The King's Trust Australia is excited to announce the finalists for the 2024 Beyond Service Awards. Now in their third year, the Beyond Service Awards celebrate the entrepreneurial achievements of Australian Defence Force veterans and their partners across diverse industries nationwide.

An initiative of The King’s Trust Australia Enterprise programme, the Awards recognise the depth and breadth of skills and experience veterans and Defence Force families bring to Australia’s small business landscape.

“We are impressed by the caliber of our finalists and the diversity of their business interests and industries. These awards are a rare opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution of veteran and family businesses to our economy and our communities,” said Michelle Endacott, Chief Executive of The King’s Trust Australia.

In 2024, we are thrilled to introduce a new award category: the Rising Star Award. This category recognises the entrepreneurial excellence of an Australian Defence Force veteran or spouse aged 30 years or under.

The 2024 Beyond Service Awards also sees the return of the New Mission Award, the Defence Family Business Award, and the Community Impact Award.

Congratulations to the 2024 Beyond Service Award finalists  -  

The Rising Star Award, recognising the entrepreneurial excellence of an Australian Defence Force veteran or spouse aged 35 years or under. This award is supported by the Worldwide Support for Development.

Finalists:
- Dylan Conway, Brothers and Books
- Natasha Elford, Investor Support  
- James Koens, Sentinel Aviation

The New Mission Award, recognising the application of skills, experience and/or networks developed in service to the Australian Defence Force to a civilian business(es). This award is sponsored by Saab Australia.

Finalists:
- Ryan Carmichael and Darren Schuback, The Whiskey Project Group
- Grant Joy, Protegas Australia
- James Koens, Sentinel Aviation

The Community Impact Award, recognising veteran and ADF family members making a positive impact in the community and/or contributing to a more sustainable society through their business(es). This award is supported by the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Finalists:‍

- Garry Harding, EnergyFlex  
- Kelly Willmott, Green Fox Studio
- Amy Cooper, Soldier On

The Defence Family Business Award, recognising ADF partners and spouses in business(es). This award is supported by Adecco Australia.

Finalists:
- Tiffany Sharp
- Christine Gilchrist, Spouse Force  
- Penny Blunden, Sick Happens.
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The Commonwealth Bank of Australia Business of the Year Award, winner of the above categories, will be announced at a celebration for the finalists on 10 October 2024 at Admiralty House, Sydney.

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