Region invited to Tenterfield for Innovation Awards night

Assistant Business and Cultural Development Officer at the Tenterfield Shire Council's iconic School of Arts facility, Christine Foster and the Cultural Development Officer, Harry Bolton, with RDANI Snr Project Officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings, in the historic venue.

If you are passionate about your region, then you are advised to get in quick and avoid missing out on tickets for this year's Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) Innovation Awards.
The Tenterfield Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts complex is expected to be an atmospheric venue for the gala awards night on Friday, 26 October, 2012.Tenterfield Shire Council has made a significant contribution in respect to the venue and excitement is building in relation to the regional event. Bookings can be made via the website: www.niia.com.au or by calling RDANI on 6771 2790.

Business and Cultural Development Officer at Tenterfield Shire Council, Harry Bolton said it will be an entertaining and fascinating night, adding that it is an event that Tenterfield is proud to host. “This will be a huge night for Tenterfield. It is the first time that 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,” Mr Bolton said.

“The Innovation Awards is a chance for our progressive businesses to showcase themselves,” he said. “There is no better time to recognise our innovators than right now. 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 is urging people to book their tickets to the Northern Inland Innovation Awards 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 from throughout the region. Categories are: 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.”

"Many people would be amazed by what is being achieved ‘in their own backyard’. The night also represents a fantastic networking opportunity," Ms Hastings said. "Thanks to strong support, tickets for this formal awards dinner are just $65 each."

This year's Awards are supported by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland; AgriFood Skills Australia; AusIndustry; Sharemarket College; Telstra; and UNE Partnerships.