Regional Development Australia Northern Inland chair Russel Stewart said he was “stunned” by the amazing work being done right across the region.

“Every year we discover new stories of innovation in this region,” Mr Stewart said.

The gala awards dinner was held at the Inverell RSM Club on Friday night, attracting 125 attendees and a diverse range of businesses and organisations, including seven Councils from across the region.

The Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science “Manufacturing and Engineering” category finalists were Weir Built of Glen Innes and Australian Recycled Plastics, of Narrabri.

The White Rock Wind Farm “Research and Education” category was won by Inverell’s Macintyre High School and finalists included Z-Net from Uralla and HealthWise New England North West. 

Glen Innes mayor Steve Toms said he was very happy and pleased with the wonderful achievement which stemmed from the collaboration of the Councils.

“It was great to be part of the winning team of New England High Country Councils,” Mr Toms said.

“The focus was on the My Favourite Corner motorbike promotions.

“It’s a promotion to encourage motorbike riders to the New England high country.”

Walcha Tourism Manager Susie Crawford said it was the collaborative element of the campaign that won the award.

“It was the innovation  to create partnerships enabling access to otherwise out of each and unaffordable opportunities that impressed the panel,” she said.

The evening also featured Nationals Senator John Williams presenting the Community Contribution Award to the Namoi Country Women’s Association and the guest speaker was the 2015 Innovation of the Year Winner Jacqueline Donoghue from Lively Linseed.