AWARDS COMING UP: Assistant business and cultural development officer of Tenterfield Shire Council’s School of Arts facility, Christine Foster, left, cultural development officer, Harry Bolton, and Regional Development Northern Inland senior project officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings preparing for the upcoming Regional Development Australia Northern Inland Innovation Awards at the end of the month.
TICKETS for this year’s Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) Innovation Awards are running out.
The awards will be held at the Tenterfield Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts complex on Friday, October 26.
Tenterfield Shire Council’s business and cultural development officer, Harry Bolton said the night would be entertaining and fascinating.
“This will be a huge night for Tenterfield. It is the first time these awards are being held here and we’re hoping to see people from throughout the region come along,” he said.
“It’s 123 years since Sir Henry Parkes gave his speech in the Tenterfield School of Arts building, advocating for the unification of Australia. These regional Innovation Awards are a great opportunity for people who don’t necessarily come to
Tenterfield often to experience the history.”
The innovation awards are designed to recognise progressive business around the region.
“There is no better time to recognise our innovators than right now,” Mr Bolton said.
“Businesses have gone through a tough economic climate, so it is timely to celebrate achievements and encourage innovation, particularly in our smaller regional communities.”
Mr Bolton urged people to book their tickets to the dinner now.
“It will be an ‘eye-opener’ to see what people are doing across this diverse region – great value, top entertainment and inspiring stories, as well as local food and wine. So, get to Tenterfield for a top night,” he said.
RDANI Senior Project Officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings said almost 60 entries were received for the awards from around the region. Categories include: agriculture/horticulture and associated services; tourism/leisure and Services; professional and retail services; manufacturing and engineering; and research and education.
The 2012 Innovation of the Year Award will be presented to the leading innovator across all categories.
“From literal inventions to innovative approaches and community engagement worthy of recognition, we can be proud of all entries in this year’s awards,” Ms Hastings said.
“I’m all the more excited about the awards night, having visited the venue and talked to our finalists.”
Mr Hastings said many people would be amazed by what was being achieved ‘in their own backyard’.
More information about the awards can be found at the Award’s website: www.niia.com.au