From humble beginnings in 2017, Killara Services (NSW) is an Aboriginal owned and operated Cleaning Company that has taken out the 2022 Telstra Best of Business Awards Indigenous Excellence. This year’s theme was Local Leadership, highlighting the businesses that are building thriving communities and contributing to their local neighbourhoods – a massive 96 per cent of consumers consider small businesses an integral part of their communities. Killara Services is actively creating pathways to employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians and demonstrates a deep commitment to cultural preservation and passion for supporting other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Their mission is to honour the Bert Groves legacy of advocating for social equality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
They strive to take this one step further by advocating and supporting economic advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, businesses and communities through purposeful engagement, sustainable employment and overall empowerment of Indigenous Australia. Jasmine Newman, states, “I am driven to continue the legacy that was left behind by my Great Grandfather Bert Groves, along with why I have started my business Killara – To Engage | Employ | Empower my people.” Jasmine is the Managing Director and Co-founder, Killara Services and a great granddaughter of Aboriginal activist Bert Groves.
Telstra has announced the winners of its inaugural Telstra Best of Business Awards which celebrates small and medium sized businesses at a national gala event in Sydney. elstra Consumer and Small Business Group Executive, Michael Ackland, said it had been a privilege to see these incredible businesses use their innovation and expertise to address Australia’s most pressing issues and drive the nation forward.
“With more than 24,000 small businesses nominated through this year’s program, the inaugural winners of the Best of Business Awards program have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their categories, and importantly, have made a meaningful and positive impact within the communities and industries they operate in,” Mr Ackland said. “It’s been an honour to meet these incredible small business owners and provide them with a well-deserved moment of recognition as they continue to contribute to Australia’s thriving small business community.”
The national winners were awarded following a thorough judging process, which included in-depth interviews with a range of senior business leaders, including Small Business Australia Director, Bill Lang, Thankyou’s co-founder and Managing Director, Daniel Flynn, SWIISH co-founder and media personality, Sally Obermeder and Qantas’ Group Executive Strategy, People and Technology, Rob Marcolina, among others.
The reimagined program builds upon Telstra’s long legacy of awards programs over the past 25 years, recognising exceptional leaders and small and medium businesses, and providing them with the opportunity to further their success and inspire others.
“After an exceptional first year of the Best of Business Awards, we’re looking forward to continuing to support small businesses across the country. Nominations for the 2023 awards are open now, and we’re calling on small business owners to head online and share their story with us, and hopefully share a stage with us next year,” Mr Ackland said.
“ I WAS LEFT WITH TWO ALTERNATIVES — TO FIGHT, OR GIVE UP. I CHOSE TO FIGHT.” — HERBERT GROVES