2023 State Winners - WA

Footage: Upbeat music plays as the video moves from a blue opening screen with the Telstra logo to the presenter for the Accelerating Women Award. 

Audio – presenter: 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Western Australia Accelerating Women, the award winner is… oh I've got to open it, oh gosh! 

Audio: the crowd laughs.

Audio – presenter: They said it's on the back, they lied to me, they lied to me. This is a good one. The Little Bar Cart.  

Audio – music: Upbeat music plays as the audience cheers and applauds. 

Footage: The two recipients stand up and walk past tables of well-dressed people and onto the stage to accept their award. The footage cuts to show the recipients posing in front of a media wall with their award and certificate.

Text: Accelerating Women Award WA Winner. The Little Bar Cart. 

Audio – recipient: Wow. Ray, who said they wouldn't be any acrobatics tonight? 

Audio: the audience laughs.

Audio – recipient: This is incredible. Firstly, I wanted to ask everyone - hands up if anyone in this room has had an idea and were told it wouldn't work. 

Footage: The recipient raises their hand while laughing.

Audio – recipient: Our story has been a whirlwind six year journey, which began as a little idea back in 2016 to keep guests entertained and hydrated between the wedding ceremony and reception. And after our first social media post went viral, we needed to add a second cart in our first week of launch. 

Our intention was to operate our Perth events business and then see what happened. Less than 12 months later, we sold our first licence into Melbourne, and TLBC was officially a thing. Fast forward six years and we have now 12 locations across Australia, Canada and the United States. 

Audio: the audience cheers.

Audio – recipient: Thank you. How, you ask? We believe it's because we defend our TLBC customer experience fiercely and never forget that our customers are the reason why we do what we do. 

We enter this category because our company values embrace women in all aspects of the business, supporting, encouraging and training women to become masters of their own destiny by being their own boss, in their own TLBC business, in their region of the world. A concept which was imagined and created from nothing into what is now a global brand with an exciting future ahead. 

We are so thrilled to have won this award, we truly are. This award, along with becoming an inductee into the Belmont West Australian Small Business Hall of Fame as three-time winners, truly does signify that this indeed was a good idea. But, there is no rest for the wicked, as they say. Already in 2023, internationally, TLBC is eyeing a potential partnership with a major global hospitality brand, as well as pursuing further expansion into Asia and Europe. And nationally, we are on the cusp of signing, announcing I should say, a new East Coast location, so watch this space. 

Congratulations to all the other finalists and thank you to Telstra, Best of Business Awards for this tremendous opportunity to showcase our business to you all and the rest of Australia. Thank you.

Footage: The audience applauds and cheers as the video transitions to a blue end screen with the words ‘Best of Business Awards’ next to the Telstra logo. 

Audio – music: The Telstra jingle plays. 

Footage: Upbeat music plays as the video moves from a blue opening screen with the Telstra logo to the presenter for the Promoting Sustainability Award. 

Audio – presenter: The 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, West Australian Building Communities Award winner is… Happiness Co.

Audio – music: Upbeat music plays as the audience cheers and applauds. 

Footage: The recipients stand up from their table to hug each other. The footage cuts to show the recipients posing in front of a media wall with their award certificate. 

Text: Building Communities Award WA Winner. Happiness Co. 

Audio – recipient: Good evening, everybody. Firstly, I just want to say thank you to Telstra, what an incredible opportunity to the judges that backed Happiness Co in, it means the world. And to all the other finalists here tonight, congratulations for all your incredible efforts. 

I think we can all probably agree that the last three years have been pretty difficult for many people in small business and their families, and the people that you try and impact in your life. And there's one thing I truly believe in, that every single person in this room tonight makes a difference in this world. The only question is, do you make a good one or not? And I stand here with I reckon a heap of confidence and know that, every single person in this room is making that difference, doing that good thing. So keep being you and keep shining that light on people in their lives, so thank you. 

To my incredible team of people, we got two tables here tonight. This started once in my spare room, in my apartment, just me and my lonesome. And now we've got an incredible team of people that are championing change to my best mates, my business partners, my work colleagues, my beautiful partner, and my two kids that aren't here tonight. My kids, but my partner is, but my kids aren't. Thank you for all your support and love. You can't do great things without amazing people, I reckon you can all appreciate that. 

Happiness co. was always designed to try and make this world a little better, it's in the business of doing that and always has been. But ah, sometimes great things don't always come from great beginnings, and in life, that's our opportunity calling. 

Audio: a mobile phone rings distantly.

Audio – recipient: Take that. That could be your moment, whoever's phone that is. 

Audio: the audience laughs.

Footage: a room full of well-dressed people seated at their tables are shown laughing.

Audio – recipient: That could be your next big chapter. But anyway, now I'm completely rattled but what I was trying to say is that not all great things come from great beginnings. And in life you lose things, but you don't really recognise that until things get taken from you. 

And when I was on my 21st birthday, I lost my father to suicide, and that changed me, it changed the way I saw the world, and I never thought I'd kind of rebuild my life from that point because nothing seemed to make sense anymore. And for a lot of years, I suffered and struggled, but they do say that – that people who hurt - people who hurt the most have the most incredible ability to heal. And that's what I did. I turned my pain into my purpose, my sadness into my strength. And one thing I was really big on was trying to make a legacy brand, something that was symbolic to people. To always reminded them that hope is possible, and this award is just a recognition of that and in the lives that we're touching, and the people that we're helping along the way. But most importantly, this award is for all of you and anyone who has lost someone too soon along the way, this is for all you guys. So big love, until next time, stay safe and thank you. 

Footage: The audience applauds and cheers as the video transitions to a blue end screen with the words ‘Best of Business Awards’ next to the Telstra logo. 

Audio – music: The Telstra jingle plays. 

Footage: Upbeat music plays as the video moves from a blue opening screen with the Telstra logo to the presenter for the Championing Health Award. 

Audio – presenter: The 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Western Australian Championing Health Award winner is… Happiness Co.

Audio – music: Upbeat music plays as the audience cheers and applauds. 

Footage: The recipients stand up from their table to hug each other, and walk past tables of well-dressed people and onto the stage to accept their award. The footage cuts to show the recipients posing in front of a media wall with their award and certificate.

Text: Championing Health Award WA Winner. Happiness Co. 

Audio – recipient: I think what I'm called is an understudy in the stage game. First of all, I think this award, if you think about championing health and you think about turning your pain into a purpose, as Jules alluded to before, a massive shout out to John Pace, who is the man that we lost that started this whole business, so if we can give that man a round of applause. 

Audio: the audience applauds.

Footage: the camera pans around the room to show the well-dressed audience applauding.

Audio – recipient: I came from uh, team building. That was kind of my starting point, and then I met the ambassadors who are our volunteer group, a couple of them at our table. Some of them will be watching this either live or in replay, depending on the streaming service that we've got going on and if they’ve paid for it. But those people make this possible. Our office, our staff, obviously the daily task masters behind what we do, but this doesn't happen without great people behind it. And to champion health truly in a pre-emptive fashion, individuals need to take responsibility in the Happiness Co world, and I'm sure your world as well, people do that. To the other finalists, we've sat here before as well, I think it's 2019, and my only advice would be just remember how amazing it is to look back, take stock, and remember how much you've done in your history, no matter how short, medium or small. So please don't forget that. 

In terms of championing health, there's probably some debate internally about whether Happiness Co does that, because it's obviously health when you think about it, physical and medical. But we've got to remember that there's emotional, mental and social health, and more than ever, people are struggling with that. So if you are working in that space, a massive shout out to you, and I think that this award genuinely goes to everyone that's championing health in their own individual way. 

Thank you so much.

Footage: The video transitions to a blue end screen with the words ‘Best of Business Awards’ next to the Telstra logo. 

Audio – music: The Telstra jingle plays. 

Footage: Upbeat music plays as the video moves from a blue opening screen with the Telstra logo to the presenter for the Embracing Innovation Award. 

Audio – presenter: The 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Western Australian Embracing Innovation Award winner is...Protective.

Audio – music: Upbeat music plays as the audience cheers and applauds. 

Footage: The recipients walk past tables of well-dressed people and onto the stage to accept their award.  The footage cuts to show the recipients posing in front of a media wall with their award and certificate.

Text: Embracing Innovation Award WA Winner. Protective. 

Audio – recipient: Thank you. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, and Telstra for this amazing opportunity. It's fantastic.

We're really, really proud of everything that my team does and we couldn't do it with- without that wonderful team. You know, I created the first product back in 2012 by myself, but I couldn't and didn't have the ability to bring it to market, and have the understanding of what was required to actually create something from nothing and then commercialise it. And without having a team of wonderful people around me like Shane, and uh, it's just been a fantastic journey. So this is us, and the good thing about all of this, you know, with Telstra helping, you know, bringing everybody into the light for what they do, is that with every new creation that comes into the world, you know, the world advances.

So every little bit that everybody does here is fantastic, and each of you are winners in my eyes as well, and it's an absolute joy to be up here accepting this. This is amazing, like, this is just fantastic. So, yeah, so thank you very much.

Footage: The video transitions to a blue end screen with the words ‘Best of Business Awards’ next to the Telstra logo. 

Audio – music: The Telstra jingle plays. 

Footage: Upbeat music plays as the video moves from a blue opening screen with the Telstra logo to the presenter for the Indigenous Excellence Award.  

Audio – presenter: The 2023 Best of Business Indigenous Excellence Award goes to win Winyama Digital.

Audio – music: Upbeat music plays as the audience cheers and applauds.

Footage: The recipient walks past tables of well-dressed people and onto the stage to accept their award. The footage cuts to show the recipients posing in front of a media wall with their award certificate, with cameras flashing as photographers take their photo.

Text: Indigenous Excellence Award WA Winner. Winyama Digital. 

Audio – recipient: Thank you, thanks so much. I'm going to have to read some notes, otherwise I'll waffle.

So, wayiba everyone, I'd like to acknowledge Whadjuk country and the community and elders and all the First Nations people who are here tonight. I'm a Ngarluma traditional owner from up in the Pilbara, and I want to pay homage to my elders and my community. It's an honour to be here and to be receiving this award for Indigenous excellence. I want to also acknowledge my brothers and sisters here who are finalists in this category as well, I think to stand amongst giants is really great.

Winyama's story is really about Indigenous inclusion in the digital economy, and I'd like to thank Telstra for recognising the work that we do in that space. As many of you know, the digital sector is rapidly growing and it's really crucial that Indigenous communities have a place in that. Winyama was founded with a mission for providing job opportunities for Indigenous people in the tech sector, and I'm proud to say that that's what we've been doing successfully.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing employees who are the driving force behind our success. You heard about the amount of Indigenous tech guys we have working for us, but it's their passion, it's their hard work and dedication that's brought us to where we are today, but it also inspires other young indigenous people to take a tech career as well.

Furthermore I'd like to acknowledge the support of our customers and our partners as well, who've believed in our mission and have helped to strengthen our business. And this award is really a testament for the progress that we've made as Indigenous communities, but there's still a huge amount, a huge path to travel, and we've got to continue to strive towards creating a more inclusive and diverse digital sector, where Indigenous people can really thrive and reach their full potential. So once again, thanks so much. I want to express my gratitude to Telstra for the award and the recognition that it brings, so thanks very much.

Footage: The video transitions to a blue end screen with the words ‘Best of Business Awards’ next to the Telstra logo.

Audio – music: The Telstra jingle plays.

Footage: Upbeat music plays as the video moves from a blue opening screen with the Telstra logo to the presenter for the Outstanding Growth Award.  

Audio – presenter: So the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Western Australia Outstanding Growth Award Winner is...Common Ground Trails.

Audio – music: Upbeat music plays as the audience cheers and applauds.

Footage: The recipients stand up from their table to kiss each other, and walk past tables of well-dressed people and onto the stage to accept their award. The footage cuts to show the recipients posing in front of a media wall with their award certificate.

Text: Outstanding Growth Award WA Winner. Common Ground Trails. 

Audio – recipient: Who would have thought you can win an award for building jumps for kids?

I'd like to begin by acknowledging the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation on the land in which we meet today. You know, I'd like to pay my respects to their elders, past and present.

Firstly, congratulations to all of the other finalists in our category and all other categories. If you're here tonight, means you've copped a few punches in the face over the years, and you've managed to get through to where you are to here, so and, that's only through being really dedicated.

Our team work remotely all over Australia. We're really lucky to be designing, planning and constructing trails. We currently, we're working in areas like the Kimberley, Kakadu, the Snowy Mountains, and we have work essentially in all states other than Tasmania, which let's face it, is really overseas.

Audio: the audience laughs.

Audio – recipient: Two weeks ago I was in the remote high country of Victoria. Last week I was in South Australia. This morning I was in the Bunya Mountains in central Queensland. Later this week, I'll be island hopping in the Dampier Archipelago up near Karratha. Yeah, just looking at different options for trails. I wouldn't be doing this, I wouldn't be able to do this, and have a beautiful family and a successful business run so remotely without three things. Firstly, an awesome team who are all dedicated and passionate about getting people outdoors and onto trails to create the next generation of environmental stewards. Secondly, an extremely supporting wife, business partner and my Valentine,

Audio: the audience whoops and cheers.

Audio – recipient: who has been through thick and thin to get us where we are today - we're getting there. And to Telstra, who in all reality, keep me connected to my family when I'm away, on the nights when you're alone. Who keep our team connected to each other when we're in different states, no matter how remote we are. So thank you to Telstra.

Jas and I come from Tulinup on Wadandi country, which is the saltwater people of the Southwest. Most of you know it as Augusta. I'm really proud that two country bumpkins who love riding bikes and hiking can be standing here operating a business that works on country all over Australia, and to have created a business that is one of the leading organisations in its field in the world. I'm really fortunate to have grown up on 200 acres with a river running through it and backing onto national parks in the idyllic Margaret River. We're quite lucky to live, you know, just right near the beach, and it was just a phenomenal upbringing. I'm conscious that not many people have that, and therefore I understand how important it is that we get people outside into the bush, and that the more they can do this, the more they will value nature and the more they will want to conserve it for our future generations.

Footage: The audience applauds and cheers as the video transitions to a blue end screen with the words ‘Best of Business Awards’ next to the Telstra logo.

Audio – music: The Telstra jingle plays.

Footage: Upbeat music plays as the video moves from a blue opening screen with the Telstra logo to the presenter for the Promoting Sustainability Award. 

Audio – presenter: The 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Western Australian Promoting Sustainability Award winner is - if that's not a mouthful - The Bod Society.

Audio – music: Upbeat music plays as the audience cheers and applauds. 

Footage: The recipients stand up from their table to kiss each other, and walk past tables of well-dressed people and onto the stage to accept their award. The footage cuts to show the recipients posing in front of a media wall with their award certificate.

Text: Promoting Sustainability Award WA Winner. The Bod Society. 

Audio – recipient:

Hello, my name is Christie McGann and I'm the owner and creator of the Bod Society, which is a natural skincare and mineral makeup brand. I have been pushing the boundaries of the modern-day beauty industry for the last five years with compostable, refillable, biodegradable and recyclable packaging.

This journey began in my carport, then shortly after we moved the business into our newly renovated shed, which my husband wasn't too happy about. In 2020, I purchased – sorry, in 2022 I purchased my first commercial property where we manufacture, ship and create our beautifully impactful products.

The beauty industry produces more than 120 billion single units of packaging annually throughout the globe - just in the beauty industry. And it is estimated that only 9% of the plastic waste ever produced has been properly recycled, 12% incinerated, and the other 79% ends up in landfill or natural environment, which is really sad.

The meaning sustainability to me, at its core, is to live a sustainable life. It's the commitment of leaving the planet better than how you found it and being motivated to make better daily choices for your health, our Earth and the future. The Bod Society has and always will be an ever-evolving brand, creating products that align with our personal and business values like sourcing ingredients, packaging ingredients and packaging that are more earth-friendly or adapting our work life to create the wave of balance in our personal life. I feel abundantly honoured to be receiving this award and, if anything, more inspired to continue our journey, creating a bigger and more sustainable impact in the beauty industry, and with deep gratitude to my team, those that have supported my mission for a heart-led brand, and to my husband, who now has his shed back - I thank you.

Footage: The audience applauds and cheers as the video transitions to a blue end screen with the words ‘Best of Business Awards’ next to the Telstra logo.

Audio – music: The Telstra jingle plays.