A Night of Recognition, Connection and Celebration
The EO Melbourne Annual Awards and Gala Dinner brought members, Strategic Alliance Partners and guests together for an evening of celebration at 1 Hotel Melbourne, recognising the people whose leadership, generosity and commitment shaped another outstanding year for the chapter.
Set against the theme UNITE: Better, Together, the evening reflected on a year of meaningful growth, stronger connections and shared success. President John Bevitt opened the celebrations by highlighting the chapter's achievements across its three strategic priorities: elevating the entrepreneurial ecosystem, creating diverse experiences and deep connection, and ensuring forums deliver transformational growth. A highlights video captured the energy of the past 12 months before the focus turned to the individuals who made those achievements possible.
Recognising Excellence Across the Chapter
The evening began by celebrating the strength of the Accelerator Program, with Lana Zhang recognised as this year's Accelerator Graduate. Kate Slater was then named Accelerator of the Year, recognised for embracing every opportunity to learn, contribute and grow throughout the program.
The chapter also acknowledged the inaugural Navigator Program, thanking every member who volunteered their time to help strengthen connections across EO Melbourne. Natasha Marcello was awarded Navigator of the Year for her outstanding commitment to welcoming, supporting and connecting members throughout the year.
Leadership development also took centre stage as graduates of the LEAD Program were recognised for investing in their growth and preparing for the EO Path of Leadership.
Living the EO Values
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the EO Melbourne Values Awards, celebrating members who embody the values that define the organisation every day.
This year's recipients were:
Together We Grow: Ina Karnath
Trust & Respect: Jake Ford and Gabriel Esseesse
Thirst for Learning: Rick Bazerghi
Think Big, Be Bold: Ben Simpson
Each award reflected nominations from fellow members, highlighting the everyday acts of generosity, curiosity, leadership and support that strengthen the EO Melbourne community.
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Achievement
The evening's highest entrepreneurial honour, Entrepreneur of the Year, was awarded jointly to Ahmad Jazayeri and Akbar Moradi.
Together, they have built one of EO Melbourne's great business success stories, growing a national retail business beyond $100 million in revenue while embracing technology, innovation and expansion into new ventures. Beyond their commercial success, nominations consistently recognised their humility, generosity and willingness to support fellow entrepreneurs, qualities that exemplify the spirit of EO.
President John Bevitt then presented his President's Award to Foong-Yue Cheah, recognising her exceptional contribution to member engagement throughout the year. By stepping into a newly evolving leadership role and building a thriving engagement committee, Foong-Yue helped ensure more members felt connected, supported and able to maximise the value of their EO experience.
Within the Forum community, Jamie Lingham was named Moderator of the Year, recognising his outstanding leadership and commitment to creating transformational Forum experiences.
The chapter also celebrated another successful year of the Forum Cup, recognising quarterly winners throughout the year before crowning Shakti, moderated by Jamie Lingham, as the FY 2025/26 Forum Cup Champion.
Looking Ahead
As the formal proceedings drew to a close, EO Melbourne recognised the outgoing Board for their dedication before John Bevitt reflected on his year as President, thanking the Board, chapter staff, volunteers and members who helped bring the chapter's vision to life.
The evening concluded with the ceremonial handover to incoming Co-Presidents Costa Vasili and James Murray, who unveiled the FY 2026/27 chapter theme, Think Big, Be Bold, along with the strategic priorities that will guide EO Melbourne into the year ahead.
With awards presented, achievements celebrated and a new chapter beginning, members finished the evening on the dance floor as live entertainment from The Drop capped off a memorable night, one that celebrated not only success, but the people and relationships that continue to make EO Melbourne stronger together.