Telstra has announced the winners of the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards to celebrate and recognise small and medium-sized businesses making a positive impact on the economy and society and promoting excellence in various industries.
Two Indigenous businesses were among those honoured at the ceremony in New South Wales last week for their outstanding achievements.
Native Secrets, a manufacturer and seller of natural skin care products and essential oils, won in the "Building Communities" category. The business is Indigenous-owned and Supply Nation certified, using wild-harvested Australian natives as the main ingredient in their products.
Created by Phil and Cherie Thompson, Native Secrets has been incredibly successful not only as a retail partner, by also in commercial partnerships with companies like Qantas and Taronga Zoo.
Indigeco, a labour hire and recruitment service, took home the award for "Indigenous Excellence." The company empowers Aboriginal and disadvantaged people by connecting them to meaningful employment opportunities.
Indigeco won as a finalist in the category which champions Indigenous-led, owned and operated businesses succeeding through entrepreneurialism and innovation. In a statement celebrating the award, Indigeco said they were founded with the aim of improving the lives of Aboriginal and disadvantaged people through meaningful employment, with the knowledge that one person connecting with a job they love can change the lives of their whole family and ripple out to create a positive change in a community.
The winners were selected from over 20,000 nominations nationwide and were subjected to a rigorous judging process based on various criteria, including strategy and vision, customers and marketing, operations, people and culture, innovation and technology, social responsibility, and financial acumen.
Amanda Hutton, Telstra Retail and Regional Executive, said that the winners of the awards should be admired, appreciated, and applauded for their contributions to the community:
"To be recognised as a state winner in the Telstra Best of Business Awards is an incredible achievement, and we hope this provides each business with a well-deserved moment of celebration for the amazing work they are doing in their community."
The state winners will now represent New South Wales at the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards National Gala dinner on March 23 will crown the top businesses from across the country.
