All winners will be presented with a trophy and a prize in the relevant category

• Business Enterprise Award – The winner will receive a television airtime package comprising 20 x 30 second bonus airtime commercials on the Prime Network (* conditions apply).
  
  
• Events and Tourism Award – The winner will receive a television airtime package comprising 20 x 30 second bonus airtime commercials on the Prime Network (* conditions apply).
  
  
• Regional Service Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank AwardSaver Account of $5,000.
  
  
• Environment and Landcare Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank AwardSaver Account of $5,000.
  
  
• Crown Reserve Trust Award –Each category winner (i.e. Administrators Award & Community Award) will receive a Commonwealth Bank AwardSaver Account of $5,000. (Total $10,000)** Conditions Apply
  
  
• Community of the Year Award – Each category winner (population under and over 15,000) will receive a Commonwealth Bank AwardSaver Account of $5,000. (Total $10,000)
  
  
• All nominees and finalists will receive a letter of congratulations and a certificate of encouragement for their nomination.
  
  
• All cash prizes will be AwardSaver accounts presented in a Commonwealth Bank envelopes
  
  

*Bonus airtime commercial spots include local exposure for the winner in the Business Enterprise and Events and Tourism section.

**Prize monies for both the Administrators Award & the Community Award are to be invested back into or used for the benefit of the Crown Reserve Trust.

AWARDS PRESENTATION

The finalists and winners of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards for NSW and ACT will be announced at a special gala awards presentation dinner.

This will take place on Saturday 8th November 2008.

The presentation dinner will be a formal event attended by about 300 people including VIP guests.

	Business Enterprise Award More and more businesses in regional areas are forming networks or working in groups or partnerships to boost their competitiveness in an increasingly complex business environment. By sharing knowledge and resources, they can achieve outcomes beyond their individual capabilities. Businesses may work in partnership to market their combined products or services, to improve the image of the community, to increase market share, to reduce costs through bulk purchasing, or win larger contracts than is possible working alone. Networks may be industry specific or broader and they may vary from a loose arrangement to a legal structure such as a co-operative or joint venture company. Nominations are open to groups of businesses, business networks and individual businesses working in partnership with other businesses.
	Events and Tourism Award Community events and tourism projects can provide an effective source of income and other positive outcomes for regional communities. They can benefit communities economically through direct spending by visitors, income generation and employment. Additionally, events and tourism projects may have a positive impact socially and culturally. Events in particular provide opportunities for people to meet and work together, helping to create a sense of belonging and social cohesion. This helps strengthen pride in a community and provides opportunities for new experiences, learning and enjoyment.
	Regional Service Award (individuals only) The Regional Service Award applauds our unsung heroes, acknowleging those people who are passionate in dedicating their lives for the needs of others. When hard times hit or volunteers are needed, there are many selfless men and women, young and old, that often make a difference by giving their guidance, encouragement and much needed support. Whether it be mentoring unemployed, running camps for our underprivileged teenagers or simply spending their time offering friendship, hope and inspiration to the disadvantaged and those who need it most. This award is an opportunity for our whole community to gain inspiration from others through their achievements, demonstrated leadership and outstanding service to the local community.
	Environment and Landcare Award This award acknowledges individuals and organisations who show a proven passion and dedication to reducing environmental impacts in rural and regional areas. By implementing landcare practices on their own properties or within the local community, land owners have shown increased commitment to raising awareness, knowledge and understanding of landcare, which will in turn help to protect the planet’s vital resources. Many individuals and organisations recognise our need to improve our patterns of consumption and environmental behaviour. They are enviromentally conscious and understand that this and future generations will be dependent on the environment, and their actions will encourage sustainable and responsible development in the future.
	Crown Reserve Trust Award The Crown Reserve Trust Award is divided into two categories, where two groups who manage any one of the 850 Reserve Trusts in NSW and the ACT will have their chance of being rewarded.  The two categories are, The Crown Reserve Trust – Community Award and The Crown Reserve Trust - Administrators Award.  This Award provides all members involved with a Reserve Trust the opportunity to nominate and be recognised for their valuable voluntary role.  These groups play a vital role in maintaining and preserving significant public assets such as our showgrounds, race courses, public halls, environmental protection areas and the preservation of scenery.  The Trust boards through our Councils and community members manage and care for these significant parts for the benefit of everyone, and it is important that these members are acknowledge for their voluntary time and commitment to our State’s Reserve Trusts.
	Community of the Year Award The Community of the Year Award is divided into two categories – Communities with a population over and under 15,000. The Award provides groups and organisations with an opportunity to gain recognition for their achievements and contributions to our community. These awards aim to recognise high-achieving communities and organisations that have made a difference to regional and rural New South Wales. These community groups share a strong sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the social, economic, commercial and environmental prosperity of their region. It is important to recognise and encourage these groups and organisations as their efforts help to make regional communities stronger, more vibrant and help to promote a true community spirit for this and generations to come.