2025 Award Highlights
There was plenty of glitz and glamour as SSAA members gathered at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 13 for the self storage industry’s ‘night of nights’ – the 2025 SSAA Awards for Excellence, presented by VISY Specialties.
A highlight of the SYD25 Convention and inaugural Self Storage Week, the gala dinner celebrated the remarkable achievements across a diverse range of categories. From clever conversions and regional success stories to excellence in industry leadership and inspiring community engagement, these Awards recognise the people, facilities and service providers leading the way in self storage.
Hotly contested across all ten categories, entries were assessed by an independent judging panel who praised the exceptional standard of submissions, acknowledging the thoughtful strategy, strong execution and genuine innovation behind this year’s winners.
2025 Award Winners
Facility of the Year – Conversion, sponsored by Highway Frontage
🏆 Roomia Self Storage Springfield
Roomia Springfield impressed judges with its transformation of a former snack-food manufacturing plant into a modern, 690-unit storage hub. The redevelopment blends clever design with smart technology, including Bluetooth access, integrated booking systems and advanced security to deliver a premium customer experience.
The impressive conversion retained the building’s strong industrial framework as the foundation for redevelopment. Major enhancements included a purpose-built two-level loading bay with undercover access and two new hoists. A partial roof demolition created room for a new mezzanine and a highway-facing façade to maximise exposure.
Facility of the Year – Regional, sponsored by Southwell Lifts & Hoists
🏆 Safe ’n’ SOUND Self Storage East Maitland
Safe ’n’ SOUND Self Storage East Maitland is a purpose-built facility that goes beyond traditional self storage. The team’s partnership with GenesisCare brought vital cancer treatment services to the region, while a major expansion added 400 new units. Judges praised the project for its thoughtful design, strong operational performance and meaningful community contribution.
Facility of the Year – Multi-Site Operator, sponsored by R6 Automate
🏆 Rent A Space Oran Park
With a striking four-level design, dual drive-through loading bays, rapid lifts and rooftop solar, Rent A Space Oran Park sets a new benchmark in large-scale facility design. Designed for both performance and sustainability, the facility is powered entirely by rooftop solar and rainwater harvesting is also in place. Judges cited exceptional design, sustainability features and a commitment to innovation through the new Rent a Space app, as markers of multi-site excellence.
Facility of the Year – Independent Operator, sponsored by Southwell Lifts & Hoists
🏆 U Can Store It
A proudly independent, family-run Gold Coast business, U Can Store It has built a reputation for genuine service, community connection and operational excellence. Despite being surrounded by big-name competitors, their commitment to personalised service, long-term relationships and local impact sets them apart. The Judges agreed the perfect blend of good old-fashioned customer service and modern technology make for excellence in self storage.
Excellence in Industry, sponsored by Janus International Australia
🏆R6 Automate
R6 Automate has taken a leadership role in guiding the self storage sector through the shift to remote management. Its freely available Remote Management Guide helps operators of all sizes understand and implement remote and hybrid models with confidence. Judges described the guide as a useful and generous open educational resource, giving operators the tools to transition or optimise their management approach with clarity and confidence.
Excellence in Community Engagement, sponsored by Stellar
🏆 Storage King
Storage King’s annual participation in STEPtember 10,000 steps-a-day challenge, continues to unite its national network in support of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. This year was their best yet, raising a remarkable $53,000! Championed by Sharon Dorward and Lachlan Strada, the campaign came to life through a live fundraising meter, weekly staff challenges and facility-wide events that inspired friendly competition and team spirit.
Driven by generosity, teamwork and genuine care, STEPtember has become a defining part of Storage King’s culture and a powerful example of industry-led community impact.
Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by Storco
🏆 Millennium Technology – gxStorAccess
Developed by Millennium Technology, gxStorAccess unifies complex site operations into a sleek, user-friendly app experience. The technology integrates gate access, CCTV, climate systems and alarm monitoring into one intuitive interface. Judges described gxStorAccess as a ‘leap forward’ in facility management technology – intelligent, scalable and user-focused technology, delivering benefits well beyond the self storage industry.
Excellence in Sustainability, sponsored by PTI Security Systems
🏆 KeepSafe Storage Joondalup
Rising energy costs and a commitment to lead on sustainability were the driving force behind KeepSafe Storage Joondalup’s investment in renewable energy. The facility has implemented one of the most advanced solar and battery systems in the sector, powering core operations with more than 90 per cent renewable energy and reducing emissions by around 80 tonnes each year.The project combines commercial performance with real environmental gains and a strong return on investment.
Manager of the Year, sponsored by Storman
🏆 Simone Riviere, StorHub Self Storage Rouse Hill
Simone Riviere has played a leading role in establishing StorHub’s first Australian facility at Rouse Hill. Under her leadership, the facility was named Best Self Storage in the Hills Shire, occupancy has grown by twelve per cent, and it has maintained consistent five-star reviews. Her local marketing initiatives including the on-site Business Hub, have strengthened both business and community connections. Judges believe Simone’s ability to deliver results, inspire her team and connect with community, makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Service Member of the Year, sponsored by the SSAA
🏆 iBidOnStorage
iBidOnStorage had a clear goal in sight; To change the way the self storage industry manages abandoned goods. Since launching in 2016, founders Grant McNamee and Brennan McLoughlin have hosted more than 48,000 auctions, returning over $15 million to operators. The platform has brought structure, transparency and consistency to a process once marked by uncertainty, helping facilities recover debt, reduce risk and improve efficiency across the sector.
Congratulations to the 2025 Awards for Excellence Winners. To our finalists, judges, sponsors and supporters – thank you for your contribution to our industry. The future looks bright!
