Roy Halabi, WSABE Chair (Left) & Vasco Duarte, Executive Manager Strategic Implementation, Commonwealth Bank (Right)
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia have recently extended their long-standing partnership with the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE), confirming a three-year partnership that will see them act as the platform’s Principal Partners from 2020-2023. The execution of this partnership will mark ten years of support from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia towards the WSABE platform and Greater Western Sydney’s business community.
The WSABE platform was founded in 1990 by the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce and is now in its 30th Year. WSABE recognises the outstanding businesses and individuals that are contributing to Greater Western Sydney’s rapidly developing economy and international reputation as a core region for business activity, financial investment, and residential prosperity. Across 30 years of operation, the platform has engaged with more than 5,000 businesses, professionals, and entrepreneurs, and has established a major platform to showcase the many inspiring success stories that have originated within the Greater Western Sydney region.
Commonwealth Bank’s Group Executive Business Banking Mike Vacy-Lyle said Greater Western Sydney is, and will continue to be, a key hub for business innovation and growth, and a key area that CBA is committed to continue supporting.
“We’re delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with WSABE and show our continued support of the Western Sydney business community,” Mr Vacy-Lyle said.
“Western Sydney is a rapidly growing business district – and as Australia’s third largest economy, and with one of the fastest growing populations – it is truly a growth hub for the country.
“We have a strong presence in the area – across our business centres, braches, and many dedicated business bankers – and we’re continuing to grow our footprint and employee base in the area to support our local customers.
“We know many businesses are doing it tough during these current challenging times. And while it is a challenging period for many businesses across the country, it’s equally important we recognise and celebrate the resilience and innovation of the local business community – and that’s what these awards are all about.”
In response to the unprecedented challenges that businesses across Australia have faced in 2020, WSABE were committed to delivering this platform as an opportunity for Greater Western Sydney businesses to highlight their success stories and ability to persevere. This year, more than 400 entry engagements were received from Greater Western Sydney’s business community, showcasing a high degree of resilience, adaptation, and novelty. Speaking on WSABE’s renewed partnership with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its shifting focus in 2020, Roy Halabi, WSABE Chair, said the following:
“In 2020, businesses across Greater Western Sydney have been required to demonstrate an extraordinary pedigree of resilience, adaptability, and drive to remain sustainable and relevant during these challenging times. Through WSABE, we aim to shine the spotlight on these businesses not only for their ongoing contribution to Greater Western Sydney’s economy, but also for their ability to persevere. We are delighted to be partnering with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to ensure that these stories are acknowledged, and that Greater Western Sydney’s business community remains supported throughout the long-term.”
WSABE is scheduled to announce the 2020 finalists across sixteen award categories on Friday 18th September. You can stay up to date with the announcement of finalists and learn more about WSABE here.
The Annual WSABE Awards Gala will be held on Friday 20th November at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. You can learn more or purchase a ticket here.
For media enquiries, please contact Nikolas O’Meara on 0449 786 056 or at nick@gandhicreations.com.au