INNOVATIVE thinkers – and more importantly, doers – have the chance to be recognised in the 2012 Regional Development Australia Northern Inland Innovation Awards.
INNOVATIVE thinkers – and more importantly, doers – have the chance to be recognised in the 2012 Regional Development Australia Northern Inland Innovation Awards.
Businesses, public and not-for-profit organisations have until Friday, September 21 to enter awards that recognise and showcase the region’s innovations and innovative approaches.
RDANI executive officer Nathan Axelsson said the awards also addressed the additional need for regional businesses to be innovative towards improving their competitive edge.
“If you innovate, think outside the square, explore new directions or approaches, then RDANI wants to hear your story,” Mr Axelsson said.
“We want to recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of local organisations or businesses and what sets them apart.
“The awards are in line with RDANI’s objectives to support economic growth and the development of sustainable, socially inclusive communities in northern inland NSW.”
He said the awards showcased and promoted a vast array of products, services and initiatives and was an opportunity to recognise operations on a regional level – and inspire others in the process.
Senior project officer Kim-Trieste Hastings has urged the 13 councils in the northern inland region to assist in identifying and encouraging entries from local businesses and would also appreciate the support of regional chambers of commerce and like agencies.
“These awards showcase northern inland NSW as a progressive, creative and resourceful region at state, national and even international levels,” Ms Hastings said. “Innovation isn’t necessarily invention. There are so many operations out there, large and small, which are growing and succeeding as a direct result of innovations or innovative approaches, such as diversification to better meet client or community needs.”
Award categories are: agriculture/horticulture and associated services; tourism/leisure and services; professional and retail services; manufacturing and engineering; and research and education.
Finalists and the general public are invited to attend the gala awards night on Friday, October 26 in Tenterfield.
“After the time, effort and money invested into innovation, through product development and commercialisation, past winners have stated that recognition through the Innovation Awards is a greatly appreciated validation,” Ms Hastings said.
Entry details are on the group’s website at www. niia.com.au