The 2012 Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) Innovation Awards deadline for entries is fast approaching. Business and organisations are being urged to enter and achieve regional recognition for their efforts. Entries close on Friday, September 21, with entry forms downloadable from www.niia.com.au.
Armidale has traditionally been well represented in the awards across all categories, although 2011 saw particularly strong entries in the Research and Education categories from UNE. RDANI Senior Project Officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings, said that she would like Armidale businesses and organisations to continue to make the effort to be recognised. “We’d like to hear from Guyra businesses this year,” she said.
Walcha has also been well represented, with the likes of the Oxley Explorer among the finalists last year.
Meanwhile, Uralla Shire General Manager, Tom O’Connor, has called upon Uralla businesses to nominate themselves now. “The Northern Inland Innovation Awards recognise the contribution made by businesses to the economic prosperity and well-being of the region and showcases the initiatives, products and services provided by local businesses” he said.
“Uralla and the Uralla Shire make a significant contribution to the region’s economic well-being and have had winners for innovation in these awards in past years. The Shire has vibrant and welcoming businesses who, through their creativity and innovation, are not only surviving, but thriving into the future,” he said. “Their efforts enhance our society as well as our economy and I hope to see many Uralla operations represented in these regional awards.”
The annual awards program is an initiative of Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI), to identify and promote the region’s innovations and innovative approaches. RDANI Executive Officer, Nathan Axelsson, said the awards also address the additional need for regional businesses to be innovative to hone their competitive edge.
If you have pride in what your business or organisation is doing and in how it is doing things differently, then now is the time to enter, promote your effort and successes, while serving as an inspiration for others in the region, according to Ms Hastings. “Our region’s businesses are closely linked to their local communities. Yet, their innovative spirit and community contributions are under-recognised. The Northern Inland Innovation Awards provide that recognition.”
Categories are: Agriculture / Horticulture and associated services; Tourism / Leisure and Services; Professional and Retail services; Manufacturing and Engineering; and Research and Education. The 2011 Innovation of the Year Award will be presented to the leading innovator across all categories. Innovation is not necessarily invention; it can, for example, be a practice, approach or procedure.
Tenterfield Shire Council has already been acting as an accommodating host and The Tenterfield Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts complex is expected to be an atmospheric venue for the gala awards night on Friday, October 26.
