The 2025 Telstra Business of the Year Award winners
Rahma Health has been named Business of the Year at the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards, recognising its work in creating culturally and psychologically safe health and parenting resources for multicultural communities. The charity, based in Victoria, was selected from more than 20,000 nominations nationwide. It primarily serves Arabic-speaking families affected by war, displacement, racism, poverty, and intergenerational trauma.
Supporting communities
Rahma Health develops its resources to close gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly for women and refugees who may be underserved by mainstream health services. The organisation draws on partnerships with medical professionals and volunteers, using technology to scale delivery across Australia and international markets.
The charity's founder, Dr Naba Alfayadh, set up the organisation after relocating to Australia from Iraq. The initiative responds to the needs Dr Alfayadh identified in refugee health, with a focus on culturally relevant and trauma-informed care for women and children. According to the awards judging panel, Rahma Health's approach ensures essential health knowledge reaches communities who often face significant barriers in accessing traditional services.
"The Rahma Health approach makes sure those who are often unseen or unsupported by mainstream health services receive the guidance and resources they need," said Amanda Hutton, Group Executive, Telstra Business.
Technology innovation
Technology featured strongly in this year's awards. Comtrac, based in Queensland, received recognition in the Embracing Innovation category for its investigation management platform. Comtrac's solution is designed for law enforcement and regulatory agencies. It goes beyond administrative case management, providing tools to streamline investigation workflows, manage evidence, and support operational activities with artificial intelligence capabilities.
The judging panel said Comtrac stands out for its ability to automate the organisation of evidence from many sources, supporting law enforcement, environmental authorities, insurance, and child protection agencies.
Cyber safety
In the Building Communities category, Canberra-based Social Protect was recognised for its platform that detects and deletes abusive social media comments in real-time. It also offers educational resources and investigative support, aimed at protecting users from cyberbullying and online harassment. Social Protect's technology allows individuals and organisations to maintain active participation in online discussions while reducing exposure to harmful content.
The award judges noted Social Protect's contribution in addressing the challenge of online abuse and maintaining wellbeing in digital communities.
Climate and environment
Li-ion Energy, also from Western Australia, received the Promoting Sustainability award for its specialist work in lithium battery reuse and engineering. The company is focused on battery pack reconditioning, technical dismantling, and the design of clean energy systems in response to the rising challenge of lithium battery waste.
Founded by Sarai Ball and Justin Manton, Li-ion Energy has grown from a small-scale operation and now works with clients across sectors requiring sustainable energy and circular economy solutions.
Indigenous enterprise
Dice Australia, an Indigenous-owned business established in 2004, was recognised in the Indigenous Excellence category. The Northern Territory company delivers infrastructure projects in regional and remote Australia. Its portfolio includes public housing, government and commercial buildings, essential services, and renewable energy installations. Dice Australia's focus on regional projects has contributed to increased opportunities for local workforces and support for regional economies.
Business growth
Independent gym operator Revo Fitness from Western Australia won the Outstanding Growth award. The business aims to make fitness more accessible through its network of locations, flexible opening hours, and affordable membership structures. Revo Fitness has expanded operations in response to demand for cost-effective health and wellbeing services.
Award alumni
Previous winners of the Telstra Best of Business Awards have cited increased exposure and new opportunities as a result of the recognition. Last year's winner, First Nations Traditional Owner Corporation DJAARA, was noted for growth and for launching an economic strategy focused on partnerships with business and government.
"Winning the Telstra Business of the Year Award elevated DJAARA's profile nationally and opened doors to new opportunities. Since then, we've launched our Traditional Owner economic strategy and forged partnerships with business and government that enable growth at scale. This success strengthens the regional economy in Central Victoria and amplifies the voice of Dja Dja Wurrung People. The Awards process itself was invaluable - challenging us to bring out our best and inspiring us through the excellence of others," said Cassandra Lewis, Interim Chief Executive Officer, DJAARA.
