Categories and Sponsors 

The LBW Business + Wealth Advisors “Business of the Year” award is the region’s most prestigious business accolade. It recognises and celebrates the culmination of grit, hard work and outstanding achievements in business.

 

LBW are leading business advisors that support the ongoing growth of local organisations, large and small, and have been doing so for over 30 years.  We are committed to elevating businesses and providing them with the compliance and advisory support they need to face any challenge and prosper.

The success of the incredible businesses and individuals we work with is how we measure our own.  Developing a deep understanding of every client is at the core of our service offering, which includes; tax advice, business advisory, audit, valuation services, estate planning, superannuation and financial planning.

We partner with businesses whose values align directly with LBW’s. Innovative, accountable, respectful, curious, with a learning mindset to continually improve.   LBW is passionate about working together with the community and businesses to support them to achieve their business goals – to grow and succeed.

Business Leader of the Year

Celebrates a business professional who has demonstrated successful leadership skills.

 

bay 93.9 is an independent, family-owned radio station and proud partner of the GBEA.

 

We are passionate about local business and fuelling our client’s success. With an all-local live on-air team and what we believe may be the best resourced newsroom in the state, we work hard to deliver Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast entertaining, informative, relatable radio; the best feel-good music from the 80’s; unbiased, ethical news; and client messaging that delivers effective, measurable results. bay 93.9 is the #1 station 40+ in this region. 

 

Recognises entrepreneurial achievement among business professionals and business owners (aged between 16 and 40 years) who demonstrate leadership, vision and success.

Deakin University prepares graduates for careers of the future.

As one of Australia’s most progressive universities, Deakin leads in the innovative use of digital technologies and online learning, blending this capability across distinctive campus precincts in Geelong, Melbourne and Warrnambool to provide inclusive education.

Balancing excellence in research and innovation with an education experience that is consistently held up as one of the best in the country, Deakin has been rated number one for graduate satisfaction in Victoria for 14 years and is the State’s leading university for graduate employment.

Deakin’s enduring partnerships provide opportunities for students to develop through real-world experiences, including business internships. The achievements of more than 350,000 Deakin alumni across the globe are the best measure of our success.

Recognises a business that operates with 1 to 3 full time or equivalent employees.

Destination Happiness Studio offers a uniquely immersive wellbeing experience in the heart of Newtown — ideal for both individuals and corporate teams. Specialising in deep relaxation, meditation, breathwork, gentle yoga, sound healing, and science-backed wellbeing workshops, sessions unfold in a tranquil space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling nature projections of forests, oceans, and landscapes, transporting participants to a place of calm and clarity.

Corporate programs focus on team building, resilience, and workplace wellbeing, while public classes welcome all ages and abilities. It’s a simple, convenient way to reset, recharge, and reconnect — where mind, body, and spirit are guided to their ultimate destination… happiness.

Celebrates a business operating in the manufacturing, engineering, building or trade industries.

The Advanced Fibre Cluster Geelong (AFCG) is a leading industry-led network driving innovation in advanced fibre and composite manufacturing.

Based in Geelong, the Cluster connects over 35 high-performance manufacturers, research institutions, and government partners to foster collaboration, skills development, and commercial growth. AFCG members supply critical sectors including aerospace, defence, space, transport, and clean energy.

The Cluster plays a pivotal role in advancing sovereign capability, circular economy initiatives, and smart manufacturing. With a focus on global competitiveness and regional jobs, the AFCG is positioning Geelong as a national hub for advanced fibre innovation and sustainable industrial transformation.

Celebrates a business that have not previously entered the Awards

Harwood Andrews - Connecting you to a better future.

 

Harwood Andrews is one of Victoria’s leading law firms, with a long-standing record of providing specialised legal services to business and individuals.
With offices in both Geelong and Melbourne we believe that making the right connections – with each other, our clients and the broader community - will create a future in which individuals, business and government thrive when connected with our judgement and expertise.

 

Recognises a businesses that has demonstrated an understanding of, and commitment to protecting the health and safety of their employees and clients.

WorkSafe is Victoria’s workplace health and safety regulator. We are also the workplace injury insurer. Our job is to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers. This is our promise to the Victorian community and the reason we exist.

 

WorkSafe strives to prevent workplace injuries, illness and fatalities and for more than 35 years has raised the standard of health and safety in Victorian workplaces.

 

While preventing injuries is always our first preference and priority, when a workplace injury does occur, our job – and our focus – is on improving outcomes for those who are injured. Supporting them to recover and, where possible, return to safe work.

 

Our ambition is to be a world leader in harm prevention and recovery after a workplace injury. To do this, we are choosing to focus our efforts and resources where we can make a meaningful difference to the health, safety and well-being of Victorian workers.

 

WorkSafe are proud to support the Geelong Business Excellence Awards which provides significant recognition and celebration of business achievement and performance across the region.

 

Celebrates a business which has accepted their corporate social responsibility to conduct their activities ethically and which works to improve the quality of life in their local communities.

Geelong Galvanizing has participated and invested in the lives our communities since our establishment in Corio in 1991. Cultural, medical, educational, artistic, sporting, philanthropic, and community outreach facilities and programs all receive ongoing support from Geelong Galvanizing and its staff. Our corporate social responsibilities inform the way we engage with our communities, and we encourage others to take an active role in improving the lives of those around them. Geelong Galvanizing would like to acknowledge the efforts of all businesses who do their part in their communities.

Recognises a business that operates with 21 or more full time employees. 

At ReCreate 🇦🇺, we’re more than content creators, we’re brand storytellers. While anyone can shoot video, we craft authentic narratives that reflect your identity and connect with your audience. We don’t just deliver moments; we build long-term partnerships that align with your vision and values.

The result? A stronger brand image, increased visibility, and a loyal community that believes in what you do.

Celebrates a business that has demonstrated a high standard of customer service using resources to maximum efficiency while consistently looking to improve.

Spirit Super and CareSuper have merged to create a bigger and stronger industry fund with over 550,000 members Australia-wide. This increase in scale will allow us to continue to drive outstanding value and service for all our members. With competitive fees and returns, exceptional service, and a focus on real care for our members – we’re going to be super together.

 

Website: www.caresuper.com.au 

Phone: 1800 005 166

 

Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance. Consider the PDS and TMD at caresuper.com.au/pds. Issued by CareSuper Pty Ltd (Trustee) ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718. CareSuper (Fund) ABN 74 559 365 913.  Advice is provided by CareSuper Advice Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443).

Recognises businesses that has demonstrated the effective use of digital tools and techniques to produce strategic, resourceful content to engage people, and create meaningful interactions.

Logicalis are Architects of Change™. They help organisations succeed in a digital-first world. At Logicalis, they harness their collective technology expertise to help their clients build a blueprint for success, so they can deliver sustainable outcomes that matter.

At Logicalis, their lifecycle services across cloud, connectivity, collaboration and security are designed to help optimise operations, reduce risk and empower employees.

As a global technology service provider, they deliver next-generation digital managed services, to provide our clients with real-time visibility and actionable insights across the performance of their digital ecosystem including reliability, user experience, security, economic performance and sustainability.

Celebrates a newcomer (operating less than 3 years) that just started out but has already made a significant impact.

A Geelong icon and one of the largest regional TAFEs in Victoria, The Gordon has been helping people gain real skills for more than 130 years.

Enabling greater organisational growth, efficiency and productivity through upskilling and reskilling all levels of the workforce, The Gordon passionately contributes to the success of individuals, teams and organisations, both nationally and abroad.
 

Working closely with secondary schools, employers, and the community in programs that deliver real benefits, we offer hundreds of accredited courses across apprenticeships, traineeships, certificates and diplomas, as well as industry tailored skill sets.
 

A leading, dynamic education and skills partner of choice for industry, The Gordon is delighted to support the Geelong Business Excellence Awards and foster excellence in our business community.

Celebrates a business that has demonstrated a recognition of, and commitment to deliver health and wellbeing workplace initiatives.

Barwon Health is the region’s leading health service and it aims to work together with the community to build healthier  lives   inspired by world-class standards. With our consumers at the forefront, Barwon Health excels in delivering efficient, integrated care, education and research to advance health and wellbeing for all.

Working across five pillars, Barwon Health is committed to respecting the people we work with, showing compassion always, the highest quality in everything we do, being accountable and driving innovation or better care.

Celebrates a business that has demonstrated a high level of understanding towards inclusive and accessible workplace practices.

At the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), our purpose is to care for the lives of everyone who travels on Victoria’s roads and our mission is to champion road safety and help those injured on our roads to get their lives back on track.

 

Through our sponsorships and other initiatives, we are focused on finding strategic or innovative ways to improve the support that people affected by road trauma receive within the community.

 

We are proud to support the Geelong Business Excellence Awards and spotlight businesses who demonstrate exemplary inclusion and accessibility practices.

Recognises leadership through the practical application of innovative solutions.

The Viva Energy Hub, incorporating the Geelong Refinery, is a significant contributor to the local community and plays a vital role in delivering Australia’s traditional fuels.

 

New developments at the Viva Energy Hub include an Ultra-Low Sulphur Gasoline processing plant that will help produce cleaner fuel and Australia’s first public, commercial-scale, hydrogen refuelling station for heavy vehicles.

 

Viva Energy is also expanding the suite of alternative feedstocks than can be co-processed at the refinery, cementing its role in Australia’s circular economy and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.

 

At Viva Energy, we help Australians reach their destination – now and in the future.

 

Recognises a business who strives to create a workplace that maximises the full potential of their people by providing opportunities to grow and advance them both personally and professionally.

The City of Greater Geelong has proudly sponsored the Geelong Business Excellence Awards for 15 years. 

 

This award recognises businesses that are committed to investing in the growth of their people, which is crucial for business success.

The City’s committed to helping businesses in our region to grow and thrive.  Our support for business includes training programs, networking events, economic data, investment facilitation and industry development.

 

Local business success is a key driver of our economy and is critical to delivering Greater Geelong’s community-led vision for a clever and creative future. There are more than 21,500 small businesses in Greater Geelong, and they make up around 97 percent of all businesses. It is estimated that small business in Greater Geelong generate around $9 billion annual revenue and employ the majority of our 144,000 workforce. 

Recognises a retail business that sells commodities directly to consumers.

Roderick Insurance Brokers (RIB) is a locally owned, family business operating from offices in Geelong and Werribee.
 

Led by Managing Director, Keith Roderick, who has been operating the business since 1986, the business began as a small family business and over 35 years it has grown into one of the largest regional brokerages in Victoria. RIB employ a team of highly experienced and qualified staff who are on hand to provide advice on all of your insurance needs.
 

Roderick Insurance Brokers (RIB) strive for excellence in every aspect of their business.

Recognises a small business that operates with 4 to 20 full-time or equivalent employees. 

Founded in 2018 by the Course brothers, Geelong's second-most famous siblings after the Abletts, Gawk has cranked billboard advertising in Geelong, The Bellarine, and the Surf Coast up to 11. Their 18 Static and Digital billboard sites pull over 2 million impressions a week in Geelong alone.

They're famous for big results, bigger community spirit, and yes... for gifting clients framed pairs of their signature Onya For Gawking Budgy Smugglers. Because nothing says 'we're different' like immortalising their summer cossies in boardrooms throughout Geelong, right next to the whiteboards where their clients plot their marketing strategies.

Recognises a business that operates in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The tourism industry is made up of passionate people delivering memorable experiences every single day.

 

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine is the Regional Tourism Board for the region that exists to build a resilient, sustainable and valued visitor economy through leadership, promotion and development. Opportunities are provided to businesses in the sector to grow, receive support and, importantly, connect with others in the industry to collaborate to sustainably grow product, visitation and yield.

 

At Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine, we believe there aren’t many places Greater Than Geelong and The Bellarine. Let’s celebrate it together.

 

PARTNERS

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