1. Encouraging greater individual, organisation, training, business and community involvement in large and small rural and outback communities.
   
   
2. Recognise as role models the significant contribution individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups are making throughout rural and outback areas of Australia.
   
   
3. Acknowledge the valuable contributions that individuals, businesses, health organisations and community groups are achieving throughout rural and outback Australia.
   
   
4. Reward the valuable contributions that individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups are making throughout rural and outback Australia.
   
   
5. Identify businesses, training programs and commercial enterprises that are creating more employment opportunities for rural and remote regions.
   
   
6. Educate communities to look at tourism and special events as a way of building community awareness and creating economic opportunities for their region.
   
   
7. Seek out as role models successful and innovative health and community projects, organisations or individuals to inspire and support their communities.
   
   
8. Reward leadership, participation and involvement between individuals, businesses, health groups, local government and community groups to inspire others to build stronger communities.
   
   
9. To promote role models, regional communities, groups or individuals that see environmental management and biosecurity as crucial to sustainable regional growth throughout rural and outback Australia.

The winner of each of the five categories will be presented with a $2,000 cheque from the Traditional Credit Union and a magnificent handcrafted glass trophy.

All nominees in the program will receive a certificate for their nomination, personally presented where possible.

Three category finalists are selected for each category award.

From the three category finalists one category winner is selected as the category award winner.

Judging will take place on Thursday 13th August 2009.

The judging panel will include representatives from award patrons, presenters, sponsors and independent expert judges for each category.

The decisions of the judging panel are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

AWARDS PRESENTATION

The presentation dinner will be a formal event attended by about 200 people including VIP guests.

	The Business, Training & Employment Award The Business, Training & Employment Award will be presented to an individual, business, community, group or government agency striving at improving employment opportunities or training for rural and regional Australians. The Award will recognise success in businesses and enterprises through the creation of new job opportunities and/or recoginise the many advantages of training programs available. Contributions to regional development, agriculture, mining, tourism, hospitality, apprenticeships, manufacturing and construction, primary industry, e-commerce, mining employment, wholesaling, exporting, retailing, trades and other services will be recognised. With the present economic challenges these positive actions will contribute to developing businesses, training opportunities for individuals and the future.
	The Farm Biosecurity Award Producers contend with diseases, pests and weeds of all descriptions on a daily basis. The Farm Biosecurity Award aims to reward the development and implementation of risk mitigation mechanisms to help secure farms from diseases, pests and weeds. The Farm Biosecurity Award will be given to a worthy recipient achieving in the areas of on-farm biosecurity management. These contributions will ensure protection, sustainability and biodiversity of Australia’s agriculture industry.
	The Agricultural & Rural Development Award Australia’s success depends on our healthy agriculture and rural sector. Australia’s rural and regional areas playa key role ensuring the growth of our great nation, whether it be socially, economically and environmentally. The Agricultural and Rural Award seeks to acknowledge farming enterprises, individuals, networks, groups, rural and outback businesses that are making a positive contribution to rural Australia. Nominate for this Award if your activities are sustainable, adding value to your rural or regional enterprise, encompassing new technologies, protecting the environment or contributing to your wider community.
	The Youth Leadership Award The Youth Leadership Award will recognise individual young people or a group working with young people between the ages of 12-27 years of age. This Award will recognise leadership skills, mentoring, innovation and a commitment to excellence. Individuals, a group or community that are providing opportunities or activities for young people that encourage and involve young people in planning, organising, decision making and general community participation. The nominee may be providing social interaction, developing and running community events, sporting activities, working with the disadvantaged or creating stronger relationships between young people and the broader community.
	The Health & Community Service Award When hard times hit Australians are recognised to lend a hand in need. Selfless individuals, groups or organisations are striving, sometimes on a daily basis, by offering support, guidance, encouragement and much needed assistance within the health sector. They offer friendship, hope and inspiration to the disadvantaged and those who need an extra hand in life. The Health and Community Service Award acknowledges the efforts, actions and positive input provided by volunteers, carers, health workers, community service providers, parents, children, youth, schools, organisations, associations and individuals. They create a sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing their community.