Meet the Judges
Robert Hunter – Huntercorp Investments
Chair of Judging PanelRobert is the Director of Huntercorp Investments which is an asset finance and investment company, he has over 30 years’ experience owning and growing a range of successful businesses, in the fields of Hospitality, Managed print, IT and Finance. Previously Robert was the Director of SC Technology Group, growing the business from two staff in a small retail office, to a team of over 34.
Robert has always been passionate about the local community, supporting organisations like The Geelong Football Club – as an Elite sponsor, Give Where You Live, Braveheart’s and Lazarus Community Centre just to name a few.
Aaron De Wit – Entity Design Studio
JudgeAaron is a seasoned designer and branding specialist with a career spanning over 20 years, during which he has made significant contributions across a range of industries. With a rich background that includes pivotal roles in advertising agencies and significant branding projects for national retailers, over the past ten years he has operated as a solo entrepreneur and the driving force behind the design and branding studio Entity, providing strategy, creative direction and design services for major events, popular tourism destinations, and even an award-winning cookbook.
His extensive and versatile range of skills has fostered a network of happy clients all over the world as far away as London, Japan and Hawaii.
Aaron’s passion extends beyond commercial success; he is deeply committed to “design for good,” working to drive positive change with not-for-profits and charities championing important causes such as food sustainability, disability services and environmental conservation.
Chris Davies – EOS Worldwide
JudgeChris is the co-founder and former CEO of Evologic, a 40+ employee professional services organisation based in Geelong. With a 25+ year career in the technology industry, Chris has led through the rollercoaster of small business phases, successfully selling and exiting the business. He now helps CEOs and Leadership teams gain control of their business and accelerate growth and profitability by implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
Chris holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Microprocessor Applications), is a Board Director and Treasurer at the Give Where You Live Foundation.
Christine Smith – Destination Accessible
JudgeChris is a 20-year veteran of the police force specializing in trauma crimes, turned passionate disability advocate & calls it “ironic” to now possess a disability to match her cause. Chris was Deputy – Chair of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (2016 to 2021) and used her position to advocate disability rights. She is a member of the Accessible City Taskforce, and volunteered her time to travel the State with her speech “Access-Orize Your Biz”, encouraging businesses to employ people with disabilities.
As CEO of a disability focused organisation in the region, Chris uses her position to continue advocating for people with disability. She is a State Award winner for Excellence In Creating Inclusive Communities, a 3 x winner at GBEA Awards, a GBEA Finalist “Business of the Year”, and GBEA Finalist “Business Leader of the Year”. She is well known in the disability community, cemented by her finalist position as Disability Leader of the Year in Australia in 2018.
Giovanni Siano – Dovida Geelong (formerly Home Instead Geelong)
JudgeBorn in Reggio Emilia, northern Italy, Giovanni Siano holds a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Engineering Management from UniMoRe. With a global career spanning IT, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare across Europe, America, and Africa, Giovanni brought a broad international perspective when he migrated to Australia in 2011.
In 2018, Giovanni founded Home Instead Geelong, an in-home care provider that quickly grew to support over 1,000 clients and employ over 400 people across the region. In March 2025, the business rebranded to Dovida Geelong, marking a new chapter with a renewed focus on empowering people to live independently with confidence, connection, and choice.
He also founded G&G Accessible Lifestyle, providing supported accommodation and holistic care services.
Passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, Giovanni is committed to easing pressure on the healthcare system through high-quality, client-centred services. He is equally passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and business excellence in the local community.
Giovanni was awarded the GBEA Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021, and under his leadership, his business was named both GBEA ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Emerging Business’ the same year. He has been honoured to serve as a GBEA judge since 2022, contributing his experience to recognise and celebrate the success of fellow local businesses.
He holds an MBA from Deakin University and completed the Leaders for Geelong program in 2022
Jessica Anderson – CREW FACED MAKE UP ARTISTRY
JudgeOwner & Director of Crew Faced Makeup Artistry specialising in Hair Styling & Makeup Application. With 25 yrs experience working in Editorial, Film, Runway, Wedding & Event Makeup, Crew Faced was established in 2015- employing a team to operate from their professional Geelong based studio. Launching Crew Faced Cosmetica in 2022, Jessica extended her business to include lash and brow services.
Entering the GBEA for the past 5 yrs, Crew Faced won 3 Awards consecutively, entering the Hall of Fame in 2023. Outside of leading her team, Jess is a Cabin Manager for Virgin Airlines for the past 19 yrs. Born in QLD, Jess has lived in Geelong 11 yrs happily raising 2 young children & enjoying the vibrant Geelong/ Surf Coast lifestyle.
Her priority this year is to engage with the local community, volunteering & donating her services to several events hosted by local charities and NFP organisations.
Jess Cotter – Deakin University
JudgeJess Cotter is a leader in partnering, engagement, marketing and communications and brings to the GBEA judging role a well-rounded perspective on business operations based on a career working across corporate, government, manufacturing and infrastructure projects, small business and not-for-profit.
Jess is currently the Head of Partnering, Engagement and Experience, in the Infrastructure and Digital Division at Deakin University and holds post grad tertiary qualifications in Marketing (RMIT) and an under-graduate degree majoring in Public Relations and Management Communications (Deakin University). Jess has been involved in judging roles for the Geelong Business Excellence Awards since 2019 and is excited to work with all the amazing people behind Geelong’s business community in judging across the 2025 awards program.
Justin Collins – Cabinets by Computer
JudgeJustin is the General Manager of Cabinets by Computer, leading the growth of its Geelong-based team from 4 to 35 and delivering national and international outcomes for clients in the cabinetry industry. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Finance, Justin combines strategic insight with a passion for innovation to transform traditional industries.
Under his leadership, Cabinets by Computer has been recognised with multiple Geelong Business Excellence Awards: Small Business in 2021, Innovation, Research & Development in 2022, and in 2024, the coveted Business of the Year Award as well as Innovation, Research & Development.
Justin has driven brand reinvigoration, market expansion, and a customer-led product development approach, strengthening client relationships and relevance. Embracing agile software methodologies, he has enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and delivery speed.
A strong advocate for transformational leadership, Justin fosters a culture of support, empowerment, and excellence. His work demonstrates that with innovation, customer insight, and team culture, even the most traditional industries can be reshaped for lasting success.
Mark Edmonds – MRE Consulting
JudgeWith over 35 years of extensive experience in the business world, Mark has established himself as a seasoned professional with a special focus on the retail industry. Throughout his career, he has held senior positions at ASX listed companies such as Coles Myer, Wesfarmers, ADRT, and served as the CEO of Faggs Mitre 10. In addition to his corporate roles, Mark has also ventured into entrepreneurship, successfully managing his own small businesses in the hospitality sector, and gaining valuable insights into the tourism industry as he built and operated a premium motel in Ocean Grove.
Mark’s expertise extends beyond his own ventures as he actively engages in mentoring others. He runs his own small business mentoring program and has previously served as a mentor for VCCI (Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to the business community is evident in his past presidency of the Geelong Chamber.
Mark is currently a Member of the Geelong Authority, where he is actively involved in the revitalization efforts of Central Geelong. Plus, he is the Deputy Chair of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
Mark has held Chair and Board roles in NFP organizations. His professional achievements are further highlighted by his status as a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), a recognition of his exceptional leadership and management skills.
Nicola Wojcik – WorkSafe Victoria
JudgeNicola has worked in Geelong for over 8 years now. She very quickly established an understanding of the Geelong business community through her role as Manager, Stakeholder Engagement & Communications for WorkSafe. She played a large part in the project team for integration of WorkSafe to Geelong and was heavily involved in all local partnerships. She lead the response to Silicosis in her role of Manager for Strategic Health Programs before leading the Research Team, a role she has held for almost 3 years.
Nicola spent the majority of her childhood in Perth where she completed a degree in Asian Studies, with a double major in marketing and Japanese. She has spent time in the energy, water and mining sectors and in trade & investment with those roles seeing her work in Perth, London, Port Hedland, Melbourne and now Geelong.
She loves to be active and takes her love of sport to the Boardroom where she is entering her 7th year as a commissioner for AFL Barwon and joined the board of Read the Play a few years ago. She has been involved in the judging for a number of community events and grants and enters her sixth year as a GBEA judge. Outside of working life, Nicola enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling.
Peter Temple – Furphy
JudgePeter is the Financial Controller at Furphy (previously known as Geelong Galvanizing). With a background including roles in sports coaching and administration, policing, allied health, publishing, hospitality, tourism, management consulting, and environmental and project management, along with not-for-profit board positions in youth welfare, education, drug and alcohol, the arts, tourism and public health, Peter’s diverse management experience allows him to assess businesses from a unique perspective.
He has worked as an entrepreneurial sole operator, the proprietor of small enterprises, the manager of a family business, and in operational management roles both in medium sized enterprises and large multinational companies. Peter’s areas of particular interest are management, finance and economics.
Sarah Charleston – Rendine Construction
JudgeSarah is the Human Resources Manager at Rendine, where she leads the people, compliance and workforce strategy functions across a growing and diverse construction business.
With over 20 years’ experience in recruitment and human resources across both local and international markets, Sarah brings a strong commercial and operational understanding to her role. She is responsible for driving workforce capability, managing employee relations, and ensuring compliance with Fair Work and workplace legislation, while supporting leaders to make informed, risk-based decisions.
At Rendine, Sarah has played a key role in strengthening people systems, improving onboarding and training frameworks and embedding consistent processes across multiple business units. She is also actively involved in supporting leadership development and fostering a culture that balances performance, accountability and employee wellbeing.
Sarah is passionate about creating workplaces where people are supported to perform at their best, and where strong leadership drives both business success and positive team outcomes.
Dr. Simone Boer – A Fresh Approach
JudgeDr Simone Boer is a neuroscience-informed mindset and business coach, working with high-performing professionals, leaders and business owners to improve decision-making, performance and growth under pressure. With a PhD in Neuroscience and a background in strategy and analytics, Simone brings a practical, evidence-based lens to how people and businesses operate.
Her career spans across multiple sectors including senior strategy roles within government, alongside building her own coaching and consulting business. She has led large-scale strategic initiatives, including facilitating Geelong’s long-term vision as a Clever and Creative city-region, and has worked with businesses across a range of industries to strengthen leadership, culture and performance.
Simone is also the author of Ultimate Brain Hacks and is known for her ability to translate complex neuroscience into practical tools that drive real-world results. Passionate about helping individuals and organisations cut through overthinking and operate at a higher level, she brings a sharp, strategic perspective to the judging panel.
Tina Perfrement – City of Greater Geelong
JudgeTina is a leading sustainability and innovation professional with over 25 years’ experience improving business and public sector performance in Australia and the UK. Specialising in the transition to a clean economy, she helps organisations integrate sustainability, drive economic growth, and develop markets for sustainable goods and services.
At the City of Greater Geelong, Tina leads an exceptional team delivering Geelong on the Rise: An International Clever and Creative City 2024–2034, the city’s bold economic development plan. She has developed a business support program boosting demand for clean economy innovations, creating jobs and fostering growth. Her work on Procurement for Innovation has earned national and global recognition.
Tina is Deputy Chair of Benefit Geelong, and a member of the Geelong Tech School Advisory Committee.
Business Leader and Entrepreneur Judges
Jodie Dunn – Envisage HR Solutions
Guest JudgeJodie Dunn, Director and Principal HR Consultant of Envisage HR Solutions, has over twenty years of HR / Management and Recruitment experience in various Senior HR, Consulting, Management, Advisory and Recruitment Management roles. Jodie’s philosophy is simple. She is passionate about People. She is a well-qualified, experienced, and business focused professional with a proven ability to mentor, coach and drive optimal performance and productivity of a team at an operational and strategic level.
Jodie works closely with her clients on Retention Strategies, HR Audits, DiSC Profiling, Organisational Restructures, Employee Engagement Surveys, Performance Reviews, Career Progression Plans, Workforce Strategies, Developing HR Strategies, Performance Management Strategies, Improving Culture, Leadership Mentoring and Coaching and Recruitment to name a few. Jodie has led many successful teams, and combined with her HR, Leadership and Recruitment Consulting skills, guarantees her clients receive wide ranging HR Services.
Dr Wayne Read – Deakin University
Guest JudgeGrowing up in Ocean Grove, Wayne has always been a Geelong local. He worked locally in several small businesses while he studied Bachelor of Psychology and Management at Deakin University Waurn Ponds campus. Despite his honours and PhD research requiring more trips up the highway and to conferences, he is still proud to call Geelong home.
Now based out of Deakin’s Waterfront campus, Wayne is a lecturer at Deakin University, and also the Academic Coordinator for the Work Integrated Learning in the Faculty of Business and Law. Wayne is no stranger to innovation. As part of his role, Wayne oversees the faculty’s suite of Internship and experiential units, including Entrepreneurship Experience. Wayne’s research has been published in leading Marketing journals and focuses on consumer engagement, social media, technology and connections people make to brands and products.
All judges and reviewers are required to sign a legally binding confidentiality agreement. This ensures all details of your submission are kept private and confidential.
Judges are not allowed to judge or view the submission of another competitor/similar industry they work in or a close friend or business mentor.