A transport operator from regional WA, a craft-brewing scientist from South Australia and the head of one of the nation’s largest childcare networks have been named the top winners at the 2025 Ethnic Business Awards gala event on November 8.
（Photo source: EBA Linkedin page)
Nicole Appleton, founder of NLA Trucking, took out the Indigenous in Business Award, recognised for building one of the country’s leading Aboriginal-owned transport operations and for her work creating opportunities in remote communities.
In the Small Business category, Dr Corinna Steeb of Prancing Pony Brewery was honoured for her role in transforming a garage start-up into an award-winning independent brewery with a national footprint.
The Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Award went to Colette Assaf, who leads Montessori Academy Childcare Centres, now one of Australia’s fastest-growing early-learning providers.
（Photo source: EBA Linkedin page)
Organisers said this year’s winners reflect the innovation, determination and community impact that have shaped the Ethnic Business Awards since they were founded by Joseph Assaf AO more than three decades ago.
The live-streamed gala drew audiences around Australia, celebrating entrepreneurs whose stories “capture the best of our multicultural nation,” the foundation said.