Telstra has announced the Queensland winners for its Telstra Best of  Business Awards program. 

Selected from more than 22,000 nominations nationwide, the winners for each category are: 

Accelerating Women 

Wholesome Blends, founded by Sarah Thomas, provides Australian families a wholefood option for enteral  or tube-fed nutrition. Made entirely from natural ingredients, Wholesome Blends offers enteral feeding  solutions and fosters a supportive community to empower families and enhance the quality of life for tube fed individuals. 

Building Communities 

The yLead Association, led by Chief Executive Officer Zoe Meredith-Brown, empowers youth across  Australia and New Zealand with transformative leadership programs. Established in 1989, The yLead  Association offers workshops, mentorship and conferences to build leadership skills and resilience. Its  holistic, experiential approach helps young people unlock their potential and lead with impact. 

Championing Health 

Seipel Group is a Brisbane-based nutraceutical company that exports Urox, a herbal bladder control  supplement that aims to reduce urinary incontinence and bladder accidents. The organisation's vision is to  promote healthy ageing, especially for women, and to restore dignity, confidence and quality-of-life for  people of all ages. 

Embracing Innovation 

Verterra Ecological Engineering is a full-service engineering company that designs, constructs and manages  sustainable ecosystems. Founded in 2008, Verterra Ecological Engineering has addressed a range of issues  including treating wastewater, producing renewable building materials, reforesting cleared land, to help  solve a range of challenges that deliver environmental, social and economic benefits. 

Indigenous Excellence 

Rachael Sarra, a Goreng Goreng artist, redefines First Nations art through her business Sar.ra, blending  vibrant designs with strategic brand collaborations and public art projects. Her work spans from large-scale  installations to award-winning children's book illustrations, all driven by her passion for community and  cultural storytelling. 

Outstanding Growth 

Division 5, a Queensland-based cyber security firm, elevates Australian businesses to world-class security  standards. Founded in 2019, its team of experts are skilled in identifying vulnerabilities in business security  standards. Division 5 offers customised solutions, exceptional service and a commitment to quality, helping  their clients defend against evolving cyber threats.

Promoting Sustainability 

Mineral Fox offers natural wall finishes made from lime, clay and gypsum. Founded in 2020, Mineral Fox  provides eco-friendly, textured plaster alternatives for architects, designers and homeowners. The products  enhance spaces with nature-inspired aesthetics while supporting environmental sustainability and  wellbeing. 

Telstra’s Best of Business Awards program continues Telstra’s 30+ year legacy of supporting Australian small  businesses, celebrating their achievements and the people behind them, while giving them the opportunity  to learn from Australia’s best business minds.  

Amanda Hutton, Group Executive, Telstra Business said, “Telstra is honoured to recognise our winners,  who have each built amazing businesses and demonstrated an absolute passion and commitment for what  they do.  

“To be recognised as a state winner in the Telstra Best of Business Awards is an incredible accomplishment,  and we hope this provides these businesses with the recognition they deserve, and a moment to shine the  spotlight on their significant work for their communities.” 

All state winners have been subject to a rigorous judging process to identify those businesses that have  made an impact in the areas and industries that are fundamental to Australia’s economic, societal and  cultural growth. 

Judging criteria included: economic sustainability, operational effectiveness and technology adoption,  progressive leadership and culture, and social and community contribution.  

These state winners will now represent Queensland at national judging on Wednesday, 27th November in  Melbourne, where they will pitch their business to an esteemed panel that comprises of Australia’s most  experienced leaders from across business and industry.  

Following on from national judging, the national category winners and the Business of the Year will be  announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, 28th November.

Information on the Telstra Best of Business Awards categories:  

Accelerating Women  

For businesses actively challenging exclusion and inequality to create meaningful and lasting equity for  women. 

General  

Building Communities  

For businesses working to make a positive impact on culture and society so people from all walks of life can  thrive as part of a supportive community.  

Championing Health  

For businesses focused on innovative solutions, improving health outcomes for every Australian.  

Embracing Innovation  

For businesses innovating with technology to develop solutions for challenges faced by modern Australia.  

Indigenous Excellence  

For Indigenous led, owned and operated businesses succeeding through entrepreneurialism, innovation  and inspiring the next generation of all Australians.  

Outstanding Growth  

For businesses achieving significant growth and contributing to building a more resilient Australian  economy.  

Promoting Sustainability  

For businesses reducing their environmental impact by driving sustainable change within their industry for  a cleaner and healthier planet.