IndePet has announced the winners of its annual awards, celebrating excellence of retailers and suppliers over the past year.
Awarded at IndePet’s annual conference, which took place in Hobart from 18 May to 22 May, the award ceremony was held on the final night and capped off an engaging four days of learning, networking, and fun.
IndePet’s 2025 award winners:
- Founders Award– Jeremy Maitland
- Inspiring Leader – Renee Attard
- Rising Star– Samantha Clay
- Rising Star– Jemma Eyre
- Suppliers Choice – AU– Kellyville Pets
- Suppliers Choice – NZ – Animal Attraction
- Supplier of the Year – NZ – Royal Canin
- Supplier of the Year – AU – Kong’s Australia
- Local Community Hero – June Cumming and Kahn Dobney
- Ultimate In-Store Experience – Gold Coast Pet Centre
L-R: Renee Attard, winner of the Inspiring Leader award, and Tia Wishart. 
L-R: Jeremy Maitland, winner of the Founder Award, and Tia Wishart. 
L-R: Tia Wishart with Rising Star winner Samantha Clay, (Pet Superstore store manager) and last year’s Rising Star winner Tahlia Scott (Owner – Pet World North Lakes) 
L-R: Nicole D’Vaz, Supplier Relationship Manager at IndePet, Gavin Pereira and Bruce Craig from Royal Canin, and Tia Wishart.
Among the award winners was Jeremy Maitland, who was awarded the prestigious IndePet Founders Award for showing the spirit of collaboration and community that defines the IndePet group.
“A passionate advocate for the ‘stronger together’ philosophy, Jeremy consistently supports fellow members and contributes meaningfully to the group, most recently as newly appointed board member. His influence within IndePet has grown significantly, including attracting new members and putting his hand up to present at the 2024 and 2025 Conferences.
“A great quality of Jeremy is that he continues to resonate with many, prompting our members to reflect on their businesses. He has a genuine passion for the pet industry, IndePet and desire to help everyone succeed,” said Tia Wishart, Business Development Manager at IndePet.
Gold Coast Pet Centre was awarded the Ultimate In-Store Experience Award for its outstanding commitment to enhancing every aspect of the customer journey.
“Leading a full rebrand—including a fresh new logo, updated website, and revamped store—they’ve elevated both the in-store and online experience. The result is a vibrant, welcoming space that not only looks fantastic but also delivers exceptional service and engagement for every customer,” said Krysten Arnold, Marketing Manager at IndePet.
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