Business community gathers to toast 2025 award contenders

GEELONG’S business community gathered in Fyansford last week to celebrate the finalists of the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEAs).

The awards program, hosted annually by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and supported by major sponsor LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, is the longest running of its kind in Australia and recognises the region’s best and brightest.

More than 200 guests attended the event, held at Truffleduck on Thursday last week.

For several of this year’s finalists, it marked their first business networking event of this nature and offered them an invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships and feel part of Geelong’s thriving business community.

“This year’s awards have once again been elevated to a new level,” Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jeremy Crawford said.

“Our valued judges are loving the quality of leaders and finalists in the running for our award categories, supported by our wonderful sponsors.

“As we edge closer to an entertainment-packed, glamorous awards night on October 30th, the Geelong Arts Centre will ignite a business event that is not to be missed.”

 

 

The event featured a keynote address from Ryan Yockins, the managing director of North Geelong-based business Lawn Addicts, which has been named a finalist in this year’s GBEAs.

Yockins shared the story of the business’s journey, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs, including the pivotal role the team played in saving an A Day on the Green event.

After torrential rain left the festival site a mud pit, Lawn Addicts transformed the four-acre venue back into lush turf within two weeks, ensuring the concert could go ahead as planned.

The winners of this year’s GBEAs will be crowned at a gala event at Geelong Arts Centre on October 30.

Guests will enjoy exclusive use of the venue, in what is only the second full venue takeover of the cultural institution since its $140 million redevelopment was completed in 2023. The first was the art centre’s own celebration to mark its reopening.

For tickets, head to gbea.com.au