Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today congratulated the Committee for Melbourne on being the overall winner of the Fast Thinking – Open Universities 2008 Innovation Awards.
Senator Carr was represented at the ceremony last night by the Hon Greg Combet MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement.
"The Committee for Melbourne has worked to create and implement an innovative business model for private sector, government and community collaboration," Senator Carr said.
"This is an excellent example of how taking fresh ideas and being innovative can achieve positive and integrated change in a range of areas, from climate change to higher education and transport."
Since being formed in 1985, the Committee for Melbourne has adopted an innovative approach to transform Melbourne in a positive, strategic and consultative way.
The Committee is an outcome-focused group which facilitate collaborative thinking to join the highest level of business, government and community. Their combination of experience, commitment and knowledge fosters a competitive and innovative business culture, and enhances Melbourne’s liveability.
Senator Carr congratulated the 13 other winners in the seven award categories.
"I applaud all of the outstanding Australian innovators recognised by these awards.
"Importantly, these awards recognise that innovation is more than just research and development. Innovation is also relevant to society, industry, business and government – it affects the way we work, the way we think, and the way we live.
"Prizes and awards are important tools for achieving these goals and tonight's event is no exception," Senator Carr said.
Further information about the award winners and the Fast Thinking – Open Universities 2008 Innovation Awards can be found at www.fastthinking.com.au. A list of all winners is attached.
Media contact: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936
The winners and runners up are:
Business
Winner: CSL
The CSL Group has been making a major contribution to medicine and human health since its foundation in 1916. Initially using protein to treat human disease, CSL is now also widely respected for the development of the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil. The company's commercial and financial growth over the past decade reflects their highly innovative business model.
Runner up: GE Commercial Finance- Custom Fleet
Management:
Winner: Sunrice
SunRice feeds 40 million people per day in over sixty countries with high quality Australian grown rice. Over the past five years SunRice have developed an innovations program to convert the business' commercial operations and generate fast moving innovation. Despite difficulties in its home agriculture base, SunRice's innovative management have maintained the company's operations and allowed its continual growth.
Runner up: Cochlear
Science
Winner: Australian Mathematical Sciences institute
The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute was founded in November 2002 with a mission to become a nationally and internationally recognised centre for the mathematical sciences. The Institute provides service to its members to improve their international competitiveness. Through its mathematical and statistical expertise, the Institute also promotes a high national level of school mathematics.
Runner up: Aqua Diagnostic
Technology
Winner: Computershare
Computershare's share registers and other data-intensive investor relations services have allowed it to expand from its Melbourne base to serving more than 17,000 clients in 17 nations across the globe.
Runner up: Invetech
Digital
Winner: 3eep
3eep is a social networking platform for sports enthusiasts, players and their teams. The company was started in 2006 to enable millions of sports enthusiasts and their teams to interact and share experiences of local and amateur sports in an online world.
Runner Up: Redbubble
Social Innovation
Winner: Committee for Melbourne
Committee for Melbourne was formed in 1985, by an independent member network of the city’s leaders, who work together to encourage a competitive business culture and to enhance Melbourne’s liveability. The Committee works to achieve positive change in a range of areas, including climate change, higher education and transport. The Committee for Melbourne has in effect created a translatable and long proven business model for private sector, government and community collaboration.
Runner up: Urban Art Projects
Individual Innovator:
Winner: Dean Cameron, Bioltix Water inventor
The Biolytix Water system is an energy efficient, low maintenance wastewater treatment system that is easily portable to any remote location. Dean Cameron's dedication over many years and personal investment in his Biolytix Water system exemplify a great Australian inventor and entrepreneur.
Runner up: Professors Kevin Fynn, John Siliquini, Tony Cantoni for the Buzzbox