$15K Sharemarket prize for Innovation Awards night

Jill and Graeme Rogers of the Sharemarket College

Northern Inland NSW is among the nation’s leaders in innovation. To see for yourself, get in quick and avoid missing out on tickets for the 6th annual Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) Innovation Awards. Featuring a showcase of some of the region’s most inspiring businesses, organisations and projects, plus special guest speakers, a three-course dinner and a few surprises, it promises to be a memorable night of significance for the region, according to RDANI Executive Officer, Nathan Axelsson.

A major prize has been generously donated by The Sharemarket College. The overall winner will receive the $15,000 “AAA Platinum Trading and Investing in the Share Market Course”. Flexible, accredited training by a unique Registered Training Organisation will equip the participant with the know-how of a trading professional. Included in the Course is a range of share trading modules and access to an intelligent software program, as well as ongoing support, market updates, mentoring and both online and face-to-face teaching.

Bookings for the gala presentation night at Tamworth’s Wests Leagues Club on Friday, 8 November can also be made through www.niia.com.au. Information about the Awards and YouTube clips about past winners can be found on the website.

Finalists will be showcased to the audience via big-screen video displays. Renowned business innovation and development coach, Greg Alder will be the guest speaker. Attendees will also hear from sponsors, who support the growth of this region: AgriFood Skills Australia; AusIndustry; Enterprise Connect; The Sharemarket College; UNE Partnerships and Telstra Country Wide. The 2012 Innovation of the Year recipient, EdAlive educational software, of Armidale, will explain what the award has meant to them.

The Categories are: Agriculture / Horticulture and associated services; Tourism / Leisure and Services; Professional and Retail services; Manufacturing and Engineering; and Research and Education. The 2013 Innovation/Innovator of the Year Award will be presented to the leading innovator across all categories.

Mr Axelsson was one of four judges to assess the entries. Also on the judging panel were: UNE academic, Neil Argent of the RDANI Committee, sustainability, training and project management consultant, Lauren Zell (State Training Services) and telecommunications consultant, Alun Davies. “We had 49 entries from across the Northern Inland NSW region, with every major centre and many smaller towns represented. The quality and diversity was inspiring,” he said.

“This awards program is an opportunity for our progressive businesses to showcase themselves and a chance for the public to see some of the truly positive stories out there in our region. Times are tough, so it is timely to celebrate achievements and encourage innovation, particularly in our smaller regional communities. Many people would be amazed by what is being achieved ‘in their own backyard’.”