South Australian finalists announced for 2019 Telstra Business Awards

Media Release, 18 July 2019

Twenty four leading businesses from around the State have been recognised as finalists in the 2019 Telstra South Australian Business Awards, part of a fiercely contested national program which this year attracted a record 21,000 nominations.

Among them is Riot Wine Co who produces wine in stainless-steel kegs and promises a unique wine drinking experience thanks to its sustainable wine in a can product, which protects the wine from UV light and oxygen. Co-founders Joe Cook and Tom O’Donnell were inspired to create the business after years spent working in the McLaren Vale wineries. 

Another finalist, Makers Empire teaches young students design thinking and 3D printing, from problem identification through to product designing, testing and refining. The educators, developers and business managers that make up the organisation have a mission to help children become creators, innovators and problem solvers so they can thrive in our dynamic world. 

Striving to also make a difference, Good Prospects Speech Pathology is also a finalist. The team has developed ‘tele-health’ speech therapy sessions, using video calls, shared screens and virtual whiteboards, to make their all-inclusive services accessible to those in lower socioeconomic areas.

Now in its 27th year, the Telstra Business Awards recognises remarkable businesses across four categories: Emerging & Energised, Small & Succeeding, Medium & Making Waves, and Social Change Maker. 

Telstra Group Executive, Consumer & Small Business, Michael Ackland, said the judges were impressed by the calibre of the 2019 finalists. 

“The record number of nominations we’ve received for the program this year alone shows how dynamic the small and medium business industry is in Australia – and how supported they are by their community,” he said.

“Getting to this stage of the program is an achievement in itself, whether they win or not. In particular, we found that three quarters of last year’s state finalists saw a spike in activity or business awareness just from taking part in the program.”

“We’re incredibly proud to continue to support these organisations year after year. They continue to inspire us with their resilience, courage, incredible commitment, and their ability to find new solutions and ways of working, and this year’s finalists are no exception.” 

The finalists have been through a rigorous judging process to find the most deserving Australian businesses.  They were judged across a broad range of criteria, including: strategy and vision, customers and marketing, operations, people and culture, innovation and technology, social responsibility and financial acumen. 

 

The 24 finalists of the 2019 Telstra South Australian Business Awards are:

Emerging & Energised

  • Peripheral Blue
  • Refuel Creative
  • Roaming Zen
  • Society Marketing Communications
  • Sullivan Consulting
  • The Duke of Brunswick Hotel

Small & Succeeding

  • Cindy's Classic Gourmet
  • Foil Me
  • Oranje Creative
  • Physio Fit Adelaide
  • Riot Wine Co
  • Sea Dragon Lodge

Medium & Making Waves

  • Bowhill Engineering
  • FCT Holdings
  • Green Frog Systems
  • Mollydooker Wines
  • Premier Health Care
  • Wines by Geoff Hardy

Social Change Maker

  • Determined2
  • Foodbank SA
  • Good Prospects Speech Pathology
  • Makers Empire
  • Media Centre for Education Research
  • Rejuven8 Consulting and Training

Winners of the 2019 Telstra South Australian Business Awards will be announced on Thursday 12 September at the Adelaide Oval. State and Territory winners will be invited to Melbourne for the National Series, including networking events, masterclass, national judging and a national dinner celebration on Thursday 21 November.

 

EDITOR’S NOTE

  • Images of the South Australian finalists can be sourced here: National 2019 TBA finalist images
  • If you seeking contact details or additional information about any finalist, please contact Chris Marks on 0475 963 824 and we will supply them to you. 

-Ends-

 

Media contact:  Chris Marks – Telstra Media Manager SA / NT
M: 0475 963 824
E: chris.marks@team.telstra.com   
Reference number: 074/2019