It is an annual competition run by the Regional Australia Institute and Google Australia. 

The Regional Online Heroes competition recognises small to medium sized businesses who have successfully expanded beyond traditional bricks and mortar, using the internet to grow nationally and in some cases internationally.

This year’s finalists include:

·         Magpie Goose | Maggie McGowan, Katherine South, NT: a social enterprise showcasing and celebrating Aboriginal culture through its clothing range, designed and created in remote Aboriginal communities;

·         Birth Beat | Edwina Sharrock, Tamworth, NSW: a midwife bringing childbirth education and child first aid to mums and expectant mums across the country;

·         Erilan Mastectomy Collection | Jill Tucker, Wagga Wagga, NSW: a breast cancer survivor fitting and supplying prostheses, lingerie and clothing for women who have undergone breast surgery;

·         Garlicious Grown | Cathy Owen and Jenny Daniher, Braidwood, NSW: two friends producing and selling black garlic products, from paddock to plate both inside and outside of Australia;

·         Graziher | Claire Dunne, Duaringa, QLD: a magazine recognising, empowering, and sharing the stories of women living in rural and remote parts of the country;

·         One Hour Out | Jay Dillon, Healesville, VIC: an online travel guide sharing the hidden gems of regional Victoria and all they have to offer, starting one hour out of Melbourne;

·         Pointer Remote Roles | Jo Palmer, The Rock, NSW: an online matchmaking platform helping employees find the best person to fill a vacant role regardless of location;

·         The Bruny Island Long Weekend | Robert Knight, South Bruny, TAS: a luxury 3-day guided walking and camping tour, exploring and experiencing the stunning Bruny Island;

·         The Lake House Denmark | Leanne Rogers, Denmark, WA: a winery, cellar door, restaurant and café promoting and selling their diverse range of gourmet products online; and

·         VetShop Australia | Steven Perissinotto, Forest Glen, QLD: a one stop pet and vet shop, stocking a huge range of products, and creating educational videos to help owners look after their pets.

The 10 finalists were selected by an expert judging panel including the Minister for Small Business, The Hon Michael McCormack MP;  television presenter and host of Kochie’s Business Builders, David Koch; digital entrepreneur and founder of successful regional business Birdsnest, Jane Cay; leading Indigenous Scholar at the Queensland University of Technology’s School of Communications, Dr Sandra R. Phillips; the RAI’s CEO, Jack Archer; and the Head of Small Business at Google Australia, John Ball.

Mr McCormack congratulated the top ten finalists and highlighted the importance of regional businesses to their communities.

“There is no shortage of innovative and creative small businesses in regional Australia demonstrated by the number of quality entrants to this year’s competition,” Mr McCormack said.

Finalists will be flown to Google’s Sydney HQ for an exclusive masterclass on Friday 1 December, where they will be given new tools and learn methods to grow their businesses even further. One finalist will then be announced as the national winner at a cocktail reception on Sydney Harbour.

Finalists will be flown to Google’s Sydney HQ for an exclusive masterclass on December 1.

One finalist will then be announced as the national winner at a cocktail reception on Sydney Harbour.

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