Entering the Awards

Applications are open to:

• Current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the Burwood Local Government Area for at least 10 years.
• Generational family businesses of any size where the business has been operated by the same family within the Burwood Local Government Area for two or more generations in succession. A minimum combined qualifying period of 10 years of operation applies.
• New or established local businesses that have contributed to raising the profile of Burwood or have demonstrated a significant contribution to the local community particularly those championing access, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
• New or established local businesses operating in the Burwood LGA for over 4 years that demonstrate excellence in shopfront design, presentation, and overall customer appeal.
• New or established local businesses operating in the Burwood LGA that have consistently achieved a 5-star rating under Council’s food safety program by demonstrating excellence in hygiene, compliance and safe food practices.

Applications are now open for small businesses to self-nominate for a commendation.

Online Nomination Form 

• Proprietors consent to having their photo taken for the purpose of publicity of the Mayor’s Business Commendation Awards including but not limited to a Council’s social media coverage, commemorative booklet and/or exhibition.
• Applicants must have no outstanding fees, charges or compliance matters with Burwood Council at the time of submission.
• The qualifying period for applicants starts from the year the applicant became a financial partner or proprietor in the business. Applicants must attach evidence that they meet the qualifying period of operation in order to be eligible for the Gold, Silver, Bronze or Generational Commendation Award.
• The decision to grant a Commendation is at Council’s discretion.
• Eligible proprietors may only receive one commendation per category.

The Mayor’s Commendations are available in the following categories:

40+ years Gold Commendation
For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the Burwood LGA for at least 40 years.

25+ years Silver Commendation

For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the Burwood LGA for at least 25 years.

10+ years Bronze Commendation

For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the Burwood LGA for at least 10 years.

Generational Family Business Commendation

For family businesses of any size that have been operated by the same family within the Burwood LGA for two or more generations in succession.

Business Impact Commendation

Recognising new or established local businesses that have contributed to raising the profile of Burwood or have demonstrated a significant contribution to the local community with a particular focus on championing access, inclusion and community wellbeing.

Food Safety Excellence

Celebrating local food businesses that uphold the highest standards of food safety. This award recognises businesses within the Burwood LGA that consistently demonstrate excellence in hygiene, compliance and safe food practices, as verified through the Council’s 5-star food safety rating program.

Best Shopfront

Recognising established businesses that contribute to Burwood’s vibrant streetscape through outstanding shopfront presentation. This award celebrates businesses trading for over four years that enhance the local character and customer experience with panel-selected winners and a highly commended category.

The Mayor’s Business Commendation Awards is not a competition based program (excluding the Best Shopfront award). All eligible businesses will be recognised in each respective category.

The Mayor’s Business Commendation Awards recognise your contribution to the rich and diverse fabric of our City.

Recipients will receive a range of benefits, including:

• Workplace or shopfront window decal and certificate of appreciation.
• Digital media commendation badge.
• Participation in Council’s photographic collection capturing commendation recipients in their workplace, which overtime will become a valuable addition to Burwood’s Local Studies Collection.
• Celebration of commendation recipients at a presentation event and via Council’s social media.