State Finalists - Building Communities

Hey Lemonade, founded by Lucy Durack and Elise McCann, is an app that helps users manage stress and build resilience to tackle smaller mental health issues in a practical way. Overseen by psychologists, Hey Lemonade provides quick pep talks that are used by individuals, corporate workplaces, and schools for effective mental health management.

Mindworx Psychology, founded in 2014 by Dr. Amanda Mullin, offers leading Clinical Psychology and Performance Coaching in Sydney. Specialising in mental health and wellbeing, they provide tailored assessments, treatments, workshops, and online courses. Its 'Think Differently' program provides ongoing training, consultancy and workshops on neurodiversity and mental welbeing to schools, businesses, and community organisations. 

Pinnacle People Solutions (PPS) deliver specialised HR services to regional small and medium enterprises and not-for-profits. Founded in 2013 by CEO Bronwyn Pearson, PPS offer tailored HR solutions with a hands-on approach. Operating across 3 states, PPS actively empower regional businesses and drive sustainable community growth.

SAPHI, founded in 2017, specialises in cutting-edge AI imaging, edge computing, and smart operational technology solutions for mining, heavy industry, and government sectors. With a mission to solve global problems through advanced technology, SAPHI drives innovation, productivity, and sustainability, through its dedicated team and industry-expert board members.

Sydney School of Entrepreneurship is a not-for-profit social enterprise that delivers programs designed to develop entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. Established in 2016, Sydney School of Entrepreneurship partners with government bodies, educational institutions, industry leaders, and community organisations to ensure entrepreneurial education is accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Ikuntji Artists is a not-for-profit established in 1992. Originally a women’s centre, its focus changed in 2005 to support local Aboriginal artists and foster Anangu culture. Specializing in canvas, fabrics and jewellery, Ikuntji Artists collaborates globally to exhibit more than 40 artists’ work in museums and on fashion runways worldwide.

BOP Industries, based in Brisbane, prepares the next generation for the future of work through workshops, resources, and competitions. Partnering with IBM, Virgin Australia, and Deloitte, BOP connects classroom learning to workforce opportunities, impacting more than 100,000 students across the Asia Pacific. It prioritises fostering skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, and STEM.  

CAKE offers flexible professional services through a network of over 160 skilled stay-at-home parents. Specialising in business consulting, strategy, and marketing, CAKE provides tailored, end-to-end solutions for its clients while supporting and leveraging the expertise of Australian families and businesses.

iSponsor transforms everyday shopping into fundraising opportunities for community groups. The cashback platform was developed to support local sporting clubs and community groups, and aims to help every young person by empowering them with essential services and support through sports, education, and community connections. 

OMG! Decadent Donuts, founded by David Moore, has a simple aim - to make donuts more accessible to people with dietary restrictions and break the mold of traditional cinnamon sugar - by producing allergen-free, vegan donuts. Growing from a home kitchen to 86 tonnes of mix distributed annually, OMG! now supports over 70 independent businesses. Their inclusive, low-cost model empowers entrepreneurs and fosters community engagement across Australia.

The yLead Association, led by Chief Executive Officer Zoe Meredith-Brown, empowers youth across Australia and New Zealand with transformative leadership programs. Established in 1989, yLead offers workshops, mentorship, and conferences to build leadership skills and resilience. Their holistic, experiential approach helps young people unlock their potential and lead with impact.

Adelaide Mums and Babies Clinic adopts an evidence based approach to provide expert care in breastfeeding, pediatrics, and women’s health. Established in 2018, the clinic provides comprehensive, empathetic care using Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC), along with parenting classes and support groups.

Barossa Veterinary Service, led by Dr. Catherine Harper since 2016, provides care to over 14,000 animals across three locations. By prioritising strong owner relationships and embracing innovation, Barossa Vet Service ensures exceptional veterinary care, including after-hours emergencies, while driving change and inspiring future veterinarians in the Barossa region.

Empire Dance Studio, founded in 2016 by Angela and Ryan Marveggio, offers dance opportunities for ages 2-30 in Adelaide. From humble beginnings with 23 dancers, it has expanded to 7 studios serving nearly 800 students. Known for its supportive, competitive environment, Empire Dance fosters resilience, growth, and connection within its dance community. 

Founded in 2014 by Merrily Hunter, MAC Trade Services reduces fossil fuel dependence by retrofitting homes and businesses with energy-efficient appliances and clean energy solutions like lighting upgrades, EV charging stations, and Virtual Power Plant connections. They help communities lower their carbon footprint through accessible energy efficiency.

Founded in 2013, Tutors SA offers private tutoring from Reception to Year 12 students for core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science and all core SACE subjects. With more than 50 qualified tutors and 750 students weekly, Tutors SA aims to inspire learning and academic excellence through personalised and unique educational approaches.

Devonport Tenpin Bowl provides fun-filled bowling and entertainment experiences for individuals, families, and groups of all ages and abilities. 

Devonport Tenpin Bowl’s local leagues also offer bowlers a competitive atmosphere to continue developing their skills, alongside opportunities to compete with others across the state.

Founded in 2017 by Grace Roberts and Chris Jackson, IO Performance is a bold Tasmanian theatre group committed to innovation and artistic rigour. They foster creativity through workshops, a supportive community hub, and collaborations with emerging artists, embodying their "Input, Output" ethos by challenging audiences and nurturing local talent.

Knights of the Shed provides engaging group therapy sessions for Tasmanian children, adolescents, and young adults facing challenges with social connection, emotional regulation, executive functioning and anxiety. Each week, Knights of the Shed welcomes more than 100 participants and equips them with the tools they need to thrive through games such as Dungeons and Dragons, board games and miniature figure painting.

Left Field specialises in horticulture labour hire in Tasmania, providing continuous employment through its Farm Work Loop. Workers rotate between farms, gaining diverse skills while across Tasmania. Left Field partners with farms that align with its values, ensuring high standards and building a strong, collaborative community.

Founded in 2017, VA Institute offers comprehensive training and support for virtual assistants, providing a tangible "business in a box". VA Institute delivers training that's grounded in real industry experience. Its comprehensive programs equip participants with the skills and resources they need to launch fully operational virtual assistant businesses.

Accessible Accommodation helps people with disabilities find and book reliable, accessible holiday and respite options. Founded by Kerry Williams, Accessible Accommodation’s website and social media community provide vital information and support for travellers with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive tourism industry.

ASAC Consultancy uses technology to help bridge the gap in health inequities for those living in rural and remote areas, or experiencing disadvantage. Founded in 2019 by Anna Klis, ASAC Consultancy uses advanced drone technology to improve access to essential health services to overcome geographical barriers to healthcare services. The organisation aims to build a healthier future for all Australians by addressing the root causes of health inequities, while striving towards net-zero outcomes.

Assist Ability Australia was founded by Lola Nicolouleas and Mike Al-Sabbagh and provides personalised disability support services. Known for its participant-centred approach, Assist Ability Australia offers support, advocacy and community education while ensuring that every individual receives the care and resources they need to thrive.

Founded in 2018 by Ash Jindal and Yuvraj Verma, Clear Tax offers affordable accounting and advisory services to small businesses across Australia. With the ClearBiz Network, Clear Tax foster growth and collaboration among over 3,000 members. Clear Tax simplifies tax, empowers entrepreneurs, and drives business success nationwide.

Scaler Plugin, founded in 2016 by Davide Carbone in Melbourne, aims to bridge the gap between music creation and technology. Its flagship tools, Scaler 2 and Scaler EQ, enhance music creation by identifying scales, suggesting chords, and improving audio quality. With a mission to democratise music production, Scaler Plugin empowers artists to unlock their creative potential.

Dodgy Bros Dodgeball reimagines dodgeball with pop-up party events for all ages. Combining lights, music, and inflatable arenas, they deliver a fun, unique, and safe experience anywhere. Dodgy Bros revive the sentimental schoolyard game with a fresh twist, promoting fitness, fun, and a nostalgic return to playful childhood joy.

Lightbulb Skills, founded in Perth in 2022, offers practical life skills workshops for individuals with disabilities to improve their independence. Led by Megan Hancock and Desley Delic, it uses community feedback to tailor sessions and build a supportive network, aiming to become Australia's top NDIS life skills provider.

The Garden Family Medical Clinic epitomises a modern approach to healthcare. Established in 2022, with a presence in multiple locations across Perth, the clinics provide an array of services designed to improve the lives of community members. The clinic fosters a unique environment with a bright, modern and non-clinical design and a central garden to provide a calm atmosphere.

The Push-Up Challenge raises mental health awareness through The Push-Up Challenge, engaging over 700,000 participants and raising $50 million for mental health services. Founded in 2017 by Nick Hudson, this Perth-based event combines fitness and mental health education to drive significant impact across Australia.