18 minute read
WSABE feature
Stories of triumph, resilience and determination
Th e following is an edited extract by Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Aff airs, Minister for Women, Liberal Senator for New South Wales to Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence delivered on Friday, 20 November 2020 in Parramatt a.
2020 been like no other year in our lifetimes. Th e impacts of the health and economic crisis that is COVID-19 have been global impacts, placing great stress on the rules, institutions and relationships that contribute to the safety, prosperity and openness of Australia’s region – the Indo-Pacifi c.
In my role as Australia’s Foreign Minister, most of the international engagements that I would usually have in foreign capitals or in Canberra when counterparts visit from overseas have happened virtually from my offi ces in Parramatt a – oft en in the middle of the night.
I take great pride in being able to tell you that the response from Australia to COVID-19 – on the economic, social and health front – has gained signifi cant respect and admiration from all over the world.
So while our focus at home is supporting the economic recovery and strengthening our health systems, we are using our voice overseas to ensure that our values, our national interests and our perspectives are a key part of the global conversation on how the world emerges from the pandemic.
As Australia’s Minister for Women, I know that this pandemic has disproportionally impacted women and girls both here and abroad. Which is why our budget sets out an economic recovery plan to support Australian women back to work, with tailored and targeted support to help women overcome barriers and succeed.
Senator Marise Payne at the 2020 WSABE gala event.
Th ey have also been personal, impacting every household and business here in our Western Sydney community.
Earlier this year I launched my Western Sydney Economic Recovery Survey, sending it out to thousands of businesses. Th e survey asked technical questions about turnover, operations, staff . But it also asked what business owners were most proud of. Among the responses was an eye hospital in Westmead. And they told me that the thing they were most proud of in 2020 was that they were ‘surviving’.
Tonight, we have pause to refl ect not only on the fact that you have all survived 2020, but that you thrived.
And I cannot think of a more perfect forum than the Awards to recognise this fact. Since 1990, WSABE has been – and remains – the premier forum recognizing the achievements of businesses across Western Sydney.
I’ve done the maths. Over 500 awards have been issued since. Th ese past recipients have stories to tell about their businesses’ journey. And taken together, their experiences also illuminate the rise of Western Sydney. Tonight, we add a new chapter. We add your stories.
Make no mistake you are important Stories of triumph. Of resilience. Of determination. Of some failures, I’m sure, as well. But also, especially so this year, of success against the odds.
I consider the fact that I both live and work across Western Sydney as a badge of honour. And so should you. Aft er all, we have so much to be proud of.
Th is is one of the most vibrant communities in the country refl ecting the best of Australia’s cohesive and multicultural society. We are also the third largest economy in Australia, stretching from the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains to Parramatt a and down to Wollondilly. And we are a jobs powerhouse.
Every indicator tells us that Western Sydney will be the growth epicentre of NSW, and indeed, Australia.
Providing the essential services and infrastructure that our region needs is core business for both the Morrison and Berejiklian governments. Delivering the Western Sydney Airport is a clear example of this.
But gett ing this right is only half the story. We know that eight out of every 10 jobs in Australia are in the private sector. And these are predominantly created by small and family businesses. Sett ing up our region for success absolutely relies on a strong business community.
So make no mistake: you are part of the exceptional growth that is underpinning our region – that is forging a shared prosperity, that is vital to our economic recovery from the pandemic.
Yes, 2020 has been rough. But we have reason to hope, and we have reason to celebrate. To be a WSABE nominee in 2020 is special.
It is an acknowledgment of the sheer determination, hard work and passion that each of you, whether you are a business owner or staff member, have displayed in abundance. And for that, you can be so very, very proud.
Congratulations to all finalists, winners
SCHON CONDON
ON behalf of the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) Committee, and the organising body, The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for our 2020 awards initiative.
As we celebrate our 30th year, the awards continue to solidify its reputation as the premier business event in the Greater Western Sydney region. We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognise and celebrate businesses of excellence. 2020 has seen the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence expand to cover all of Greater Western Sydney and we were pleased to welcome entries from the many diverse areas across our region.
Th e quality of entries received was of an extraordinary level. We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the perseverance, resilience, and adaptability of participating businesses as we all try to navigate through the unprecedented climate that 2020 has presented.
WSABE received over 400 nominations from some of Greater Western Sydney’s most prosperous businesses, start-ups, exporters and promising young employees.
Th e variety and diversity of the entries received this year was phenomenal.
Schon Condon at the 2020 Rosehill Gardens WSABE event.
Th is year, our judges have identifi ed your business as a step above the rest and have deemed your achievements as worthy of recognition and celebration.
In a competitive and diffi cult business environment, we recognise that this is no small accomplishment. We applaud you for being recognised among the absolute best of Western Sydney.
We wish sincerely hope that these outstanding businesses make the best of every opportunity our program has to off er.
On behalf of the WSABE Committ ee, we would like to extend our gratitude to Principal Partner – Commonwealth Bank, Major Sponsor – City of Parramatt a, and Category Sponsors – AAA City Removalist, Th e Alternative Board, Th e Australian Turf Club, Australian Government Department of Foreign Aff airs and Trade, DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club, Energy Australia, GRENKE, HomeWorld, Parra Leagues, Parramatt a Light Rail, UNE Sydney and Wenty Leagues.
Schon Condon is President of the Parramatt a Chamber of Commerce. Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) is WSABE’s media partner. WSBA is a sister publication of the Parramatt a Times.
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Say good-bye to boring workshops that seldom leave the classroom and let us help you achieve your training goals with a fresh approach.
Th e Rapport business coaching team is here to help you get clear on your business goals, to develop a great business plan and to help you grow as a leader and grow a team around you to take your organisation to new levels of success.
Rapport Leadership CEO Jeremy Carter has been a fi nalist in both the 2019 and 2020 Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence in the Outstanding Business Leader category.
Jeremy loves supporting the local community and is a two-time President of his Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise.
He is a published author and speaker and regularly travels across Asia and Oceania to speak and train high performance teams and delivers the highly acclaimed business education programs for Blacktown City Council and also Th e Hills Shire Council.
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Spreading awareness about non-toxic cooking
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
MY name is Judith Viado, and I’m passionate about spreading awareness about healthy, non-toxic cooking.
I run Nutricraft Cookware with my husband, Richard. We were inspired by our personal experience with toxic cookware—our family got sick because of metal toxicity!
We wanted to change our cookware, and decided to switch to healthier cooking. But with all the cookware options in the market, we thought, why don’t we create our own line of safe cookware?
And so Nutricraft Cookware was born. Since then, we’ve made it our mission to tell the world about the safest and smartest cookware, and how much it impacts what we eat and how we live our lives. ing a pathway to prosperity for people from all works of life with their practical property investing process.
Th ey take the risk out of property investing by fi nding quality properties which fi t the requirements and budgets out of each client.
Emma Allen, Director and Principal Consultant of Active Property Investing, spearheads the team of talent at the agency and is proud of API’s amazing success for clients.
Emma established API to bridge the gap between thinking about investing, to actively drive wealth creation. She combines her passion for property and enthusiasm for collaborating to streamline the process of helping average Australians to start and grow their investment property portfolio.
Emma has worked with some of the most reputable property investment companies in the industry, assisting clients from across Australia and overseas.
But it’s her personal experience of how property can accelerate wealth creation and dramatically change people’s lives that motivates her to specialise in this fi eld.
And API’s commitment and passionate approach to assisting people to become successful won them the coveted Excellence in Customer Service Award at the 30th annual Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence Gala night.
“For many years we have forged partnerships that stretches across greater Sydney,
Judith Viado.
Richard is the brains behind the technical aspects of all Nutricraft products. His years of engineering experience is the secret and along the eastern seaboard, so we are absolutely thrilled to be acknowledged for Excellence in Customer Service in the Western Sydney region as it’s Australia’s third largest economy,” Emma said.
“What really makes the Active Property Investing service unique is our individualised approach and strict property selection framework with an absolute focus on fi nding you an ideal investment property for your needs,” Emma said.
“People from all walks of life invest in property, from diff erent age groups, professions and backgrounds. behind the excellent quality of all Nutricraft products. I, on the other hand, focus on all the sales and marketing.
Nutricraft cookware is unlike anything else on the market. We’ve combined superior craft smanship with a distinctive 7-ply induction ready multi-clad using a unique 316Ti Titanium Stainless Steel on the interior of the cookware.
We’ve created cookware that isn’t just durable, hypoallergenic, non-porous and having a virtually non-reactive cooking
Australia’s favorite property investment vehicle
“We make property investing easy and achievable for busy people. Our team of experienced researchers and consultants take the guesswork out of property investment, to optimise your investment success.
Emma said property investing was Australia’s favorite investment vehicle, providing security and peace-of-mind, not just now, but for your children’s children.
“We have built an enviable reputation for empowering everyday Australians to succeed in property investment.” surface, it is also twenty times more resistant to corrosion!
Nutricraft Cookware is more than just cookware — we’re committ ed to lifelong education. We don’t just want to provide the world with top grade and non-toxic cookware; we also want to educate people about the importance of health and wellness —- which we believe starts in the kitchen.
Winning the Best Online/Digital Business Award at the 2020 Altitude Awards is proof that even though we are only new to the Australian community, as a business we are resilient and like our product, we can withstand the test of time.
Th is award also means so much to us because more businesses are becoming aware of our mission, and we hope that this will help us spread our advocacy for toxin-free cooking.
www.facebook.com/nutricraftcookware
Mindworx is a story of innovation
MINDWOX Psychology began as the team. exercise, relationships, habits, health condiPrivate Practice of Dr Amanda Mul- In 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, tions, previous experiences, hopes, dreams lin in April 2014 in Glenhaven at the Mindworx Psychology was honored to be and hard times – they are all an important Knightsbridge Shopping Centre. nominated by clients, voted as a Finalist, part of your story.
A word-of-mouth reputation grew the and to be judged in 2016 as the Sydney With more psychologists coming on practice quickly, leading to the creation and Hills District’s Most Outstanding Health board, an increase in the number of specialopening of Mindworx Psychology in Nor- Improvement Service in the Local Business ist services, and more courses being off ered, west Business Park in August that year. Awards. including online courses, the team looks for-
In September 2015 the business expand- In 2016 and 2017, the Business was ward to shorter wait times as we continue to ed further, opening the current Practice in nominated and honored to become a fi nalist provide our clients at Mindworx Psychology Norwest Central, at Baulkham Hills. in the Australian Business Awards for Health with gold standard assessments, evidence
Mindwoerx has grown to a 15 strong Improvement. In September 2019 Mind- based treatments and modern therapies. team of exceptional psychologists and staff worx was honored to be nominated and to In 2019, due to ongoing demand, Dr committ ed to excellence and innovative be fi nalists in the Western Sydney Business Amanda launched Th ink Diff erently, maktreatment approaches. Excellence awards, recognising both Innova- ing her signature corporate and school pro-
Th e award-winning practice continues tion and commitment to Excellence in small grams more accessible. And in May 2019, demand and to att ract talented and experi- business. following requests to connect, Mindworx enced psychologists. Mindworx Psychology Mindwerx takes a holistic approach to celebrated the launch of Mindworx Online, is known for a commitment to excellence, mental health. Th e team is not just inter- helping you access us from the comfort of evidence-based treatments, a holistic ested in the way you think. Your mind is your home. approach, passion for the latest neuro-sci- att ached to your body, and your body lives Most recently, Dr Amanda Mullin was ence and the warmth and experience of our in the world, and that’s important too. Diet, approached to take part in Industry Leaders,
Dr Amanda Mullin.
a Foxtel show celebrating innovative, outstanding leaders in business, with a focus on Healthcare in Australia. !
Active the pathway to property success
ACTIVE Property Investing is provid-
The Active Property team.
www.mindworxpsychology.com.au
Emma said people who invest make a conscious decision to grow their wealth and property is an investment vehicle that’s easy to understand because it’s relatable. People from all walks of life invest in property. Diff erent age groups, professions and backgrounds.
“Investing is about making the most of what you have,” Emma said.
Emma said this included woman preparing for their future by wise investments to young families planning for a successful future and mature investors 15 years from retirement.
“We investigate whole eastern seaboard to fi nd a suitable property for the amount they have to invest.”
In helping people make the most of what they have, Emma her team get great satisfaction from helping clients build a pathway for their fi nancial future.
API simplifi es the complicated, confusing and daunting process of buying a property. Investing should ever be a leap of faith; the API service model breaks this down into digestible steps, so an investor builds their knowledge and confi dence.
API also is proud to give back to the community. Emma said she was particularly proud of building two schools in Cambodia and is also involved in an organisation that provide vital shelter in Th ird World countries.
