Bonfire takes out the 2025 Campaign Brief WA Digital Agency of the Year award

The Digital Agency of the Year award is one of the most popular and most sought after awards handed out at the Oasis Ball. This year Bonfire, who last won this accolade in 2021, rose to the top to take out this year’s award, just edging out runner-up Juicebox. Finalist for this award were Unify, Bloom Digital, Social Meteor, Bang Digital and White Chalk Road.

 

Bonfire presented a clear and well structured case for the Digital Agency of the Year award. It demonstrated a high level of success for the agency and its clients. They demonstrated a strong investment in AI and technology to enhance the agency’s offering along with impressive new business growth – with 42 new clients. They added 10 new staff and demonstrated an outstanding investment in staff with over $200,000 spent on training, the appointment of a People and Culture Lead, DEI initiatives and extra annual leave for long term staff members.

In 2024 Bonfire embraced AI advancements, shifting data privacy laws and economic pressures and saw them as opportunities.

Bonfire built smarter systems, refined their strategic models, and doubled down on what truly drives performance: data, technology, and expertise.

This year, Bonfire managed $13.7 million in digital media spend, and generated an average return of $124.03 for every dollar their clients invested.

They strengthened the agency from the inside out – investing in AI-driven analytics, first-party data solutions, and proprietary performance tools that set new benchmarks in digital marketing.

CEO Clay Cook said 2024 wasn’t just a year of growth for Bonfire – it was a year that redefined what digital performance marketing means.

In 2024, Bonfire signed 42 new clients and helped businesses achieve a median ROI of 21.60X.

Their work with one Perth charity helped them exceed their fundraising target by 137%, directly contributing over $25K in donations. Another client, a leader in workplace safety innovation, secured a major Woodside Energy contract with Bonfire’s strategic digital support. In addition, a leading cosmetic treatment provider, achieved an ROI of 245.20X, demonstrating the effectiveness of a well-structured paid media strategy in driving high-value conversions.

These are just three examples of how Bonfire helped businesses grow for the long term. In 2024, Bonfire invested heavily in training, leadership development, and digital-first learning to keep their team at the forefront of the industry.

Every Bonfire team member undertook professional development, completing 44+ courses in Google AUNZ, Meta, AI-driven marketing, and advanced digital analytics. They introduced bespoke leadership training programs via Checkside, including Mental Health First Aid training for all leadership roles.

Eight internal promotions strengthened their talent pipeline. and the agency actively contributed to the digital industry, hosting their own 180+ attendee event with Google, sponsoring the CEO Institute’s Summit, and engaging in State of Social.

82% of the team stayed with Bonfire this year. Their leadership team has an average tenure of 16.6 years, while agency-wide tenure averages 8 years. And they invested $227,317.63 into staff training.

Eight of their 52 staff received promotions over 2024 including Ami Price, Hayley White and Will Bal, who were promoted to Account Director roles.

Bonfire introduced an additional week of annual leave for all staff with 2+ years tenure, effective 1st July 2024.

They maintain a flexible work policy – A structured approach that allows working parents and caregivers to tailor work hours to support family commitments, reinforcing Bonfire’s belief in worklife balance and employee wellbeing.

Looking ahead, Bonfire’s focus is on:

Deepening AI adoption to refine campaign personalisation and automation, bringing greater efficiencies for their clients and helping their investments stretch further.

Expanding data analytics capabilities to unlock predictive digital marketing insights.

Advancing their first-party data and audience modelling strategies to future-proof clients against shifting privacy regulations.

And, investing further in training and leadership development, ensuring they remain a top destination for Australia’s top digital marketing talent.

 

For full coverage of winners and the finalists in all categories get the printed edition of the 44 page Campaign Brief Awards magazine. Email Mina on perth@campaignbrief.com