Special Reports

Which are the top brands in Western Australia and why do they work? Julie-anne Sprague looks at the State's most recognised brands and the strategies behind them.

Some of the State's top advertising executives share their thoughts on the value of the brand.

Maurice Meade (pictured right) opened his first hair-dressing salon in Subiaco 30 years ago.

Curtin University's decision to reposition itself as an institution of innovation has helped achieve growth in first preference choices for undergraduate students.

Established in 1941 as the Perth Metropolitan Hospitals Benefit Fund, HBF has gone through a few name and brand transitions over the years.

Defining brand values and communicating them through every facet of the Fremantle Football Club is helping the organisation achieve prominence in the competitive AFL marketplace.

BankWest returned to television advertising this year after focusing its $10 million advertising account predominantly on niche marketing in 2003.

Many Western Australians have made a national and even international impression in their sporting pursuits, and a handful has also had a national impact in the business world.

Former Fremantle Docker Brad Wira has more insight into the linkages between elite sport and finance than most other retired players.

Unlike the full-time professionals of today's era, the sporting heroes many Western Australians grew up with had to juggle work and sport.

The West Coast Eagles boasted a top line-up in the 1990s and several of their players have gone on to business success.

Mark Pownall (independent chairman of judges)

FOURTH-GENERATION winner – richard noble and CO

FIRST-GENERATION winner – MESSAGES ON HOLD

Proving that Australia is a nation of entrepreneurs, family business is the largest sector in the Australian economy.

Cambinata Yabbies

THIRD-GENERATION winner – GALVIN ENGINEERING

YOUTH IN FAMILY BUSINESS – Janine Dennison, MSA SECURITY

Family Business Awards Second-Generation winner – TCC GROUP

About 30 years ago, the Ellendale diamond prospects in the West Kimberley launched Australia's first diamond boom.

Kimberley Diamonds' spin-off exploration company Blina Diamonds is hoping to raise $10.4 million through an initial public offering.West Perth-based Blina is looking to issue 34.

With Argyle's future at the crossroads new players are providing some junior sparkle to WA's third biggest royalty generating sector, diamond production. Alison Birrane and Jim Hawtin report.

SINGLE RESIDENTIAL AWARD (joint) Odden Rodrigues for Avalon House.

In 2000, the Hawaiian Property Group approached Jones Coulter Young to undertake a feasibility study to consider a range of options for 182 St Georges Terrace.

Western Power is planning to hire gas turbines from overseas this year to ensure it can supply enough electricity to Perth during the hot summer months.

HERITAGE COUNCIL CONSERVATION AWARD 

SINGLE RESIDENTIAL AWARD (joint) 

INTERIOR AWARD 

In the year of the built environment (YBE), the WA Royal Institute of Architects awards have a special significance in recognising design that reflects the capacity to affect the way that Western Australians live, work, play and interact with their enviro