Winyama Digital Solutions was named the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Business of the Year, at a Gala eld in Melbourne. Winyama Digital Solutions is an Indigenous owned and operated IT business, helping develop digital skills for Indigenous rangers, equipping them with cloud-based geographic information systems to manage Country and preserve traditional culture. The consultancy is a strong supporter of Indigenous talent seeking careers in tech.
Who were the winners of the 2023 edition?
Also crowned were the National Winners across seven categories, each chosen for excellence in their respective fields. Selected from more than 20,000 nominations of small businesses nationwide, the National Winners of the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards are:
Business of the Year and Indigenous Excellence
Winyama Digital Solutions is an Indigenous owned and operated IT business, helping develop digital skills for Indigenous rangers, equipping them with cloud-based geographic information systems to manage Country and preserve traditional culture. Winyama Digital Solutions is also a strong supporter of Indigenous talent seeking careers in technology.
Accelerating Women and Championing Health
FBW Gynaecology Plus was named winner of this award. The company offers expert knowledge and treatment in women’s health, fertility, and wellness, offering a complete vision for well-being with an approach that goes beyond treatment, extending into quality of life.
Building Communities
Region Group is a for-purpose news technology platform committed to local news and community information. The company’s mission is to serve regional Australia by facilitating important conversations through trusted, balanced, and local journalism.
Embracing Innovation
The Mullion Group won the Embracing Innovation award. The Mullion Group is an Australian-based software company that specialises in the measurement and modelling of land-based greenhouse gas emissions and removals, taking data from satellites, ground measurements and models to convert into actionable information for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Outstanding Growth
Specialising in mining services, Valenhold offers end to end solutions supporting mobile fleet operations. With access to proven parts and components, world-leading engineering, and procurement teams, Valenhold can support projects no matter the size or complexity.
Promoting Sustainability
FONZ emerged the winner of the Promoting Sustainability award. FONZ is Australia’s leading designer and manufacturer of quality two-wheel electric motorcycles and scooters.
What are the Telstra Best of Business Awards?
Telstra’s Best of Business Awards program continues its long legacy of awards programs that have recognised exceptional small and medium businesses for over 25 years, providing a platform to further their success and inspire others. Telstra Group Executive, Consumer and Small Business, Brad Whitcomb, said, “It has been an honour to recognise and applaud the excellence of Australia’s SMB community in the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards.”
“Hearing the incredible stories and witnessing the exceptional talent of the winning businesses has been nothing short of amazing, and we are proud to celebrate these winners today.”
“Carefully chosen from more than 20,000 nominated SMEs nationwide, the National Winners have demonstrated remarkable excellence in their respective categories and are a testament to the incredible business owners driving Australia forward. The winners have shown an immense amount of dedication to get to this stage, and we are delighted to recognise and support their continued contribution to Australia’s thriving small business community.”
The national winners were awarded following a thorough judging process, which included in-depth interviews with a range of senior business leaders, including MindTribes CEO Div Pillay, Salvos Stores CEO and National Director Matt Davis, Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman, Indigenous Allied Health Australia CEO Donna Murray, Sonder Co-Founder and CCO Chris Marr, and Frank Green Founder and CEO Benjamin Young, among others.
Brad Whitcomb, added, “In speaking to the judges, it was clear that Winyama Digital Solutions is trailblazing in its field that is empowering Indigenous communities in the digital world. The team’s efforts in preserving and protecting cultural knowledge through modern tech is driving change from the ground up, not only through the work the business does, but through the team’s commitment to educating the next generation of changemakers.”
“They’re an incredibly deserving winner and we look forward to witnessing the evolution and growth of their business as they continue to undertake important work across the country.”
The 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards Business of the Year winner will be promoted on Telstra’s signage at the footy, as well as in the broadcast during Round 3 of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and Round 5 of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season (30 March – 2 April), reaching thousands of fans in stadiums and living rooms across Australia.
The awards program is part of Telstra’s ongoing commitment to supporting SMBs, in addition to innovative programs like Telstra’s marketplace for small business, the Telstra Plus Market.
The Telstra Plus Market connects its four million Telstra Plus members to small businesses around the country and is designed to give small and medium businesses a way to reach more customers and grow their business, whilst also offering Telstra Plus members the opportunity to earn rewards points when purchasing through the platform.
Nominations for the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards are now open. Anyone can nominate an exceptional business, even if it’s their own, by heading to the website today.
