Blog

The very first edition of the Belgian-Australian Excellence Awards brought an inspiring mix of talent, innovation, and community spirit to Canberra, as six outstanding individuals were recognised for their achievements and contribution to strengthening ties between Belgium and Australia.

As proud sponsors of this first edition, Bilateral Solutions was honoured to support an initiative shining a spotlight on the exceptional individuals helping shape the Belgian-Australian community.

Hosted at the Embassy of Belgium in the presence of His Excellency Mr Karl Stouthuysen, Ambassador of Belgium to Australia, the inaugural ceremony was far more than a traditional awards night. It was a celebration of people, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, creatives and changemakers, whose work continues to build meaningful bridges between the two countries.

His Excellency Mr Karl Stouthuysen, Ambassador of Belgium to Australia

Surrounded by diplomats, business leaders, community members and supporters, guests gathered to honour six remarkable winners whose journeys, achievements and impact captivated the room throughout the evening.

Six Winners, Six Remarkable Journeys

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing the personal stories behind each award recipient. Different industries, different backgrounds, different paths, yet all connected by a shared passion for excellence, innovation, and contribution.

The awards recognised achievements across a range of categories, each celebrating talent making a genuine impact within the Belgian-Australian community and beyond.

Among the winners celebrated during the ceremony were:

• Tineke Van der Eecken, Artist & Jewellery Designer | Arts, Culture & Community
• Filip Tibos, Belcolade Ambassador at Apromo | Culinary & Gastronomy
• Jimmy Van Eetvelde, Co-Founder of Madocke Bier Brewing Company | Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Dr Antonin Demazy de Fortet, Founder of GG Advisory | Environment & Sustainability
• Dr Florence Gabriel, Senior Research Fellow at Adelaide University | STEM, Research & Academia
• Krista Baetens, Executive Global Markets at NAB | High Impact Corporate

From ground-breaking research and sustainability leadership to entrepreneurship and community engagement, each story brought something unique to the evening.

Several speeches throughout the night reflected not only professional success, but also resilience, creativity, and the importance of international collaboration in today’s global landscape.

Bilateral Solutions Proud to Support the First Edition

As a business dedicated to supporting international companies and entrepreneurs operating in Australia, Bilateral Solutions was particularly proud to stand alongside the organisers and sponsors of this inaugural edition.

Our Founder and Managing Director, Martine Joly, attended the evening alongside members of the Belgian-Australian business community, embassy representatives and award finalists. During the ceremony, Martine had the honour of presenting the Environment & Sustainability Award to Dr Antonin Demazy de Fortet, Engineer and Founder of GG Advisory.

Martine Joly, Founder & Managing Director of Bilateral Solutions, presenting the Environment & Sustainability Award to Dr Antonin Demazy de Fortet

Supporting initiatives that foster international collaboration and celebrate professional excellence remains closely aligned with Bilateral Solutions’ mission and values.

An Elegant Evening at the Belgian Embassy

Set within the beautiful surroundings of the Belgian Embassy in Canberra, the evening combined sophistication with genuine warmth and community spirit.

The evening was also led by François Vantomme, Founder of the Belgian-Australian Excellence Awards and Co-Owner & Director of Le Courrier Australien (LCANews), whose vision helped bring this inaugural edition to life following the success of the French-Australian Excellence Awards.

From left to right: His Excellency Mr Karl Stouthuysen, Ambassador of Belgium to Australia, Antonin Demazy de Fortet, Martine Joly and François Vantomme

The evening showcased the growing dynamism of the Belgian-Australian network while offering a valuable opportunity for professionals and organisations to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate shared achievements together.

The Beginning of a Promising New Tradition

The success of this inaugural Belgian-Australian Excellence Awards already feels like the start of a meaningful new tradition for the community.

Inspired by the long-standing success of the French-Australian Excellence Awards organised by Le Courrier Australien over several editions, this first Belgian-Australian edition demonstrated the strong appetite for recognising the people helping build cultural, professional, and entrepreneurial bridges between Europe and Australia.

More than simply recognising achievement, the awards created a platform to share stories, celebrate ambition and strengthen the growing connections between two vibrant international communities.

Congratulations once again to all finalists and winners whose work continues to inspire and create impact across borders.

Photography courtesy of Le Courrier Australien