannot be run as planned, Council reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition.
8.3 Council reserves the right to change or modify these terms and conditions at any time.
8.4 Prizes are not transferable, exchangeable or redeemable for cash.
8.5 Council’s decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
We wish all entrants the very best of luck in the 2024 Wyndham Business Awards
For further information contact:
Wyndham City Economic Development
Email: businessawards@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Phone: 8734-5416
What is the cost to enter the awards? There is no cost to enter the awards. Entering is simply a matter of submitting an entry and addressing all of the questions.
How many awards can I enter?
A business is eligible to enter one of the business categories as outlined below.
New and Emerging/Start Up Award
Not for Profit/Social Enterprise
Micro Business - A business that employs between 0-4 persons from any sector
Small Business - A business, with anything between 5-19 persons from any sector
Medium/Large Business - A business, 20 plus persons from any sector
In addition, a business is eligible to enter one Excellence award category.
Excellence in Innovation
Excellence in Sustainability
Excellence in Customer Experience
Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
Excellence in Local Community
In addition, a business person would be eligible to enter one of the below
Business Person of the Year
Young Business Person of the Year
How are the awards judged? The awards have two stages of judging. The first is the selection of finalists where all entrants are assessed, and the top businesses within their category are named finalists. The second stage of judging involves a site visit by two category judges. This is approximately a 45-minute visit and is a great opportunity for the judges to learn more about your business first hand.
Is assistance available with the entry form or for me to learn more? Council’s Economic Development Team host information sessions during the entry period which are a great way for businesses to learn about the process, the entry form and the questions. It’s also a great networking opportunity with many local businesses in attendance and time allocated for networking. Register here for an information session https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/business-investment/business-awards-special-events/2024-wyndham-business-awards
When are the finalists announced?
All finalists will be publicly announced on Council’s website on Monday 1 July 2024.
When are the winners announced? The winners of each category are announced at the Gala Awards evening on Friday 6th September 2024 at Encore Events Centre, Hoppers Crossing.
Do I need to purchase tickets to the Gala event?
Yes, tickets for the gala event go on sale the 1 August. Finalists will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets followed by a general release if there are still tickets available.
The event is a great opportunity to network and celebrate the achievements of all businesses in Wyndham. Finalists are encouraged to bring along family, friends and co-workers to celebrate.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via the methods below:
Wyndham City Economic Development
Email: businessawards@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Phone: 8734-5416
In Person: Wyndham Civic Centre- 45 Princes Highway Werribee (by appointment only)
Thank you our Major Sponsor Williams Landing and all of our other sponsors of the 2024 Wyndham Business Awards.
Cedar Woods – Williams Landing
At Cedar Woods, we strive to create quality homes, workplaces and communities that people are proud of. As a leading, national developer of residential communities and commercial developments, we are the proud developer of Williams Landing, a world-class development masterplanned for sustainable 21st-century living.
We are honoured to sponsor the 2024 Wyndham Business Awards for the 8th year running and celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses within the Wyndham community. Partnering with Wyndham City aligns with our commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the local business landscape, and our involvement with these awards aims to recognise the remarkable efforts that these businesses and entrepreneurs drive to support their local community. The Business Awards Gala Evening is always a fantastic event, and we look forward to celebrating the deserving recipients in September.
Since 1916, VU has proudly been the door of opportunity, open to all who want to make a difference in the world. Our outlook is global but embedded in Melbourne’s West. We are the largest University in the region, with campuses based in Footscray, Melbourne CBD, St Albans, Sunshine and Werribee. With strong and broad links to the community, VU’s campuses are more than just locations for teaching and research. They play a key role in Australia’s fastest growing region which is characterised by rapidly increasing population, significant urbanisation, rich cultural diversity, and a transitioning industry profile.
VU has proudly sponsored the Wyndham Business Awards for 28 years, a testament to our enduring partnership with the rapidly expanding Wyndham City Council. Our shared vision aims to elevate the region into a premier technology and education hub, fostering economic prosperity and creating pathways for future generations.
We commend the resilience and ingenuity of Wyndham’s diverse business community, whose impact resonates locally and globally. Supporting initiatives like the Young Business Person of the Year award underscores our dedication to nurturing the innovative spirit of tomorrow’s leaders in Melbourne’s West.
At Megalines Insurance , we're more than just your local insurance broker - we're dedicated advocates for the thriving business community of Wyndham. For years, we've proudly sponsored the annual Wyndham Business Awards, standing alongside entrepreneurs and innovators as they pursue their dreams.
At Megalines Insurance, we understand that success isn't just about overcoming challenges - it's about managing risks effectively. That's why we offer tailored insurance solutions designed to protect businesses in multiple sectors and of all sizes ensuring they can focus on growth and innovation without worrying about unforeseen setbacks.
With our commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach, Megalines Insurance has become a trusted partner for businesses across Wyndham. From comprehensive coverage to personalized service, we're here to support our clients every step of the way.
As a regular sponsor of this prestigious event, we understand the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of local businesses. The Wyndham Business Awards not only showcase the innovation and success within our community but also inspire others to strive for greatness. At Megalines, we believe in fostering a culture of growth and prosperity, and the awards align perfectly with our mission.
Visit our website at www.megalines.com.au to learn more about how Megalines Insurance Brokers can help safeguard your business and fuel your success. Let's thrive together.
Holiday Inn Werribee stands as a beacon of hospitality in the vibrant city of Wyndham, offering guests a warm welcome and unparalleled service. Nestled in the heart of Werribee, it embodies the essence of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers alike.
From the moment guests step into the lobby, they are greeted with a sense of warmth and professionalism that sets the tone for their stay. The hotel boasts modern and well-appointed rooms, designed to provide the utmost comfort and relaxation. Whether guests are visiting for a weekend getaway or a business conference, Holiday Inn Werribee ensures a memorable experience with its attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Holiday Inn Werribee proudly supports the Wyndham Business Awards, particularly the sponsorship of Excellence in Customer Experience. By aligning with this prestigious award, the hotel reaffirms its dedication to providing guests with unparalleled hospitality and exceeding their expectations at every turn. Holiday Inn Werribee recognizes the importance of delivering exceptional customer experience and is delighted to sponsor the Award and celebrate business in Wyndham.
The Gordon has a long standing and proud history as the largest regional TAFE in Victoria. In 2014 – more than 125 years after the institute was established in Geelong – The Gordon opened its first Wyndham campus to cater for the increasing number of students in one of the fastest growing and culturally diverse regions in Australia. Since then, The Gordon has had a significant role in delivering an extensive range of training, study, and employment solutions to the Wyndham community, operating from Werribee campuses where state-of-the-art learning environments develop students’ job ready skills.
The Gordon supports the awards as a social economic and cultural partner to the Wyndham community. The institute addresses local economy and community needs though key partnerships including Wyndham City Council, Wyndham Community Education Centre, Wyndham and Hobsons Bay Local Learning and Employment Network, and as a member of Committee for Wyndham, Opportunity Wyndham, and other key peak bodies in the region.
The institute continues strengthening collaborations with employers, industry, providers, and a range of other stakeholders to deliver common objectives. These include the Local Jobs Program, the Building Careers Through Smart Skilling project and the decade-long project led by The Gordon in partnership with the State Government and Deakin University, Skilling the Bay.
Star Weekly, publisher of the Wyndham Star Weekly, is the west's premier local media company connecting people and communities.
Star Weekly is part of Star News Group, an independent Australian family-owned media company with a 114-year history publishing newspapers and magazines across Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and NSW.
Star Weekly has always connected people and communities and is proud of its commitment to both clients and readers. Our award-winning publications reflect the opinions, lifestyles, aspirations, concerns and personalities of the diverse communities in the west and north-west.
Star Weekly is proud to sponsor the Wyndham Business Awards and celebrate the success and innovation of local businesses.
Our publication strives to recognise and showcase the Wyndham’s business entrepreneurs, leaders and hard-working operators who are helping to shape the Wyndham economy, and are committed to making a difference in the community through the provision of local jobs and services.
Established in 1998, Wyndham BizNet, is a dynamic business networking association dedicated to fostering fun social business within the Wyndham business community. Through a rich calendar of networking events, workshops, and resources, we empower entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses of all sizes to thrive and succeed in today's competitive landscape.
At Wyndham BizNet, we believe that celebrating and recognising excellence is essential for driving economic growth and building a vibrant and diverse business community. That's why we proudly support the Wyndham Business Awards, as they provide a platform to celebrate and showcase the remarkable achievements of businesses within our community. By acknowledging outstanding performance, innovation, and dedication, the awards inspire others to strive for excellence and contribute to the ongoing success and prosperity of Wyndham.
Through our sponsorship of the Wyndham Business Awards, we aim to not only celebrate the achievements of our peers but also to champion the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration that defines our community. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Wyndham, where businesses thrive, and success knows no bounds.
Social Traders has been pioneering the growth of social enterprise since 2008. We are Australia’s national certifier of social enterprise – business at its best. Social enterprises are an innovative breed of business that work to create a fairer and more sustainable world. Social Traders is currently working with more than 600 certified social enterprises and that number is growing.
The problem of social inequality is real. We know that social enterprise is a key part of the solution - creating jobs and delivering services that create inclusive economic growth or positive environmental outcomes. We believe that business and government have an opportunity to be part of the solution, by buying from social enterprise.
Social Traders is trailblazer social procurement to unlock business for good. Over 150 business and government have joined Social Traders – leading the charge in taking a more purposeful approach to buying goods or services that create impact.
Social Traders is proud to support the Wyndham Business Awards, in particular the Not for Profit or Social Enterprise Award. By partnering with Wyndham City Council on this prestigious award, we hope to elevate local businesses and social enterprises while making social procurement, business as usual.