Business Excellence Awards finalists revealed

THE 2025 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards Finalists were announced this morning, Thursday 17 July, during a function at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.

Judging panel chair David Wright said all the finalists have commendable standards, are hardworking and diligent, and the awards are the ideal chance to showcase, celebrate, and champion them.

“The process of reviewing applications is a pleasant reminder of the quality of enterprise happening in Ballarat,” he said.

“It’s simply great. In tough times like ours, it’s a little bit of hope and inspiration that our business community continues to shine.

“All entrants should be proud, and all finalists should be overjoyed.”

The finalists are:

AssistU Care & Support Services Accessibility and Inclusion Award
• Ballarat Community Health
• Clontarf Foundation – St Patrick’s Clontarf Academy
• The Well by Green Earth Kids

City of Ballarat Creative Industries Business Award
• Olive Interior Styling
• The Art Club Hub
• The Scape Artist

The WIN Network Customer Service Award
• Community Bank Buninyong
• First Aid Training Group
• Sinclair Meats Ballarat

Bartlett Manufacturing Family Business Award
• Funbugs Playhouse Ballarat
• Lateral Plains
• Soldiers Hill Allied Health

Federation University Health and Wellbeing Business Award
• Ballarat Women’s Clinic
• Restore Hand Therapy
• The Underground Movement

Gawk Outdoor Innovation Award
• Brighter Lines
• Grantus
• James Vac Solutions

Nevett Wilkinson Frawley Large Business Award
• Ballarat Group Practice
• Luv-a-Duck

Ballarat Times News Group Micro/Home Based Business Award
• AOK Transfers and Tours
• Hair Identity Studio
• Hb accessibility

Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre Newcomer Award
• CPAC Ballarat & Ballarat Ninjas
• SIP Champagne Bar
• Vic Urban Plumbing

Stoke Design Co Professional Services Business Award
• Grantus
• OTL Consulting Group
• The Law Collective

Central Highlands Growers & Producers Hub Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs Business Award
• Hideaway Coffee Bar
• Hotel Canberra
• Turret Cafe & Catering

Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety (Ballarat) Retail Business Award
• Blooms The Chemist Ballarat North
• Sinclair Meats Ballarat
• The Source Bulk Foods Ballarat

Power FM SME Business Award
• Alevo Pty Ltd
• Community Bank Buninyong
• Turret Cafe & Catering

Central Highlands Water Trade Business Award
• James Vac Solutions
• Smith and Sons Ballarat
• Vic Urban Plumbing

Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said these businesses, and all businesspeople across the city, are “heroes.”‘

“The economic climate is beyond strained, and the ability of Ballarat businesses to remain not positive but also successful is truly admirable,” she said.

“We are thrilled to see so many applications and we are even more thrilled to see the success of the new category, Accessibility & Inclusion.

“It’s wonderful to see firsthand the effort local businesses put in to making sure their business can be enjoyed by all. The diversity of our entrants and finalists is fantastic to see.

“Each and every one of them has taken a key step in evolving their business by willingly placing themselves under review, to both celebrate achievements and uncover areas fit for improvement.

“Today we congratulate and acknowledge the finalists, but we celebrate the strength and resilience of all in Ballarat’s business community.”