The Burwood Local Government Area enjoys local support from many long-established small businesses. After the success of the Inaugural Mayor’s Business Commendation Awards, Council is thrilled to be continuing the program in 2024.

Applications for small businesses to self-nominate for a commendation are open now and close at 11:59pm on Sunday 25 February 2024.

Council welcomes Burwood businesses and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the community and/or have operated continuously within the Burwood Local Government Area for a minimum of 10 years to apply.

For more information or to submit a nomination please see information below.

Businesses who have previously received a 40+ years Gold, 25+ years Silver, 10+ years Bronze or Generational Family Business commendation are not eligible to receive another award in the same category. Businesses are welcome to apply for a commendation award once they meet the criteria for any subsequent awards relating to years of operation.

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.

• 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.

The Mayor’s Business Commendation Awards is not a competition based program. 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 platforms.