Tenterfield businesses urged to represent their community

The 2011 Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) Innovation Awards deadline for entries is fast approaching. Business or public sector organisation representatives are being urged to put their hand up for recognition at a regional level.

Business Service Officer with Tenterfield Shire Council, Mr Harry Bolton is again calling on local businesses to nominate themselves for this year’s awards. "Council would like to see more entries from Tenterfield businesses, following last year's success by Mr Stuart Webb of Tenterfield and his Matrix Key System. As a 2010 finalist in the Manufacturing and Engineering Category, he gained valuable recognition and exposure for his innovative efforts. His achievement highlighted the ingenuity that exists in the Tenterfield Shire."

Mr Bolton went on to say, "If you have pride in what your business or organisation is doing and (particularly) in how it is doing things differently, then now is the time to promote yourself. Enter the Northern Inland Innovation Awards and make the rest of the region proud of the progressive, innovative and dedicated business operators we have in Tenterfield."

RDANI Senior Project Officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings said the Awards have an important role to play. "Our region's businesses are closely linked to their local communities. Yet, their innovative spirit and community contributions are under-recognised. The Northern Inland Innovation Awards provide that recognition and promotion," she said.

Entries are being sought from throughout the Armidale Dumaresq, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Guyra, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth Regional, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha Council areas.

Categories are: Agriculture / Horticulture and associated services; Tourism / Leisure and Services; Professional and Retail services; Manufacturing and Engineering; and Research and Education. The 2011 Innovation of the Year Award will be presented to the leading innovator across all categories. Innovation is not necessarily invention; it can, for example, be a practice, approach or procedure.

The Awards have attracted public and private sector support this year, including: the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services; the Federal Government's Enterprise Connect; AusIndustry; New England Mutual; AgriFood Skills Australia; Austsafe Super; and Eastern Star Gas, with RDANI being the primary funding body.

Ms Hastings said that RDANI is mindful of how 'time-stressed' the region's businesses are, so the process is concise. "By entering, you not only stand to promote the efforts of your business at local and regional levels, you will also help promote and inspire Northern Inland NSW."

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 21 September and forms can be found at www.niia.com.au.

The gala awards presentation evening will be held at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club on Friday, 28 October. Tickets need to be purchased by Friday, 14 October, at a cost of $60.00 pp.
 

Business Service Officer with Tenterfield Shire Council, Mr Harry Bolton in front of the Tenterfield Post Office.

Business Service Officer with Tenterfield Shire Council, Mr Harry Bolton and RDANI Senior Project Officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings in downtown Tenterfield.