With 2021 coming to an end, it's time for your votes in this year's Best of the Year awards, the Joshies. The purpose of the Joshies is to reward the businesses both in the US and outside the US who have helped the community, have aided with the transitional process of moving, or just been welcome support in your time living in America, as voted by you!
We had 79 nominations in the Joshies this year, and now it's your turn to vote for the organizations that you think are the most fitting winners.
2021 Finalists for a business that helps you move or setup in the US
Law Office of Tara Gray
Go to Law Office of Tara Gray's website.
Using Tara for my E3 renewals has completed put my mind at ease. Yes technically someone could do it their own – I'm not that person. My company had originally used a large company and I felt like a number and not listened to or fully supported through the process. Tara walks you through each step, explaining it in layman's terms. I always knew where we were in the process. Can't recommend her enough.
One nominator of Law Office of Tara Gray
Aussie Recruit
AR have attempted to support the whole Aussie community with work and immigration, everything that they can do to support us, they do! They both help settle in, reenter to Aus if need, and they've helped us with monthly webinars and support through Jonathan Grode
One nominator of Aussie Recruit
Cammisa Markel
Go to Cammisa Markel's website.
Amazingly supportive team who go out of their way to ensure your visa needs are handled meticulously and all by a super lovely group of people. Communicative, knowledgeable and such a great can-do attitude with even the trickiest of situations. Also, what would we have done without Zjantelle’s regular and helpful updates throughout the pandemic?! They’re a bunch of legends!
One nominator of Cammisa Markel
Nova Credit
The approval process was easy, as it allowed me to translate my Aussie credit rating to a US one. It was a gateway to getting on the map with my credit rating and kickstarting so many other parts of my US life.
Nominator of Nova Credit
US Visa Solutions
Go to US Visa Solutions website.
I needed help with an E3 application, my American employer had never been through the process either, we'd gotten quotes of near $20k from lawyers in San Diego and 2 lawyers in Australia said it couldn't be done with our particular circumstances. I called as a last stitched attempt and spoke with Jonathan, who was absolutely amazing, before taking any money he asked to look at all of our paperwork and spoke to my USA employer, he came back to me with confidence and said he'd help and his fee was less than one third of previous prices, within weeks or was all done and he talked me through each step, we've even spoken since being here and he's helped me with info, free of charge. He's English, has lived in Australia and is now in San Diego, so he's been through the whole process himself and definitely is not in it to take advantage of people.
Nominator of US Visa SolutionsVote in the 2021 Joshies
2021 Finalists for a business that made life better after moving
Treats from Oz
Go to Treats from Oz's website.
As great as it is in the US still love some items from home that can't get here. They have a great selection, will do special orders, have amazing shipping and service. Leslie and Andrew are super easy to deal with and put a smile on a lot of people's faces.
One nominator of Treats from Oz
Boomerang Bites
Go to Boomerang Bites' website.
Unique, delicious – a taste of home. A business that really gives back to the community. For their services to bringing iconic Aussie style slices that really are the perfect gift. Who doesn't love some yummy treats beautifully packaged in an eco-friendly, oh-so unmistakeable Aussie style. Be honest—how many plastic tchotchkes are you gifted that end up in your recycle bin? Impress your new boss, your American friends, or steal the show at your next holiday shindig, by ordering a box of Boomerang Bites. And don't forget a box for yourself. A portion of every box sold is donated to community groups. And you're also supporting an amazing Aussie business woman in the US, who's living her dream to “Do good, Be Good”.
One nominator of Boomerang Bites
Aussie Pies and Sausages
Go to Aussie Pies and Sausages website.
Because Jay Jay Wolfpie literally fed me and other hungry expats and basically all of skid row
One nominator of Aussies Pies and Sausages
The Mateship Foundation
They have embraced the aussie spirit of ‘Mateship’ through their contribution to underprivileged communities. They have involved aussies from around the USA to make us proud to be Australian’s in the USA. Shayne and Jay Jay are expat Aussies who have started a foundation where Aussies help the underprivileged and homeless communities in L.A. by showing “mateship' to one another. Essentially coming together to help our mates. They are both amazing people who use their time, talents and treasure to make life better for our neighbors…or rather, our mates. Good onya guys!
One nominator of The Mateship Foundation
Bourke Street Bakery
Go to Bourke Street Bakery's website.
Giving us delicious Sydney sourdough… and making home a little closer in the process. It’s the little things.
One nominator of Bourke Street Bakery
How the Joshies awards work
You make your nominations using the form below, and then from your submissions, I'll pick five organizations from each of the two categories to go forward and receive votes from the community.
We'll pick the finalists based on what you input into your nomination, and may get back in touch with you to clarify any extras.
