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.