We are very excited to announce the finalists in the 2019 National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) NEIS Awards. Judging is underway to determine the winner for each category, to be announced at the 2019 NEIS Awards Dinner to be held at Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach in Brighton-le-Sands NSW on Monday 26th August 2019. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Congratulations to the following finalists, selected from over 40 nominations received from National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) members.
BEST NEW BUSINESS
To be eligible for this award, businesses must have been in operation for less than two years, from the date the nomination is received.
Finalist name: Mete Erdogan.
Business: Either Either Creative.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Kangan Institute.
Specialising in film, illustration and graphics, Either Either approach projects in our digital age with handmade craft. Skills to apply to new projects are expanded with a collective approach, that brings in a network of peers in all manner of creative disciplines. Determination and building contacts have led to successful projects with Snickers, ME Bank, WOW IT and work on the latest Terminator franchise.
Finalist name: Matthew Saville.
Business: Pavlova.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Business Foundations.
A passion for art and autonomy led Matt Saville to found Pavlova. Matt wanted to produce, direct and deliver work that he wasn’t seeing in Perth. Projects vary greatly, from video for not-for-profits, to content for national beer companies. Pavlova produced one of the Top 5 Triple JJJ music videos of 2018. Individual productions bring together teams of contractors that will form great industry networks into the future.
Finalist name: Amalia Sosrodiredjo.
Business: Decorum Group.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Holmesglen Institute.
This consultancy designs projects to address climate change and sustainability issues. Nine team members provide creative strategies, opportunities and solutions for the challenges communities and organisations face. Decorum Group has been developing not-for-profit social responsibility projects in Indonesia and Australia. Negotiations are also underway with MPE Energy and MPE International in Texas to develop sustainability and technological solutions for emissions reductions and integrity services.
Finalist name: Gina Wilks.
Business: Achieving Solutions.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Hunter Region Business Hub.
Nursing, disability and home care services are provided by Gina and her team to help young people live life to their full capacity. Seeing a need for more high level support and individualised care for NDIS participants, Achieving Solutions has specialised in this area. Gina is a registered nurse and oversees all care provided. Within months of commencing, a team was required, growing now to a staff of 20.
Finalist name: Anais Yliche.
Business: Creative Wholesale Distributors.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Konekt Employment.
Anais realised there was a gap in the market to distribute wholesale licensed product to independent businesses. This was the seed that grew Creative Wholesale Distributors, an online toy wholesale business that has grown to almost $1 million dollars in sales in its first 18 months. Amongst her ever-growing range, Anais has secured sole Australian distribution rights for brand name products like Bottlepops talking bottle openers and Inkology stationery.
BIZCOVER NEIS-CHANGE AWARD
This award recognises that NEIS often changes lives forever. To be eligible for this award, the business must be able to show that undertaking the NEIS program has turned their life around – be it financially, mentally and/or emotionally, have completed their year of NEIS assistance and be off Centrelink benefits.
Finalist name: Belinda Gillam Derry.
Business: Belinda Gillam Sing Studio.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Holmesglen Institute.
After experiencing a period of mental health issues and being in a carer role, Belinda decided to explore something that had sustained her through many difficult periods – singing. The Belinda Gillam Sing Studio is for anyone who loves singing and wants to do better. Offering individual and group lessons, Belinda will soon be directing her third group for the Yarra Valley Singers, who completed their first CD and have applied for funding for a second.
Finalist name: Adrian Wallace.
Business: Tamar Valley Wine Centre.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Konekt Employment.
With a commitment of over $250,000, Adrian Wallace started business, in a new town, in a new industry, in the remote community of Exeter. Tamar Valley Wine Centre provides tapas meals and Tasmanian wines to a growing clientele. Adrian’s mental health has improved through the respect he is earning and the pride he has in himself and his business as a major employer of locals in the region.
Finalist name: Maddie and Tom Ross.
Business: Beacon Dog Training.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Sarina Russo.
Maddie and Tom Ross were forced to reassess their options after Tom suffered a severe spinal injury resulting in paraplegia. Today, Beacon Dog Training is the premier Dog Training business on the Gold Coast, supported by a youtube channel with over 13,000 subscribers. Maddie and Tom have worked tirelessly to build a business that now employs two staff and runs 19 classes every week for over 100 dogs.
TIM CREMEAN UNSUNG HERO AWARD
To be eligible for this award, the person must be an employee of a NEIS provider and actively involved in the conduct of NEIS.
Finalist name: Julian Campbell.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Hunter Region Business Hub.
Julian Campbell has played a pivotal role with NEIS in the Hunter Valley since the program started there in 1992. As general manager of the Hunter BEC he expanded the program through the Hunter and Central Coast. Julian was instrumental in creating New Hunter Business, where he is a passionate trainer to this day.
‘You are an inspiration! If we can become as patient, understanding, knowledgeable and caring, we will all do very well.”
Finalist name: Janet McIntyre.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: My Pathway.
Janet is the program manager responsible for five regions. She collaborates strongly with local stakeholders to build support for NEIS businesses. Making the best possible experience of the program is Janet’s aim; as she creates regular networking events for participants, NEIS staff and local professionals; improving morale, communication and outcomes.
‘Janet is an amazing, strong, hardworking and kind person. Her passion for NEIS is contagious and this is reflected by her awesome team.’
Finalist name: Frank Moloney.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: ABS Institute.
Frank Moloney has worked tirelessly as a NEIS trainer and mentor for 20 years, consistently receiving exceptional feedback. At 73 years of age, he does it purely to see people’s lives transform through NEIS and he wants to be part of it.
‘Frank is a master in this field. He is a great teacher and any student in his care can only succeed. I look forward to being mentored by him.’
Finalist name: Tony Phillips.
Nominating National Self-Employment Association (NSEA) Member: Box Hill Institute.
Tony Phillips is a big advocate for small business start-ups. A trainer, mentor and manager for the GRAMETS NEIS program, Tony has assisted over 4,000 businesses. His strong work ethic will often see him leave Melbourne before dawn to teach a NEIS class in Echuca and return the same day. Tony supports staff as peers, encouraging their careers with all NEIS providers, to build a community of strong start ups, trainers, mentors and administrators.
For information on FREE small business training with the NEIS program, use the postcode search tool to find your nearest NEIS provider.
