CHILDREN’S entertainment juggernaut George the Farmer has been nominated as one of four finalists in the social change maker category in the 2018 SA Telstra Business Awards.
A total of 21 finalists across a range of industries were announced for the annual awards, which recognise the best in business across four categories – emerging and energised, small and succeeding, medium and making waves and social change maker.
Penola-based George the Farmer, created by business partners Simone Kain and Ben Hood, was selected from a record 10,000 nominations from across the country.
Telstra group executive and awards ambassador Vicki Brady said the finalists had been through a rigorous judging process.
“We are delighted to have received a record 10,000 nominations for the Telstra Business Awards this year, a true testament to the vitality of Australian businesses and the regard in which they are held by their communities,” Ms Brady said.
“In the 26th year of the Telstra Business Awards, we are incredibly proud to be a long-standing supporter of small and medium business.
“It’s an exciting time to be in business, as technology and innovation helps to open up incredible opportunities, new markets and new ways to operate.”
When looking for inspirational farming stories for her son, Ms Kain discovered there was no children’s character telling stories about life on the land.
She created George The Farmer with business partner Ben Hood as a fun way to educate children about farming practices and innovative careers in agriculture.
Through storybooks, apps, music, videos, performances and free curriculum-aligned resources, George The Farmer teaches how food and fibres are produced.
By educating children about farming practices, the business is playing an important role in the future of agriculture and making a meaningful difference to the people involved in primary industries and rural communities.
This year’s finalists were evaluated across a range of criteria, including strategy and vision, customers and marketing, operations, people and culture, innovation and technology, social responsibility and financial acumen.
Winners of the 2018 Telstra South Australian Business Awards will be announced on July 5 at Adelaide Oval.
State and territory winners will be invited to Melbourne for national judging on September 19 and a celebration gala dinner on September 20.
