In any industry, true strength is best measured by its people. It’s measured in the passion of a small business owner serving their local community, the innovation of a support manager driving their network forward, and the vision of leaders who dedicate their careers to lifting the entire sector.
The inaugural Franchise Industry Awards (FIA), held in a glittering ceremony in Sydney on June 25th, were created for one central purpose: to find and celebrate the heroes of franchising. After a rigorous, independent judging process and months of anticipation, we finally had the chance to put these champions in the spotlight they so richly deserve. The night was a powerful statement about the excellence, resilience, and profound sense of community that defines franchising in Australia.
At the pinnacle of our celebration was the crowning of the inaugural Franchisor of the Year, an award sponsored by Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers that represents the highest standard of business operation, franchisee support, and strategic vision.
This prestigious title was awarded to Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. In a sector as vital and sensitive as home care, Nurse Next Door has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to its franchisees and the communities they serve. Their victory is a testament to the power of a franchise model built on a foundation of compassion, integrity, and a relentless focus on making a genuine difference in people’s lives. They exemplify how franchising can deliver not just economic returns, but essential social outcomes.
Of course, a franchisor is only as strong as its network of franchisees, the business owners on the front line every day. The Franchisee of the Year awards recognise these incredible operators. The award for Franchisee of the Year – Multi-Unit, sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright, was won by the formidable Charles Batt of Mail Boxes Etc. Charles’s success showcases the immense potential for growth and scalability within a franchise system. Building a successful multi-unit operation requires not just business acumen, but exceptional leadership, an unwavering commitment to brand standards, and the ability to empower multiple teams across different locations. Charles is a hero not just for his commercial success, but for proving what’s possible through dedication and strategic expansion.
In the Franchisee of the Year – Single Unit category, sponsored by Access Offshoring, we celebrated the heart and soul of local business. This award was taken out by Sally and Steve Kacsics of Muffin Break Toormina. Their achievement highlights the vital role that single-unit franchisees play in their local communities. They are often the face of the brand, building personal relationships with customers and creating a hub of local activity. Sally and Steve represent the thousands of franchisees across Australia who pour their heart into their business, demonstrating that success is built one customer, one coffee, and one connection at a time.
Some heroes are defined by a lifetime of dedication. The coveted award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to Franchising, sponsored by Quest, was won by the truly deserving Jan Timms of Get Smart Services Pty Ltd. This award recognises an individual whose efforts have had a lasting and significant impact on the franchising sector as a whole. Jan’s work has helped shape the industry, support countless professionals on their own journeys, and champion the values of ethical, successful franchising. She is a titan of our industry, and we are all beneficiaries of her enduring legacy.
The awards also rightly recognised the rising stars and diverse leaders who are shaping the future of our sector. The Franchise Woman of the Year award, sponsored by ANZ, was won by the inspiring Caitlin Macumber from Plus Fitness Carrara and Southport. Caitlin’s victory is a powerful reminder of the incredible female leadership within franchising. Her success in a competitive market demonstrates innovation, business savvy, and a deep commitment to her members’ health and wellbeing.
The heroism in our sector is found at every level. It’s in the support office, where dedicated managers work behind the scenes to ensure franchisees have the tools they need to succeed. We celebrated these heroes through our People Awards, recognising individuals like Catherine Holloway of Foodco Group as Franchise Field Manager of the Year, Jason Robson from Bakers Delight as Franchise Manager of the Year, Ari Nalbandian from Schnitz as Franchise Finance Manager of the Year, and Megan Dehass from Concept Eight as Franchise Marketing Manager of the Year. These individuals are the essential link, the support system, and the strategic drivers who empower the entire network.
These awards, independently judged and highly coveted, are a clear demonstration of the value our industry places on excellence and compliance. They are also a critical part of our broader advocacy. As we continue our dialogue with the government about the future of our industry’s regulation, these winners stand as clear evidence. They show a sector that is mature, responsible, and worthy of the co-regulatory model we are proposing, a model that fosters excellence from within, rather than imposing it from without.
Celebrating our heroes is paramount. So is protecting the environment in which they operate. That work takes us directly to the halls of power.
As the 48th Parliament of Australia sat for the first time in late July, I was in Canberra for a full schedule of meetings. We met with new and re-elected members and senators from across the political spectrum to ensure the voice of franchising is heard as the government’s legislative agenda takes shape. These meetings are the first step in a critical new chapter of advocacy on behalf of our members, so the people who make the laws understand the immense contribution our sector makes, and the support it needs to continue building businesses and creating heroes in every corner of Australia.
About FCA CEO – Jay Westbury
CEO Jay Westbury brings over two decades of experience in leading peak industry bodies, including his previous roles as CEO of Retail Drinks Australia (formerly Australian Liquor Stores Association) and the Australian Travel Industry Association (formerly Australian Federation of Travel Agents). Both sectors have close ties to franchising, giving Jay a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within this industry.