NEW SOUTH WALES

Community Achievement Awards for NSW & the ACT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Small Business Community Ally Award

Small businesses in Australia employ about 5 million people, approximately 40% 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.

Brief background and history of the not-for-profit business (please include a copy of your organisation’s last annual report in the "Attachments" section).
Description of product and/or service offered and how it helps NSW and ACT small businesses to be successful through providing support, encouragement, help and/or assistance, including any support that you offer to help resolve issues or disputes with other businesses or government.
Provide an account of the number and range of businesses assisted, including examples of recent case studies that exemplify the supportive, and proactive work of the organisation with small business in the NSW and ACT region.
Describe involvement with the local or wider small business community and/or industry groups.
Describe any barriers or difficulties and how they have been overcome (have you creatively adapted your processes to meet specific needs of clients)?
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements for and impacts on NSW/ACT small businesses. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

AV Partners Leadership and Innovation Award

The AV Partners Leadership and Innovation Award celebrate exceptional individuals whose vision, determination, and leadership inspire others and create lasting positive change. Whether through a paid or volunteer role.

These role models demonstrate outstanding tenacity, dedication, selflessness, leadership, and innovative thinking. As driving forces within their communities, industries, or organisations, they lead by example and make significant contributions that benefit others.

They may have overcome considerable challenges, adversity, or hardship to achieve outstanding outcomes that foster pride within their community and across the state. Through their leadership and innovation, they may have introduced transformative ideas, practices, or initiatives that have reshaped the way people think, work, and perform, leaving a meaningful and enduring impact.

How has the nominee displayed leadership and/or innovation qualities?
What outcomes and successes have been achieved?
Describe any barriers encountered and how they were overcome.
Who within the local and wider community has benefited?
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination, highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Awards Australia Foundation Health and Wellbeing Award

The Awards Australia Foundation Health and Wellbeing Award recognises individuals, communities and organisations across the State who are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of their local community. There are many who passionately and selflessly provide support, guidance, encouragement, assistance or professional services to improve access to health services or support. They offer hope, inspiration and voluntary assistance to people who need support and networks to improve their quality of life.

The Health and Wellbeing Award acknowledges the services, efforts, actions and positive input provided by volunteers, carers and health professionals. These individuals, communities and organisations create a sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of those who depend on them.

Outline your health and wellbeing contribution and outcomes achieved; including who has benefited and the nature of your input
Is the health service paid or voluntary and number of hours contributed (paid and/or unpaid)
Outline your community involvement
Commitment to improving health situation/scenario of the individual, service or organisation you provide for; including any barriers and how they have been overcome (if relevant)
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination, highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner

Beyond Bank Community Group Award

Beyond Bank is proud to celebrate New South Wales and ACT community clubs, not-for-profits, charities and organisations that support community within New South Wales and ACT. We will support new or existing projects or programs.

The Beyond Bank Community Group Award recognises those organisations that make a positive difference in our community.

Whether it be working on an event, restoration project, providing a service or program, or any type of community activity, the award will recognise those who bring people together, providing support and encouraging inclusion for all members of the community.

It is important to recognise and celebrate these groups, as their efforts help to make strong and vibrant communities, which is a benefit to us all.

Provide a brief overview/summary of the organisation and its initiative/project.
What is the focus area of your initiative/project (Example; homelessness, environmental, financial wellbeing, etc)
Provide further information on the impact this initiative/project will make in the community.
In your response, include the objectives, goals, measurement of success and the impact on the focus area.
Provide the key timeline of your initiative/project.
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination, highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award

Crown land is public land set aside on behalf of the community for a wide range of purposes, including environmental and heritage protection, recreation and sport, open space, community halls, special events and government services.

Local councils in NSW manage Crown reserves as appointed Crown land managers. More than 6,500 Crown reserves are managed by 128 councils across NSW. Councils play a crucial role in the care, control and management of Crown reserves on behalf of the community.

The Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award recognises a council that has made a real difference in its community by improving Crown land for public benefit. To be eligible to nominate, councils must be the appointed Crown land manager for the reserve and must have a current adopted Plan of Management in place. Note: there is a limit of one nomination per council.

Provide name of the Council, selected Reserve name and Reserve number
Provide Reserve details: location, background/history, assets on site, activities on the Reserve and how the reserve is used by the community.
Describe the initiatives / innovations Council has carried out over the last 12 months to improve the reserve.
Describe how Council encourages multiple use across the Reserve to engage diverse community groups.
Describe how these initiatives/innovations benefited the local community’s use of the reserve and contributed to strengthening community connections.
In 25-30 words (2-3 sentences), provide a summary of your nomination; highlighting the achievements and improvements to the Crown reserve and positive outcomes for the community. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the awards ceremony.

Crown Land Management Excellence Award

More than 730 Crown reserves in NSW are managed by volunteer Crown land managers appointed to care, control and manage a Crown reserve. Around 540 volunteer boards manage Crown reserves, volunteering their services to ensure Crown land is enjoyed by the local community.

The Crown Land Management Excellence Award recognises a volunteer Crown land manager board that has demonstrated outstanding service by improving a Crown reserve for the benefit of their community. To be eligible to nominate, a board must currently be appointed as Crown land manager under the Crown Land Management Act 2016.

Provide the name of the Crown land manager, Reserve name and Reserve number.
Provide a detailed description of the Reserve, background/history, outline how it is used by the community and the different types of people/user groups that access the site.
Describe the improvements/initiatives to the Reserve in the last 12 months, and how this has benefited the community use.
Detail the management of the Reserve i.e. how many people are involved, roles and responsibilities, how the reserve sources funding and income etc.
In 25-30 words (2-3 sentences), provide a summary of your nomination; highlighting the achievements and improvements to the Crown reserve and positive outcomes for the local community. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the awards ceremony.

Konica Minolta Customer Service Award

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?

Please provide a brief background of the business/organisation and the nominee (a team or an individual)
Can you please share a specific instance where you went above and beyond to provide exceptional service to a customer and also provide an example of how you successfully collaborated with others to deliver outstanding service?
Training and development undertaken
Outline how the nominee (a team or an individual) has made an impact on the business and wider community
Testimonials that back up examples of customer service excellence will be viewed favourably
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made.
This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Shangri-La Sydney Local Legend Award

The Shangri-La Sydney Local Legend Award applauds our community champion individuals who excel in their chosen field of endeavour, volunteering and/or community service.

These individuals are at the forefront of accomplishment; could be in art, culture, sport, the list is endless. Those that service our communities, are those making lasting impacts and who are making a real difference in and for community.

The Local Legend Award pays tribute to our talented and dedicated high achievers and community local legends.

Describe the nominee’s achievements, field of endeavour or service to the community. Provide examples of initiative, volunteering, management, engagement and how they make a difference.
What impact do the achievements or volunteering have on the community, and who benefits?
List or estimate the number of hours contributed, paid/unpaid, if possible
Personal or community barriers/difficulties and how they have been overcome
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination, highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations.

Sharpe Bros Business for Good Award

Sharpe Bros believes that businesses can be an incredible force for good and have the power to make positive change – just as they do, getting you home safe. With that in mind, we have introduced the Sharpe Bros Business for Good Award, which honours businesses that are going beyond the bottom line—demonstrating a deep and lasting commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Whether through charitable giving, volunteering, community partnerships, sustainability efforts, or other innovative approaches, these businesses lead with purpose and prove that doing good, is good business. The Sharpe Bros Business for Good Award is open to SMEs and social enterprises, owned and operated in NSW and the ACT.

Provide a brief background of the business and description of product/service (including when established, number of employees, mission statement, grants/funding if applicable).
Detail how the business is a “force for good” and list any community initiatives and associated impacts (include measurable outcomes or benefits to the community).
Outline the engagement of employees in community initiatives (number involved, hours, paid or unpaid)
What is your business’ long-term commitment to social responsibility?
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.