Talk with Us
Call Us   (08) 9228 9812

Blog

Franchise Industry Awards Western Australia 2025 – Meet Melissa Murray

The Franchise Industry Awards Western Australia 2025 is proud to welcome Melissa Murray to this year’s esteemed judging panel.

With a distinguished legal career spanning multiple industries and continents, Melissa brings a global perspective and unmatched expertise in franchising and intellectual property law. As Head of the Middle East Intellectual Property Department at Bird & Bird, her work has influenced businesses across the Gulf and UAE, advising clients in sectors ranging from fashion and food to technology and real estate.

A Recognised Leader in Her Field

Melissa has been named a Thought Leader by Who’s Who Legal, a testament to her reputation for excellence in legal strategy and commercial insight. Holding a law degree from QUT and admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland, her career is marked by a deep understanding of both the legal frameworks and the business realities that franchisors and franchisees face.

Her inclusion on our judging panel ensures that entries will be evaluated with both rigour and relevance. Entrants can expect a sharp focus on business integrity, innovation, and legal best practices—all through the lens of a global franchising expert.

The Judging Panel You Want Reviewing Your Work

Melissa joins a panel carefully selected to represent a wide range of franchising expertise—from legal and financial advisors to brand strategists and seasoned franchisors. Together, they will bring credibility, fairness, and high standards to every category of the awards.

If you’re considering entering the Franchise Industry Awards Western Australia 2025, now is the time. Submissions for all categories are open until Friday 1 August 2025 at 2:00 PM AWST.

Apply now to put your franchise in front of industry leaders like Melissa and gain the recognition your team deserves.

Submit your entry here

Post Views: 44
Posted byMark FernandezPosted inFranchising, Latest NewsTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Testimonials

What our clients say about us.

  • “Great to see a broad range of people at the FranchisingWA Breakfast and new networking opportunities. Informative session and good presenters who were engaging.”

  • “Overall the FranchisingWA Breakfast was en' point! Venue, food, coffee, timing, content, interaction- all top notch.”

    – Vanessa Hondros, Franchise Manager, Simply Helping Lower North Perth

  • “A well-organised breakfast event with interesting guest speakers, great venue and food. A rose for the ladies was a lovely touch on Valentine’s Days. Thanks, FranchisingWA and sponsors.”

  • “The FranchisingWA Breakfast is an informative event. No matter if you are or aren't a franchisee or franchisor.”

  • “I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the WA Women in Franchising Lunch & Learn event. The information provided was insightful and helpful to my business.”

    Deborah Whitburn, Owner, Snap Print Solutions Midland

  • “WAWiF is fantastic opportunity to get to know your peers, network and overcome the challenges. Great support!”

  • "Mark and his team did a great job and had a really fun day playing with other Franchisees. Will do it again!"

    Steve Harris, Franchise Owner, Hire A Hubby Bunbury

  • “Congratulations on organising the gala event. I really enjoyed it all, meeting such interesting people, the hospitality and even the coffee was very good!”

    – Mike Barr, Owner, Caffissimo

  • "Very well organised!"

    Jemin Loong, Business Banking Manager, ANZ

  • “During the Awards Night, I liked the way the host kept the public engage and the enthusiasm of the nominated team members. Not to forget the entertainer team was fabulous!”

  • "Mark has extensive franchising and business experience and combines this knowledge with great enthusiasm and drive. He is a brilliant person for bouncing ideas around and always brings creativity and a fresh perspective to the table. Would recommend Mark for his wide ranging abilities in policy, strategy, industry knowledge and innovative thinking."

    Jackie Dihm Owner, FitChips

  • “A great event celebrating the best franchising affiliated business in WA!”

    – Stefan R Thomas, Lecturer, Curtin University

  • "I must say you put things in a way that made me understand things and I really got lots from our session and plan to be making changes in the future. I look forward to the next steps in our meetings."

  • “Great night to get your team together and celebrate all their hard work. I was able to meet so many wonderful like-minded business owners in other industries.”

  • “On behalf of Legalwise Seminars, we wanted to thank you for chairing our Franchise Law seminar. We are extremely appreciative of your significant contribution. Overall, the feedback received from the seminar has been excellent and we are delighted with the outcome."

    Sintija Dobrotinsek Program Manager, Legalwise

  • “Very enjoyable night!”

    – Allan Kirk, Owner, Quality Batteries WA

  • “Mark and I always seem to catch up at just about franchising event around the country. He is deeply immersed in the business community and is a great source of help and advice when required. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and a really nice guy who is always a pleasure to catch up with."

    James Scurr Managing Director, Cashflow It

  • “Great showcase of local franchise businesses. Great promotion for the industry to get behind and support an independent award with internationally acclaimed judges.”

  • “What a night for WA franchising, just shows what small business can do.” – Anonymous

  • "A quick one to say thanks for Tuesday night. I thought it was a great venue, great atmosphere and a bunch of knowledgeable and colourful business people. Hats off mate!"

    Chris Walker Writer & Editor, Wordfox

  • “If you are considering Franchising, either as a Franchisor or a Franchisee, then early on in the process speak to Mark Fernandez at Franchising WA.”

  • "Mark brings a sense of energy and positivity to everyone he meets. I have total trust in him as a fellow consultant, and together we are able to get great outcomes for a client we jointly work with. He has an instinctive understanding of how businesses work, and is able to bring structure and systems which enable businesses to replicate and grow. He is comfortable working with financials, whilst his greatest strength is probably his insight into people. Mark is supportive and encouraging, yet not afraid to be honest and forthright when required. I look forward to working with Mark on future projects."

    Jayne Griffiths HR Director, My Hr Adviser

  • "Great to be able to share my expertise in an area I am very passionate about being data analytics and helping enable businesses with the information they need to move their business forward, grow and prosper."

    – Rick Hemphill, Director, SW Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd

  • “I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the WA Women in Franchising Lunch & Learn event. The information provided was insightful and helpful to my business.”

    – Deborah Whitburn, Owner, Snap Print Solutions Midland

  • “WAWiF is fantastic opportunity to get to know your peers, network and overcome the challenges. Great support!”