Three categories open for nomination:

Each applicant must clearly address the above criteria in no more than 1000 words. Entrants can attach photos, demos or prototypes with their entry. Entries can be self-nominated or nominated by a third party. Applicants are required to have a physical presence in the Bay Area.

Applications are to be submitted to the Australian American Chamber of Commerce via chamber@sfaussies.com for preliminary assessment by 5pm PST January 10th, 2023. The top 5 applications for each category will be submitted for final assessment to a distinguished panel of innovation experts.

Two tickets to the Australia Gala will be provided to the top 2 applications in each category. There will also be an opportunity for all applicants to purchase tickets to the Australian Gala.

Wish more information on the Innovation Awards?

Contact Us Today

Innovation Awards PDF - Australian Gala 11_3_2022.pdf

We look forward to answering your enquiries

Email: chamber@sfaussies.com

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2020 Australian Day Gala Winners

Presented by

Ambassador Jeff Bleich

2019 Australian Day Gala Winners

Presented by

Ambassador Jeff Bleich

The Spirit of Australia Award:

Mr Bruce Campbell and Mr Chris Gallagher

Established in Australia in 1980, Vionic’s mission began with the work of renowned podiatrist Phillip Vasyli. A pioneer and innovator in the field of lower-limb biomechanics, Vasyli treated thousands of patients, ranging from young children to amateur and professional athletes. He had a genuine passion for making orthotic treatment more affordable and accessible to people in need of pain relief & realized that the only treatment options for many common foot-related ailments, like plantar fasciitis or over-pronation, were costly and time-consuming. In response to the overwhelming demand for a solution, he invented one of the first heat-moldable orthotics, a low-cost option that allowed patients to walk out of his practice feeling better than when they'd come in. This philosophy laid the groundwork for the award-winning Orthaheel orthotic, the world's first and only true orthotic available without a doctor's prescription.

In 2007, the US headquarters was established in San Rafael and continued expansion to the UK in 2013 and Hong Kong & China in 2017.

Vionic was chosen as one of Oprah’s Favourite Things in 2017 and again in 2018.

With annual sales growth of 20%+ and robust e-commerce sales, Vionic was acquired by Caleres in late 2018 and will join their diverse portfolio of global footwear brands which include Dr Scholl’s, Naturalizer, Fergie Footwear, and Carlos by Carlos Santana. According to Bruce Gallagher, Vionic’s CEO – we have big plans and even bigger dreams and—with support from Caleres—we’ll be able to continue on that journey, as this combination creates great opportunities for our team members and our retail and business partners.”

2018 Australian Day Gala Winners

2017 Australian Day GalaWinners