Illawarra business community members gathered in high spirits for the highly anticipated announcement of the 2024 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards finalists. Photo: Josh Brightman / Balanced Image Studio.
From a record 143 businesses who threw their hats in the ring, 82 organisations and individuals have been announced as 2024 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards finalists.
Amid celebratory drinks in a lively atmosphere at Wollongong’s City Beach Function Centre on Wednesday (31 July), Business Illawarra interim executive director Paula Martin said the record number of entries was a testament to the resilience, innovation and triumph of the Illawarra business community.
“Whilst we’ve endured the difficult conditions of the last 12 months, we have had incredible stories of resilience, of triumph, of success. It’s a real credit to you,” she said.
“There are many businesses that are struggling and we’ve been delighted to hear your stories, have you enter and be recognised for the brilliant and successful businesses that you are.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all entrants for taking the time to share their business excellence and congratulate the finalists who have gone through with impressive submissions.”
The 2024 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards, which this year celebrates its 30-year milestone, celebrate the remarkable achievements of the region’s businesses and professionals.
Finalists were selected across 15 categories by a panel of independent judges after a meticulous review of all entries.
“Our finalists truly represent the diversity and talent that exist within our business community, from sole traders to large employers, spanning various industries and sectors,” Ms Martin said.
Business Illawarra interim executive director Paula Martin said the record number of entries was a testament to the resilience of the region’s business community. Photo: Josh Brightman / Balanced Image Studio.
Finalists included last year’s Business of the Year, Hysata, which was named a finalist in the Excellence in Workplace Culture for 2024 – an honour Hysata Paul Barrett said brought great pride to the company.
“While our technology with its high efficiency and approach to mass manufacturability grabs the headlines, it is our people and by extension our culture that brings our company to life and enables us to scale rapidly and sustainably,” he said.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive and high-performance workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing, continuous learning and growth. We already have close to 100 staff, with around 35 per cent female representation which is above industry standards.
“Our people enjoy supporting our Illawarra community through local programs fostering STEM careers and education – from PhD and scholarships, to high school engagement and mentoring.
“For Hysata, culture isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the foundation of our sustained success and growth.”
Some businesses were named finalists in numerous categories, including Symbio Wildlife Park, which is in the running for Excellence in Customer Service, Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality, Outstanding Business Leader (Matthew Radnidge) and Outstanding Employee (Amber Harrison) and Tiny Tins, which is up for Excellence in Small Business, Excellence in Sustainability and Outstanding Young Business Leader (Karlie Zec).
Banksia Support Services director Amy Hall was thrilled to be named as a finalist in the Outstanding Business Leader and Excellence in Microbusiness categories.
“The opportunity to showcase Banksia’s growth and achievement in conjunction with other incredible businesses in the region is a real privilege,” she said.
“Banksia has been embraced by Illawarra Network since winning the Outstanding Start Up award in 2022, so to come back a few years later and be recognised again is really exciting.
“I’ll be celebrating my 40th birthday at the awards this year, so to celebrate the commitment and recognition of my business on this very special day will be amazing.”
The 2024 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards Finalists are:
- Excellence in Customer Service
- Adcraft Studio
- Atelier Wealth Mortgage Brokers
- Burnetts on Barney
- D. Frame Electrical
- Dignam Real Estate
- Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group
- SOILCO
- Symbio Wildlife Park
- VPA Studios
- Excellence in Innovation
- Endeavour Energy
- Green Gravity
- IRT
- Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group
- Traders in Purple
- Excellence in Large Business
- Always There – Essential Care
- Coutts Lawyers
- D. Frame Electrical
- Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group
- Warrigal
- Excellence in Micro Business
- Awareness Co.
- Banksia Support Services
- Coal Coast Magazine
- Focus Tutoring
- Scribbly Gum Photography
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
- Excellence in Small Business
- Adcraft Studio
- Amelie Private
- Burnetts On Barney
- Green Gravity
- Propel Technologies
- Sprout Scientific
- Tiny Tins
- WorkLife – Coledale
- Excellence in Sustainability
- Adcraft Studio
- Amelie Private
- Burnetts On Barney
- Green Gravity
- Propel Technologies
- Sprout Scientific
- Tiny Tins
- WorkLife – Coledale
- Excellence in Tech
- Business Valuations Online
- Ericom
- Scalapay
- Sicona Battery Technologies
- Virtual IT Group
- Excellence in Workplace Culture
- CareSouth
- Coutts Lawyers
- Foye Legal
- Hysata
- Sprout Scientific
- Warrigal
- Outstanding Business Leader
- Amy Hall – Banksia Support Service
- Darren Frame – D. Frame Electrical Pty Ltd
- Elizabeth Burnett – Burnetts On Barney
- Heather Marciano – BCR Communities
- Matthew Radnidge – Symbio Wildlife Park
- Wynter Dares – Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group
- Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality
- Coal Coast Magazine
- Cupitt’s Estate
- Silos Estate
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
- Symbio Wildlife Park
- Outstanding Community Organisations
- Big Fat Smile
- Escabags
- Lighthouse
- Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce
- Solve Care
- Outstanding Employee
- Amber Harrison – Symbio Wildlife Park
- Leigh Sherer – GJ Gardener
- Outstanding New Business
- Creative Kooks
- Crime Story
- Gateway Life
- Mulberry Support Service
- Shellharbour Marina Holiday Accommodation
- Two Face Investigations
- Outstanding Young Business Leader
- Brittany Lavender – Peoplecare Health Insurance
- Ellen Noye – Solve Care
- Gabrielle Voller – Proud Living Co
- Harriet Cox – Home Instead Wollongong
- Karlie Zec – Tiny Tins
- Rhys Cornock – Sprout Scientific
Category finalists now move on to the final interview stage, undergoing a rigorous judging process, before attending the event touted as the highlight of the Illawarra business calendar.
The 2024 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards black tie gala ceremony is set for Friday 13 September at the WIN Entertainment Centre. Tickets will be available from Monday 5 August.
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