Best of Australian Business Recognised

Businesses demonstrating excellence in innovation, sustainability and community contribution were recognised at the 2013 Australian Business awards last week.

Spread across the private, public and Not for Profit sectors, they ranged from  major corporates Medibank and Procter & Gamble to Oak Flats Bowling & Recreation Club.

The awards, conducted annually and now in their eighth year, saw a maximum of one winner per industry acknowledged in the innovation, community contribution and environmental sustainability categories.

Businesses could nominate in one of twenty five industry groups, based on the ANZ Standard Industry Classification (ANZSIC).

Entrants were scored and ranked based on their written submissions and materials such as product samples, reports attained through independent research, productivity reports, analysis reports and technical literature.

Awards were also presented to business in seven additional categories, including marketing, service, e-business, project management, and brand excellence.  

Three of the best:

• Serco was awarded for innovation.  The service company manages Southern Queensland Correctional Centre and launched a pilot program last year in collaboration with the University of Southern Queensland to improve prisoners’ access to IT equipment. The technology can function independent of the internet and allows prisoners to develop academic skills, making them more employable.

• SITA was awarded for sustainability. SITA partners with Taronga Zoo and manages the 35 tonnes of waste the zoo produces each month. Over 80 per cent of the waste is successfully recovered by SITA and diverted from landfill.

• Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia was awarded for community contribution. The sustainable enterprise employs and trains a significant number of Indigenous Australians, providing trainees with accredited training in areas such as tourism and hospitality. Profits generated can be used for other land management and acquisition projects.

Award citations and winners

The Australian Business Award for Innovation recognises organisations that have made significant contributions to their industry through differentiated or more effective products, processes, services, technologies or ideas resulting in a commercial, environmental and/or social benefit.

• Brisbane City Council

• Capital S.M.A.R.T

• Citipower And Powercor Australia

• Csiro

• Complete Office Supplies

• Department Of Education, Employment And Workplace Relations

• Ecoline

• Morlife

• Netcomm Wireless

• NRMA Motoring & Services

• Oneshift

• Seeley International

• Serco Australia

• Smile Solutions

• Veolia Environmental Services

The Australian Business Award for Environmental Sustainability recognises organisations that have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the enhancement, preservation and protection of the environment.

• Club Assist

• Department of Water, WA

• Kimberly-Clark Australia

• Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

• Oak Flats Bowling & Recreation Club

• Tox Free Solutions

• Staples Australia

• SITA Australia

• SEQ Catchments

The Australian Business Award for Community Contribution recognises organisations that implement policies or execute projects that positively impact on the community and generate outcomes that have a long term benefit. Initiatives can include but are not limited to projects, programs, policies, processes, services, systems, technologies, developments, ventures and undertakings.

• Indigenous Land Corporation & Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia

• John Holland

• LandCorp

• Medibank

• National Australia Bank

• Peard Real Estate

• Procter & Gamble

• Steggles

• Regional Development Australia – Hunter

• The Sutherland District Trade Union Club (Tradies)

The official winners publication may be viewed here.