26 March 2010

Regional South Australian success stories will be celebrated at a cocktail function tonight at the Hilton Adelaide.

The event will showcase the achievements of all category winners from the 2009 Advantage SA Regional Awards, and feature the exciting announcement of the 2010 Hall of Fame.

2010 marks the first year of the Regional Awards under the new name and direction Advantage SA, the evolution of SA Great, and the first time that the awards have partnered with Telstra. The partnership sees Telstra take on the role of major partner to the Regional Awards, and naming rights to the Regional Awards Hall of Fame.

Four renowned organisations will be admitted into the Telstra Hall of Fame, which recognises those who have received three or more awards in the event’s eleven-year history.

The 2010 Telstra Hall of Fame winners are:

• Beerenberg (Adelaide Hills)

• Longview Wines (Adelaide Hills)

• Rich and Lingering (Adelaide Hills)

• Riverland Youth Theatre (Murray and Mallee)

Advantage SA CEO Nikki Seymour-Smith said that the function provides the ideal opportunity to celebrate the success of winners and the Regional Awards program.

“Every year, we continue to be impressed by the incredible achievements of businesses and individuals in regional areas. The Regional Awards program allows the opportunity to promote excellence by rewarding those who have made a difference and contributed significantly towards pride and development in their region,” Nikki said.

The function will also launch the opening of nominations for the 2010 Advantage SA Regional Awards.

“I encourage you to support the 2010 Awards. Whether you are nominating a friend, an icon in your community, a project, community group, a local business or even yourself, you will be joining us in ensuring that South Australia’s regional high achievers receive the accolades that they deserve,“ Nikki said.

“We are delighted to support these awards as they recognise the great work being done in local communities across our state,” said Telstra Area General Manager Mark Bolton.

Nominations are open to all regional South Australians who have demonstrated excellence in the categories of arts, business, innovation, community, sustainability, sport, tourism or youth. Winners are announced at the Advantage SA Regional Awards ceremonies held annually in seven different regions across country South Australia. For the first time in 2010, Regional Awards nominees can also nominate for the South Australian of the Year Awards.

Nominations for the Advantage SA Regional Awards open 12 April 2010.

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