It was held at Waterview Bicentennial Park on Friday, August 19, hosted by Ricardo Goncalves from SBS World News.
The evening started with prize giveaways followed by an overview of Western Sydney as a key business hub.
NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian, representing the Premier Mike Baird, gave a positive economic overview of the region while Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Luke Foley shared his insights of small business and the importance of innovation.
Both congratulated the success of Western Sydney businesses, stating that the region was the engine room of the nation.
“You are all winners,” Ms Berejiklian said, a theme that was carried throughout the night.
The awards, hosted by Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, are judged by a panel of industry experts who give a rigorous appraisal of every company that nominates itself with a detailed account of how it operates.
As it is not a popularity contest, with customer appraisal, WSABE is considered a more genuine assessment of business achievement.
Through the process, companies receive feedback on what they are doing right and what could be done better.
Big winner of the night was young company Sparks + Partners Consulting Engineers, which won The Commonwealth Bank Business of the Year award for overall excellence, as well as SBS Radio Excellence in Small Business and the Westfield Parramatta Rising Star awards.
Managing director Leon Dimino was glowing at the end of evening, telling WSBA that: “I can’t believe we won, this is the best feeling”.
But, given the rigorous judging process, everyone felt a winner on the night. Western Sydney Business Access is a media partner for the WSABE program and publishes the special souvenir edition released on then night.
The other winners were:
City of Parramatta Excellence in Innovation
Azrim Pty Ltd
Crown Group Business Leader
Gina Field - Nepean Regional Security
DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club Young Business Executive
Holly Kershaw - Fizzics Education
ComputerWerx & Financewerx Excellence in Business Ethics
Evolve Housing
Senses Direct Excellence in Business
Adactin Group
Commonwealth Bank Excellence in Sustainability
The Kuisine Company
Parramatta Chamber of Commerce Employer of Choice
Moorebank Sports Club
UNE Business School – University of New England Young Entrepreneur
Vishal Sood – Nucam Group
Australian Work Health & Safety Excellence in Work, Health and Safety
Children’s Medical Research Institute
Local Chamber of Commerce Western Region by NSW Business Chamber
Parramatta Chamber of Commerce
DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club Excellence in Export
The Smith Family
Telstra Business Centre West Sydney Excellence in Marketing
GWS Giants
UNE – University of New England Excellence in Education
Edible Bug Shop
City of Parramatta Excellence in Customer Service
Excel Logistics PTY LTD
The Hon Alan Cadman OAM Patron’s Choice
African Theatres
