Who would have thought it possible – the Great Hall at the Australian Parliament House overrun with more than a touch of India. IABCA awards 2024
The design of this most prestigious ceremonial space is intended to show the manner in which the physical environment has shaped Australia.
Well, on this occasion, it showed how the multicultural environment has shaped Australia.
The Grand Hall was the venue for the 10th annual India Australia Business and Community Alliance IABCA awards night on 16 August.
Its centrepiece, a celebrated tapestry based on a painting by Australian artist Arthur Boyd, was temporarily blocked off by Indian artifacts.
However, much larger in size, it watched on magnanimously from above as excellence in business in the India-Australia realm was honoured.
Watching on also, were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, Trade Minister Don Farrell, the Chief Minister of ACT Andrew Barr, and a host of leaders from the political, government and corporate worlds.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister Mr Albanese said, “Indian-Australians are creating their own success in so many fields of endeavour. From business and enterprise to science, culture, sport and the arts, Australia’s large and growing Indian communities add so much dynamism and talent to our country. You enrich who and what we are as a nation, in all of our promise and all of our possibility, continuing a wonderful and proud story that has been written by generations of Indian-Australians.”
He added, “It has long been the dream of successive generations of migrants to start a small or family business. So it is important that we gather to celebrate the entrepreneurship, innovation, and contribution of the Indian Australian community.”
Sonia Sadiq Gandhi, head of Gandhi Creations who organise the annual awards, pointed out he was the first Prime Minister to attend the event.
She said in her welcome address, “As the founder of IABCA, it fills me with immense pride to witness how our platform has evolved over the years. What began as an awards program to recognise the unsung heroes of our business landscape has now transformed into a dynamic, non-membership alliance that bridges two vibrant nations. The IABCA Awards are a beacon of excellence, highlighting the remarkable contributions of individuals and organisations that strengthen the ties between India and Australia.”
She described the Alliance as celebrating stories of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit that resonates beyond borders. “The Alliance’s strength lies in its ability to unite diverse voices and perspectives, working closely with key industry chambers and leaders to create opportunities for collaboration that impact sectors ranging from business and trade to culture and social impact.”
Awards were announced in 14 categories this year.
It was particularly pleasing to see many women in the finalists and winners lists, as well as those that started out in Australia as international students. (One awardee, Mannu Kala of KnG Healthcare, took the opportunity to bring to attention the plight of international students stretched to their limits as they struggle to finish their degrees).
Winners at the IABCA Awards 2024 included:
- Asha Bhat OAM, the CEO of Southern Aboriginal Corporation in WA, a social justice and human rights advocate who has made significant impact in the lives of women in marginalised Indigenous communities, claimed the Community Services Excellence
- Aamir Qutub, one-time international student at Deakin University, who took on cleaning jobs to support himself enroute to becoming a millionaire techie as CEO and founder of Enterprise Monkey, a multinational digital firm, claimed the Young Professional of the Year
- Australian Macademias, successfully entered the Indian market through strategic events and collaborations with local restaurants and a trade forum which boosted awareness, positioning macadamias as a sought-after product there, took home the Excellence in Trade & Investment
- Sarah Todd, celebrity chef, restaurateur and food writer, who went straight from MasterChef Australia to founding a restaurant chain in India and her own gourmet brand Hot Toddy, took home the Australia India Individual Impact
- Esha Oberoi, Founder and CEO of health tech and AI platform Leora and the award-winning healthcare company Afea which specialises in disability care, won the Community Services Excellence Award (Organisation)
- Prabha Nandagopal, human rights and discrimination lawyer, and founder of Elevate Consulting Partners, and who’s passionate about workplace culture reform, won the Business Leader of the Year
- Shivani Gopal, a leading advocate of mentoring for women who founded the social enterprise Elladex and co-founded the fintech startup Upstreet, became IABCA’s Business Woman of the Year this year.
- Camilla Franks, fashion designer and founder of the CAMILLA brand, whose long-time collaboration with Indian entrepreneur Jaggi Bakshi, brought her the Lifetime Achievement award.
IABCA Awards 2024 also included:
Managing Director of the Year: Aman Madan, Neo Health (OTC) Pty Ltd
Australia India Science, Research & Development Award: NEW EARS Team
Australia India Impact Award (Organisation): NAB Innovation Centre India
Excellence in Innovation: KnG Healthcare
Excellence in Partnerships: Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network (ASCRIN)
SME of the Year: Zone IT Solutions
Sonia said of the awardees on the night, “I am continually inspired and humbled by the dedication and passion of our nominees and the broader international entrants we engage with. I believe their achievements will continue to pave the way for a more connected and prosperous future between our two great nations. It is an honour to be part of this journey, and I look forward to many more years of celebrating business excellence together.”
Photos: BalziClicks
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