Digital savvy businesses and individuals in regional Australia that are using the NBN to deliver new services and technology and bring innovation to their communities were today recognised in the Innovate with NBN awards.
Federal Regional Communications Minister, Mark Coulton in presenting the awards via video link from South Australia, said the inaugural awards attracted 129 entries from around Australia, across the seven award categories.
"Many of our regional entrepreneurs are leading the way in innovation and showing that you can have the benefits of a rural life and run a successful and connected business," Minister Coulton said.
WUNA Hold Access, from Palmerston in the Northern Territory, was recognised for its achievements in digital innovation after being announced as the overall winner of the 2020 Innovate with NBN awards.
Minister Coulton congratulated WUNA Hold Access on the HoldAccess digital wallet it designed for First Nations people.
During the online event, Minister Coulton also announced the winner of the Health category, which Adelaide Hills O&G won for a digitally-capable ultrasound machine that enables ultrasounds from patients in regional Australia can be accessed in real time by city-based specialists.
"As Minister for Regional Health and Regional Communications, I am delighted by the outstanding level of creativity displayed by the winners and finalists in each award category," Minister Coulton said.
"All the projects recognised through these awards are having an immediate positive impact on their local communities and in the longer term, regional and remote communities across the country will also benefit from their innovative ideas."
NBN's Chief Development Officer (Regional and Remote), Gavin Williams, said the inaugural 2020 awards attracted 129 applications across seven categories: Agriculture; Arts; Education; Indigenous Business; Health; Tourism; and Women in Regional Business, with the winners in each category receiving an award of $10,000 and the overall winner receiving $25,000.
"Innovate with NBN is about helping digital projects and their creators and founders reach the next milestone to drive productivity and positive and social and economic outcomes for regional Australians," Mr Williams said.
Regional Australia Institute (RAI) CEO Liz Ritchie said high quality broadband services are now a critical part of service delivery and business competitiveness in regional Australia.
"Access to high-speed broadband helps boost the prosperity, creativity, and sustainability of regions and the livelihoods of their residents. It is one of the first factors people look at when considering a move to regional Australia," Ms Ritchie said.
"We are delighted to be involved with the Innovate with NBN grants program and congratulate today's winners. The program showcases not only innovation in regions but provide valuable learnings for the benefit of regional Australia moving forward."
The inaugural 2020 awards accepted entries across seven categories: Agriculture; Arts; Education; Indigenous Business; Health; Tourism; and Women in Regional Business. Winners in each category will receive an award of $10,000, with the overall winner receiving $25,000.
