Two Big Wins for Tambo Teddies in Sydney!
We’re still pinching ourselves after an incredible weekend in Sydney – Tambo Teddies came home with not one, but TWO national awards!
Tammy and Alison travelled to Sydney as finalists in two very different awards, thrilled simply to have Tambo Teddies recognised as finalists alongside some outstanding Australian businesses and businesswomen.
To then hear our name called as the winner – twice – was something we certainly weren’t expecting!
Tambo Teddies was named winner of the Australian Made category at the Australian Marketing Institute Marketing Excellence Awards, before Tammy and Alison backed it up with another wonderful achievement, taking home the Dynamic Duo Award at the Women with Altitude Awards.
Winning the Australian Made category was particularly special because being Australian Made has been at the very heart of Tambo Teddies since our story began in 1993.
What started as a small-town initiative to create jobs and bring visitors to Tambo during some very difficult times for the wool industry has grown into a nationally recognised Australian Made business.
More than three decades later, our beautiful sheepskin teddy bears are still handcrafted right here in Queensland.
We were also up against some very large companies with dedicated marketing teams and significant budgets, which made the recognition even more meaningful.
The judges’ comments made the win even more special:
“Tambo Teddies presents a genuine and engaging Australian Made story, with regional manufacturing, craftsmanship and community at its heart. Its quality handcrafted toys, emotional storytelling and consistent Australian Made narrative create a positive experience for gift givers. By supporting Tambo, local farmers, businesses, regional employment and the environment, it has built a strong Australian brand.”
Those words really resonated with us because they capture what we have always wanted Tambo Teddies to represent.
Yes, we make teddy bears, but behind every bear is a much bigger story. It is a story about Australian manufacturing, regional communities, skilled hands, resilience, employment and keeping something uniquely Australian alive.Our Sydney celebrations weren’t finished there.
Tammy and Alison were also named winners of the Dynamic Duo category at the Women with Altitude Awards, recognising the partnership that has guided Tambo Teddies since they purchased the business in 2014.
Anyone who knows Tammy and Alison knows they are very different people and that’s exactly why the partnership works!
“We are very different people, and that is probably our greatest strength,” Tammy said. “We each bring different skills and perspectives to the business, but we share the same commitment to Tambo Teddies, our team and keeping this wonderful Australian story growing.”
Over the past 12 years there have been plenty of challenges, opportunities, big decisions, laughs and probably a few moments when they wondered what on earth they had taken on!
While Tammy and Alison may have been the ones standing on the stage in Sydney, these awards belong to the entire Tambo Teddies family.
From our teams in Tambo and Toowoomba, to the talented people who cut, sew, stuff and finish every teddy, and those who welcome visitors, pack orders and help tell our story – every person plays a part.
They also belong to our wonderful customers and supporters who continue to choose Australian Made and who share our bears with children, grandchildren, family and friends across Australia and around the world.
“Coming home from Sydney with two awards was something we never expected,” Alison said.
“We’re incredibly proud – not just for ourselves, but for our whole team and everyone who has been part of the Tambo Teddies story.”
From a little western Queensland town to an awards stage in Sydney, it was quite a weekend.
And after more than three decades, we’re incredibly proud that the story that began in Tambo in 1993 is still being recognised, celebrated and shared.
Two awards. One amazing weekend. And one very proud Tambo Teddies team!
