Northern Inland Innovation Awards - 2007

The Inugrual Northern Inland Innovation awards were held in Armialde, and attended by 112 people from across the region. The night commenced with networking and was followed by the presentation of Awards.

The presenter/compere for the night was Richard Neville, the nationally acclaimed futurist. To assist with the general theme of the night, local school children provided musical performances which were appreciated by the regional audience. A further networking period occurred after the Presentations to ensure all businesses were aware of each other and what innovations were on offer.

The Innovation of the Year Award was presented to Top of the Range Tomatoes of Guyra based on their operations in a hydroponic industry selling premium tomatoes at a price in excess of traditional field grown equivalent.

Innovation Award for Commercialisation

Won by Pryde’s Pty Ltd. – Gunnedah

First company in the southern hemisphere to manufacture a range of extruded (cooked) animal feeds

Innovation Award for Agriculture

Won by Top of the Range Tomatoes – Guyra

Ultimate winner based on company’s operations in a hydroponic industry selling premium tomatoes at a price in excess of traditional field grown equivalent.

Innovation Award for Engineering Transport and Aviation

Won by Stuart Cole's DDuster Air Filter Cleaner – Inverell

Innovation in the development of cleaning methods for cleaning engine dust filters.

Innovation Award for Education, Services & Professions

Won by Mark Daly Tr@cer – Liverpool Plains Shire Council – Quirindi

Development of records management system for local government to increase accuracy and assist time management in responses to clients.

Innovation Award for Tourism

Won by Kamilaroi Highway Group – Quirindi

Development of an extensive and imaginative marketing plan for a highway running through five local government areas increasing visitations by 22%.

Innovation Award for Indigenous Business

Won by The Armidale Culture Centre and Keeping Place – Armidale

Innovation in increasing visitor numbers to an indigenous centre which previously had very limited exposure in the market place.