23 October 2010

Advantage SA announced the winners of the 2010 Far North Regional Awards at a special event in Roxby Downs last night.

Amongst the winners announced at the presentation evening held at the Dunes Café and Auditorium in Roxby Downs last night were rural South Australia’s only drive-in, a 13-year old basketballer with aspirations to one day represent her country, and a group with a commitment towards sustainability in Roxby Downs.

Please click here for a full list of winners

Hosted by Rox FM’s Jack McGuire, the event was a spectacular occasion with 130 of the Far North community coming together to celebrate and congratulate all winners and commendations. Amongst the guests on the night were Municipal Council of Roxby Downs Administrator Bill Boehm, and State Member for Giles, Lyn Breuer MP.

Advantage SA CEO Nikki Seymour-Smith congratulated all winners from the region on their success.

“Advantage SA is thrilled to have recognised so many exceptional members of the Far North community for their outstanding achievements.”

“Last night’s event proved to be a tremendous celebration of the success stories of the Far North.”

“We know that there is a strong commitment to excellence in the Far North region, as this is evidenced by the high quality of award winners and entrants that we see in the Awards year after year.”

“The activities of Gulf Getaways is just one example of the many fantastic initiatives that have come out of this region. Gulf Getaways provides its customers with unique tourism experiences showcasing both ocean and outback. Their fleet includes a 53-foot Cougar Catamaran that showcases the Flinders Ranges from a different perspective, and mini coaches and rental vehicles. This family business is a huge supporter of the local community and contributes an amazing up to $800,000 a year to the Port Augusta economy.”

In addition, ecosystem conservation initiative Arid Recovery was inducted in to the 2010 Telstra Hall of Fame, which recognises those who have won three or more Awards in the Award’s eleven-year history.

“Advantage SA would like to congratulate all Award winners and entrants from the Far North and looks forward to continuing to showcase the many wonderful success stories of this region.”

Ms Seymour-Smith encouraged the community to continue to support the Advantage SA Regional Awards.

“The Regional Awards ensure that those who put in the hard work and time to promote and develop our regional areas receive public recognition for their contribution to their community and the State.”

Advantage SA Regional Awards winners will be publicly recognised for their achievements through their promotion in Advantage SA’s broader programs and the media.

To further acknowledge their achievements, winners receive a Glass Pear Trophy. Designed and hand-made by the Jam Factory, the Regional Awards pear trophies have become iconic with the Regional Awards. Winners also receive an honorary regional membership to Advantage SA in 2011, an invitation to an Awards celebration event in 2011 and an invitation to nominate for the Telstra Business Awards in 2011.

WINNERS
Bang & Olufsen Arts Award
Winner – Port Augusta Performing Arts

Elders Community Group Award
Winner – Outback Open Air Cinema

Elders Community Individual Award
Winner - Neil Edwards

Westpac Small Business Award
Winner – Arid Land Communications

Westpac Large Business Award
Winner – Exact Mining Services

Department of Trade and Economic Development Innovation Award
Winner – Cinema Augusta

Nippy’s Sports Award
Winner – Peyton Fuller

Hames Sharley Sustainability Award
Winner – Roxby Downs Environment Forum

South Australian Tourism Commission Tourism Award
Winner – Gulf Getaways

Adelaide Showground Youth Award
Winner – Shane Hough

2010 Telstra Hall of Fame
Arid Recovery

The Advantage SA Regional Awards are proudly supported by the Government of South Australia and Program Partner, Regional Development Australia. The event sponsors for the Far North ceremony are GHD and Roxby Downs Council.

ENDS

For media information and interviews, please contact Natalie Ciccocioppo, Communications Manager, Advantage SA on 8211 8111 or
natalie.ciccocioppo@advantagesa.com.au