WA & SA 2008 Telstra Australian Business Award winners announced

Some of the country’s top businesses have been recognised at the West Australian and South Australian 2008 Telstra Australian Business Awards.

In SA, Coopers Brewery nabbed the Australian Business of the Year award. Coopers Brewery is Australia’s third largest brewery, and after five generations is still family-owned. Their products currently account for around 3.3 percent of the Australian beer market.

“The judges were highly impresses by Coopers Brewery’s customer focus, innovative thinking, company vision and overall business practices,” said Deena Shiff, group managing director of Telstra Business and Telstra Business Awards ambassador. “These key areas are the building blocks of Coopers Brewery’s success and make the company a role model for all South Australian business.”

Winning 2008 WA Business of the Year was TraxOn Industries Pty Ltd, refrigeration equipment manufacturer. TraxOn Industries manufactures and distributes TraxOil, an electronic oil management system that promotes compressor safety by minimising oil migration.

“This award recognises TraxOn Industries Pty Ltd for its hard work, determination and business success,” said Shiff.

Other category award winners include:

*Palm Micro-Business Award (for businesses with five or fewer employees)
- Stress Free Marine Pty Ltd, anchor winch manufacturer (SA)
- Elliot’s Small Engines, outdoor power equipment provider (WA)

*MYOB Small Business Award (for businesses with six to 20 employees)
- Port Adelaide Brewing Company Pty Ltd t/a Port Dock Brewery Hotel (SA)
- TraxOn Industries Pty Ltd (WA)

*Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award (for businesses with 21 to 200 employees)
- Coopers Brewery (SA)
- Carr Civil Contracting Pty Ltd, civil engineering contractor (WA)

*AMP Innovation Award (for business that have successfully introduced an innovative product, service or process)
- EVRsafe Marine Technologies, marine engineering company (SA)
- Smart Burn Pty Ltd, environmental product manufacturer (WA)

*Sensis Social Responsibility Award (for demonstrated leadership and contribution by a business to the environment, people, education, or the community)
- Marion Physiotherapy, health services provider (SA)
- South West Audiology and Hearing Specialist (WA)

Winners are now set to compete against other state and territory winners at the national final, to be held in Sydney on October 10. The Telstra Australian Business of the Year will receive $25,000 in prizes, and other award winners will share a national prize pool worth more than $400,000.

For more information, visit www.telstra.com.au