RDA Northern Inland Chair Russell Stewart with 2016 Innovation of the Year Winners, Renee and Craig Neale, and Mathew Jensen of Wholegrain Milling Company, Gunnedah.

UNE is helping to foster innovation in business in the region by becoming a sponsor of the Northern Inland Innovation Awards, which this year will be held in Armidale in November.

Conducted by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI), the awards highlight innovative products and approaches across the region.

Nominations for the 2017 awards program close on 9 October, with entry/nomination forms available from the awards website.

RDANI chair Russell Stewart said innovation was a key catalyst for growth in the region.

“Every awardee is an inspiration to others and helps to show how progressive our region is,” he said.

“That is why we have the support of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, Prime Super, White Rock Wind Farm, the University of New England and Armidale Regional Council.”

The award categories are: Agriculture / Horticulture and Associated Services; Health, Aged Care and Disability Services; Retail, Tourism & Leisure; Professional and Government Services; Manufacturing and Engineering; and Research and Education.

The judging panel will vote on the RDANI Innovation of the Year Award from the winners of each category. Finalists for each category will be invited to attend the gala awards night, with the general public also encouraged to come along.