Wednesday, 15 November 2017
THE best and brightest innovators from across the New England and North West will be crowned later this month at a gala awards ceremony in Armidale to recognise individuals and companies that think outside the box.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said he was looking forward to welcoming hundreds of leading business people to the 10th annual Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) Innovation Awards, on Friday, 24 November, at the Armidale City Bowling Club.
“This event showcases the most forward-thinking groups in the region – celebrating the people and ideas that have helped move our region forward,” Mr Marshall said.
“In its 10th year, the RDANI Innovation Awards has attracted 50 entrants from all across the region, with each one striving to improve life for locals, productivity for businesses, or services for travellers.
“Regional people have always been innovators, with more limited resources fuelling ingenious and bold solutions to day-to-day problems.
“Innovation is vital to ensuring economic growth, which ensures that our communities can continue to expand and thrive.”
Mr Marshall said previous winners included Armidale’s Camp Quality program for kids with cancer, Macintyre High School’s unique flexible curriculum and New England High Country Councils who collaborated for a ground-breaking ad campaign.
“This year, the categories recognise excellence in research, manufacturing, tourism, professional and government services and more,” Mr Marshall said. “This is an excellent opportunity to recognise the best names in regional business.”
RDANI Chief Executive Nathan Axelsson said the event showcased 50 major local institutions with all six categories winners vying for the “Innovator of the Year” award.
“There’s no shortage of innovation in our region in local government, small business, government service providers, and large scale manufacturing,” Mr Axelsson said.
“The awards night is about highlighting innovation, and celebrating the unsung heroes of the region – we have a fantastic array of entrants across the six category sectors and from all across the Northern Inland region.”