Ten unique and inspiring regional businesses from across Australia have been selected as finalists in the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) and Google Australia’s ‘2016 Regional Online Heroes’ competition.
The competition is designed to recognise outstanding regional innovators, and to encourage small and medium sized businesses around the country to realise the potential of mobile and online for growth.
The ten best entries were selected from a competitive field of over 150 applicants, from Northam in rural Western Australia, to Cairns in far north QLD.
Finalists include:
* a farming character travelling Australia to educate children about agriculture
* a crowd-funding platform for sustainable purchase and distribution of meat
* an innovator of digital software for farm management
* an app delivering exercise and rehabilitation programs
* a unique local tea and tea craft manufacturer
* an Aussie outback mum providing fitness, nutrition and motivational strategies online
* the largest rose petal distributor in the southern hemisphere
* a directory website enabling farmers to promote their produce directly to consumers
* an independent film production company showcasing the outback
* a visual artist producing unique works inspired by Aboriginal heritage
The top ten were selected by a panel of experts, including Minister for Small Business, the Hon Michael McCormack MP; digital entrepreneur and founder of successful regional business Birdsnest, Jane Cay; founder of Bridestowe Lavender Estate in regional Tasmania, Robert Ravens; the RAI CEO, Jack Archer; and Head of Small Business at Google Australia, John Ball.
“The candidates for this year’s competition lifted the bar, it was heart-breaking to select a top ten from the many outstanding organisations thriving in unexpected pockets across the regions,” Jane Cay said.
“I found myself reading their stories, visiting the sites, getting lost in the experience and excited about the possibilities for regional Australia if we can keep producing heroes like these!” Jane exclaimed.
Minister McCormack congratulated the 2016 top ten finalists and highlighted the importance of small and medium sized businesses.
“Small and medium sized business is the cornerstone of economic and community prosperity in regional Australia and this year’s Regional Online Heroes do the nation proud. Their entrepreneurial use of the internet to create and deliver innovative products and services based in regional Australia, spotlights the important role they play in providing jobs and strengthening communities,” said Mr McCormack.
Finalists will be flown to Google’s Sydney HQ for an exclusive masterclass on Monday 5 December, where they will be given new tools and learn methods to grow their businesses even further. One finalist will then be announced as the national winner at a cocktail reception on Sydney Harbour.
A full list of 2016 Regional Online Heroes Top Ten finalists are as follows:
AGDATA Australia, Toowoomba, QLD Blackbooks Tea, Cairns, QLD
Corporeal Health, Northam, WA Crowd Carnivore, Pambula, NSW
George The Farmer, Penola, SA Local Farm Produce, Bundaberg, QLD
Off The Track Training, Longreach, QLD Penny Evans Art, Lismore NSW
Rabbit Hop Films, Moree, NSW Simply Rose Petals, Swan Hill, VIC
For more information on the finalists, judges and competition, visit the website at: http://regionalaustralia.org.au/regionalonlineheroes2016/.
Public announcement of which finalist will claim the ultimate title of ‘Australia’s Regional Online Hero’ will be made on Tuesday 6 December.
About the Regional Australia Institute
Independent and informed by both research and ongoing dialogue with the community, the Regional Australia Institute develops policy and advocates for change to build a stronger economy and a better quality of life in regional Australia – for the benefit of all Australians.
For more information on the RAI: www.regionalaustralia.org.au
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