NEW SOUTH WALES

Small businesses in Australia employ 5.36 million people, 42% of private sector jobs and generate 33% of GDP. This might seem like a lot, but in 2006, small businesses employed 53% of private sector jobs and contributed 41% of GDP. 

What these numbers and business owners themselves are telling us, is that we need a supportive ecosystem that ensures small business is an attractive option. Amongst other things, we need community-based organisations who encourage and give small businesses the best chance of success and an ally when they need it. This may be when starting out, technology changes, challenges or opportunities arise or market dynamics and economic conditions need navigating.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman is proud to recognise those not-for-profit organisations that rise to the challenge of and opportunity to be ‘energising enterprise’ in NSW/ACT. We see them in areas such as mental and financial health, dispute resolution, business growth and recovery, local precinct activation and tax compliance.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman ‘Small Business Community Ally Award’ will acknowledge and highlight the impact and achievement of not-for-profit organisations that help energise NSW and ACT small businesses. We appreciate their contribution to Australia being the best place to start, grow and transform a business.

The Community Group Award recognises groups that make a significant contribution to their community. These community groups share a strong sense of team spirit, and play a vital role in enhancing the social, economic, commercial and environmental prosperity of their region. 

Whether it be working together on an event, restoration project, providing a service or program, it is important to recognise and encourage these groups, as their efforts help to make our communities stronger and more vibrant.

The Awards Australia Local Legend Award acknowledges those individuals making a significant contribution at a local level. There are many selfless people who, through their actions, have positively impacted the lives of others and their local or regional community.

The Local Legend Award acknowledges those everyday people doing extraordinary things within their local communities. Local Legends may be involved in (but not restricted to) advancing social and public welfare, promoting reconciliation, supporting those living with a disability, advocating for all cultures, volunteering, art, health, business, the environment, leadership or education. They may have displayed courage in overcoming a personal adversity or demonstrated leadership, innovation or inspiration in trying times.

Customer service plays a pivotal role in the success of any business or organization. The Konica Minolta Australia Customer Service Award is a prestigious accolade that recognizes and celebrates exceptional customer service within organizations or by individuals. By sponsoring this award, Konica Minolta demonstrates its commitment to promoting and rewarding excellence in customer service. The award serves as a platform to acknowledge individuals, teams or organisations that consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences to customers. Through this award Konica Minolta aims to inspire a customer-centric culture and encourage organizations to prioritize outstanding service and customer satisfaction. The award highlights the importance of exceptional customer service and its impact on building strong relationships and driving success in all aspects of business.

Some points to consider when filling out this application:

--- How do you ensure a positive customer experience throughout the entire customer journey?

--- How do you proactively anticipate customer needs and exceed their expectations?

--- How do you handle difficult or dissatisfied customers, and what steps do you take to turn the situation around?

--- What strategies or initiatives have you implemented to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty?

More than 6,500 Crown reserves are managed by 128 local government Councils across NSW. Councils play a significant role in managing Crown reserves on behalf of the community. 

This Excellence Award recognises a Council that has demonstrated outstanding service to their communities as a Crown land manager.

Eligibility: Nominees must be a Council appointed as a Crown land manager. One nomination per Council and the nominated reserve must have an adopted Plan of Management (PoM) in place.

There are over 2,500 individual volunteer Crown land managers in NSW who have served their communities for many years. This award recognises an individual involved in Crown reserve management, who demonstrates outstanding community service ethos, dedication and commitment to their community.

Eligibility: Nominees must be currently appointed as a member of a Crown land manager board under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 or be a member of a Council-appointed community management committee, responsible for caring for a Crown reserve.

Synaco by Synergie is a workforce solutions team, inspiring people to live a passionate, purposeful working life and matching outstanding talent with great employers. Synaco by Synergie recognises their mutual responsibilities with employees and clients, forming partnerships to ensure the safety of all parties.

Living and breathing a commitment to safety, Synaco by Synergie acknowledges and celebrates outstanding safety initiatives through the Synaco by Synergie Safety Award.

The Synaco by Synergie Safety Award is open to any organisation or project in NSW or the ACT, demonstrating a clear focus on safety and will recognise innovative and tailored approaches to the safety and wellbeing of employees, clients, participants, and members of the community. Whether it is addressing training, culture, conducting processes from a holistic approach, Synaco by Synergie aims to encourage and recognise those committed to safety in their workplace and throughout the community.