The Self Storage Association of Australasia (SSAA) announced the winners of its annual awards campaign at its convention, Nov. 10-15, at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia. Two new life members were also inducted during the event, according to press releases issued by the organization.
The SSAA Awards for Excellence Gala took place on Nov. 14. Celebrating remarkable achievements across various categories, “the event highlighted operational excellence, innovation, a commitment to sustainability and community engagement,” a release stated. Nominations were evaluated by a seasoned, independent judging panel. This year’s winners are:
Best Facility Expansion or Upgrade: Safe Store Westgate, Auckland
Excellence in Community Engagement: StoreLocal
Excellence in Sustainability: National Mini Storage
Excellence in Innovation: StorAxxS
Excellence in Industry: Basil Fry & Co.
Facility of the Year (up to 150 units): Swift Storage Yeppoon RV Storage, Hidden Valley
Facility of the Year (150-500 units): Bass Coast Boat & Caravan Storage, Glen Forbes
Facility of the Year (more than 500 units): Rent a Space, Casula
Managers of the Year: Farag Marey, Rent a Space, Girraween; Tara White, KeepSafe Storage, Balcatta
Service Member of the Year: R6 Digital
Related:California Self Storage Association Announces New Officers, Board Members for 2026
In addition, the SSAA inducted Paul McFadzien and Michael Tate as life members. They are “exemplary figures whose contributions have helped define and elevate the industry. Their dedication, innovation and leadership inspire current and future generations of self-storage owners and operators. As life members, they are unanimously celebrated for their tremendous impact on the industry and their steadfast commitment to excellence,” according the SSAA.
McFadzien entered the self-storage industry in 1995 as managing director of National Mini Storage in New Zealand. In addition to helping to expand the company’s portfolio, he fostered collaboration between the Australian and New Zealand self-storage markets. As a member of the SSAA Board from 1999 to 2003, McFadzien played a pivotal role in growing the organization’s presence in New Zealand. Since stepping down in 2020, he has continued to advise on new National Mini projects, the release stated.
Tate entered the self-storage industry in 1993 when he joined Millers Self Storage as general manager of operations. In 2003, he cofounded Storage King alongside David Scanlen. He helped transform it into the first franchise self-storage model and one of Australasia’s largest brands.
Related:California Self Storage Association Retains Platinum Advisors as Lobbyist
The SSAA provides advocacy, education and support for self-storage professionals in Australia and New Zealand.
Sources:Self Storage Association of Australasia, SSAA Announces 2024 Awards for Excellence in Self StorageSelf Storage Association of Australasia, SSAA Life Members: Celebrating Paul McFadzien and Michael Tate
ISS Staff
Tenant-Protection Plans for Self-Storage: What They Are, Features and Benefits, and the Keys to Program Success
Control the Narrative: DIY Marketing to Help You Tell Your Self-Storage Facility Story and Connect With Customers
ISS BLOG – Self-Storage Pricing Practices Under Scrutiny: Are the ECRI Chickens Coming Home to Roost?
NationWide Self Storage of Canada Raises More Than $11K for Covenant House Vancouver